In a way it doesn't matter how long you've been trying to be a professional actor. If you feel like you're not getting anywhere in your chosen field, trying to get ahead for only three months can feel the same as three years. It's also hard to see actors you started with moving up the professional ladder while you're still in the same position. It's not always jealousy that causes these feelings. It can sometimes be as simple as frustration with yourself as well as the path of your career.
This is a situation that every actor finds themselves in at one time or another. It's important to determine if being an actor is important to you because it's a need you feel in every fiber of your being or if you want to be an actor for the fame, recognition and money. There's nothing wrong with fame, recognition or money. However, if that is your ultimate goal, and you're not reaching that goal, it might be time to find a new career.
Here's another thing to consider as you decide whether or not to continue being an actor. Are you just waiting around for your big break? Rarely, if ever, is someone randomly discovered by a director or an agent. There are too many people without a real game plan waiting for an happy accident to make their dreams come true. It takes hard work, practice, networking, developing your craft, casting rejections, small parts and understanding the day-to-day realities of the industry to be in a place where you can succeed as an actor.
Are you performing any reality checks during your acting journey? Setting goals, as well as making sure you're on track to achieve your goals, is essential in the life of an actor. Are you seeing any progress in realizing your acting ambitions? The goals don't have to be completely related to landing acting jobs. They can be goals related to the business of acting such as having an agent or a manger, regularly booking roles on established TV shows or becoming a member of SAG/AFTRA. Having solid proof in front of you can help you stay in the acting zone. If you're not reaching your goals, and you don't know how to reach those goals, it might be time to call it a day.
Although the next question might seem like an obvious one to ask, many people don't take the time to consider the answer. The question is...Do you still enjoy acting????
It's okay if you're not getting the same satisfaction out of acting as you did earlier in life. Your priorities might change over the years. What you find fulfilling in life can change as you grow older. The sacrifices necessary to be an actor might not seem worth it to you anymore.
While it might be hard to take a long look at yourself, it's also necessary to look inside in order to determine your path in life. Is acting still fulfilling or is it an obligation? Are you excited when you get an audition no matter how big or small the part? Is this the life you want to live? Are you an actor because you want to be an actor or because your spouse, significant other or parents (hello many child actors!) want you to be an actor?
There's no shame in deciding that acting is not for you. What seems like a dream job doesn't always live up to the reality of the life of a working actor. It's best to make the hard decision to stop being an actor before you end up completely hating your existence in Los Angeles. In fact, you might be surprised to discover that quitting acting is not really a hard decision at all.
This teen actor still loves being a working actor.
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