When is it Time to Give-Up?

We all feel it sometimes, that creeping sensation of "what the HELL am I doing with my life?" and you start to wonder what your life would be like if you got a "real job."  So, when is the right time to pack it in and give up following your dream?

Well, of course, you want the answer to be: NEVER! 

But, that isn't always the right choice for everyone and truthfully I can't tell anyone else if it is the right choice for them.  Those of us who have been in LaLa Land for a few years have a tendency to look down on those who give up the dream for a job that pays the bills, matching furniture sets, and houses with yards.  But, that is unfair.

Following a dream is hard.  It can wear you out and the day to day can start to feel like a drag when you don't see any obvious progress.  It's hard to see your friends buying houses and doing all those things you can't because your day job just pays the bills and doesn't give you weekends free.  But, remember this dream following business is a marathon.

So, when should you NOT give-up:

• When all your friends seem to be going out for auditions and you aren't.  First off, yay for your friends!  Second off, maybe it means the business is picking up and you'll get your chance soon.
• When all your friends seem to be working and you aren't.  Again, yay for your friends (plus, wouldn't it be nice to have one of their coattails to ride in on?)  Secondly, the number of jobs isn't limited.
• When that project that was supposed to be your big break-out job loses financing or your part gets cut or it gets terrible reviews.  Okay, so let's start by saying it was awesome that you got a job.  But, remember every working actor out there has had these things happen to them some time in their career.

When you feel like you might want to quit, maybe it's time to take a personal day.  Go do something you love or go to see a show or take a class.  Remind yourself why you love to do this crazy acting thing.  Don't make a rash decision. 

Remember, when things aren't moving as quickly forward as you'd like look back and see how far you've come.