Mid-career writer advice?
I am a writer and animator. At 22 I graduated with a masters in screenwriting, did a writing fellowship and sold a show. From there it was a few years of freelancing, script coordinating and assistant work until I finally landed my first staff writing job. I did that for about 2 years and then with the studio mergers etc, my show was cancelled and I was one of 600 people laid off.
I am now almost 30 and since then I’ve been writing personal projects and working retail. I don’t want this to come across as complaining or ungrateful but it feels impossible anymore. So many of my contacts, friends, collaborators and coworkers have left the business. Even with my credits I have never managed to get an agent or manager. A lot of fellowships I no longer qualify for.
What is a realistic move for me or for others in this position? Are there any?
I mostly just want to know if other people feel there is a light at the end of the tunnel. When did you know it was time to pack it up? What is the thing that keeps you going? What have you pivoted to? Is there hope for kind of mid-career writers anymore? I appreciate any advice or insight.