After writing the last post, I realized I might’ve given the impression that everyone who sticks with the pursuit until they have success at their dream job will actually “make it.” But eventually, people who don’t become paid writers, actor, directors, etc. after a certain amount of time (five years? fifteen years?) either drift into something else that makes them divert their efforts or consciously decide to find another path to financial security and/or personal fulfillment. Technically, these people have given up. (Let’s face it- you don’t read about many 85-year old aspiring actors in the obituary pages.)

But I think it’s safe to say that some people will be perfectly good- or even great- writers or actors or directors, etc., and still never make a good living at it- or a consistent, long-term good living at it.

Does this depress you? You probably don’t think I am talking about you. And that is fine. But it is a good idea, if what you want to do for a living more than anything else involves creative achievement, to think about how you will make money if it doesn’t work out.

I’m not saying you have to do the Plan B (though if you can do the Plan B while you pursue the dream, that is ideal). I’m just saying have an idea of what it would be. And that way, if you hit your limit for whatever your Day Job is or whatever seeking your dream entails (”Please, not another audition!”), you are less likely to be caught off guard with a “NOW WHAT?” feeling.

Maybe you won’t hit that wall. Maybe you’ll break through it way before you tire and you’ll thank YII when you accept the Oscar because we provided you with so much valuable information and inspiration. Or maybe you won’t thank us cause this post is such a downer.

But it needed to be said. And now I’ve said it.

Photo by rafael rybczynski.

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