> totally balanced lives, with a fair employer, earning good wages
In that case you could view union membership as insurance, in case you ever lose that great job. Keep in mind that your local pipefitters union is not the only model out there - SAG-AFTRA seems to work for actors/actresses across a broad range of income, experience, and talent levels.
No there isn't. It's very easy to qualify for membership in SAG as virtually every feature-length movie is SAG compliant. The only filter they use is checking there's a legit paystub so you didn't just shoot a short in your bedroom and try to pass it off as a screen credit.
In that case you could view union membership as insurance, in case you ever lose that great job. Keep in mind that your local pipefitters union is not the only model out there - SAG-AFTRA seems to work for actors/actresses across a broad range of income, experience, and talent levels.