Q: How do you keep yourself encouraged to stay in the industry during rough patches?
“Oftentimes, I find that my “down” feelings are amplified by being in Los Angeles. Getting away for a little while - for a mini-vacation or just to see family/friends - helps a lot. Being outside of the entertainment industry bubble and in the real world around non-industry people and experiencing non-industry things helps me reset. This is also often my cure for writer’s block.
The other thing that keeps me going is writing. During rough patches, it’s easy for me to get so freaked out that I can’t write. That’s when imposter syndrome really sets in. But when I clear away those cobwebs (usually accomplished by getting away from LA for a little bit), I focus on writing things that I’m passionate about. I don’t care if it’s sellable; I just care that it reminds me why I love writing. Feeling that excitement of cracking the story, finishing an outline, or finishing a script really gets the adrenaline pumping and makes me feel positive about my skills as a writer again - the greatest thing for combatting imposter syndrome and the greatest motivator for staying in the game.
Side note: The scripts I’ve written from passion (and not from the “what does the market want” perspective) have gotten me the most meetings and the most jobs. It’s important for me to remind myself that I can’t control the industry; the only thing I can control is my writing. So during rough patches, I tell myself something another TV writer once told me, “You’re just 60 pages away from your next job.” It helps tremendously! “ - Anonymous, Upper-Level Writer
“It took being out of a job for 2+ years to learn this lesson, but separating my self-worth and identity from my job is the thing that keeps me going when things are rough. Working in an industry and living in a city where everyone is constantly asking “what do you do?” can really trap you in an unhealthy mindset. I love being a TV writer! But I also love being an educator and a soccer coach and a volunteer and a couch potato and a friend. Let the hustle and work of your career – and it will take a lot of hard work – just be that. Your work. Not your life. Not your identity. Not the most important thing about you. Because it’s not!” - Upper-Level Writer
“If I've done everything that is under my control- samples are tight, networking in the ways that make sense etc., I gently remind myself that my inability to get work is a function of a system that is out of my control. Internalizing the harshness of capitalism and turning it into “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not doing enough” is something we can probably all do less of. Work on what is in your control— and past that, stay connected with people, seek pleasure in whatever form that takes for you, and find income if you can. There is a huge difference between exploring what you can do, naming issues and seeking comfort and validation, and ruminating. The latter is the one to avoid.” - Maha Chehlaoui, Pre-WGA Writer
“I try to focus on things I have been neglecting: my health, my friends/family, my home...it reminds me that my life is more than my job or this industry. And I try to talk to others (but I'm very selective about who!) about my fears, etc. and find we can lift each other up.” - Anonymous, Mid-Level Writer