Considering Leaving London? Out-of-Work Film/TV Professional Seeking Advice
Like many behind-the-scenes workers in the film and TV industry, I’ve faced a challenging year without work, which has significantly drained my savings. To provide some context, I’m 35, originally from Australia, and currently paying £1,025 per month (including bills) for a room in Zone 2.
Honestly, this situation has lasted long enough, and I don’t see an end in sight. I need to take action now. My skills are mainly in tech and creative roles within post-production. While there are some full-time opportunities available, recent rounds of redundancies have left me feeling uncertain.
Unfortunately, I can’t move back in with my parents, even if I consider returning to Australia. The main difference would be having family support nearby, but it’s not a full solution.
In hindsight, I can’t help but think that it might have been cheaper to backpack through Europe over the past year than to stay in London with nothing to show for it. At least I would have experienced different cultures for the same amount of money I’ve spent here.
Honestly, I feel stuck and unsure of my next steps, which is why I’m reaching out here. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I try to turn things around.
Thank you!
Hey there,
I can really empathize with your situation; it’s tough being in such an uncertain industry, and it sounds like you’ve put a lot into making it work in London. Here are some thoughts that might help you find a way forward:
Reassess Your Situation: Take a moment to reflect on what you want moving forward. Is it staying in the film/TV industry, or are you open to exploring other fields where your creative and technical skills could be valuable?
Network and Reach Out: Even if job opportunities seem scarce, now might be a good time to reconnect with old colleagues or industry contacts. Sometimes unadvertised jobs or freelance gigs can come through personal connections. A quick coffee chat may lead to unexpected opportunities.
Freelancing: Consider taking on freelance projects. Websites like Upwork or Freelancer can help you find short-term gigs in post-production, or even related areas like content creation or video editing. This will help alleviate your financial burden while keeping your skills fresh.
Expand Your Skill Set: Now might be the time to learn new skills that are in demand. Online courses in areas like digital marketing, social media, or even a different aspect of production could open new doors for you.
Cost of Living: If staying in London isn’t a must for you, consider relocating to a city with a lower cost of living. Places like Manchester, Bristol, or even some parts of Europe might offer opportunities in film/TV while being cheaper to live in.
Consider a Career Change: While it’s difficult to think about starting fresh, exploring a career shift based on your interests and skills could be a viable option. For example, many industries value creative and technical backgrounds, such as gaming, advertising, or tech.
Take Care of Yourself: It’s easy to get bogged down by uncertainty, but remember to prioritize your mental health. It might help to talk to someone, whether that’s friends, family, or even a professional if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Whatever you decide, remember it’s okay to pivot and try something new, especially during challenging times. Best of luck, and I hope you find a path that feels right for you!