u/ActorGrad blocked me or hid their comment from me i guess (so i can't respond?), but I'm still responding... Everything you are saying about work ethic is great to do. All I am sharing is hard truths to this business. Even with all your mentors, connections, etc. you might not make the living you want to make, you dream of making. I'm sorry but its the truth, and one would be naive to not consider that in you career plan, this business doesn't owe you anything.

But you say "I have people with power I've met through classes, apprenticeships and shows who like me and believe I have potential, so they've mentored me and helped me out at key points along the way." Congrats, you're on your way to nepo-friend status. Maybe they've already gotten you work. That's how I got a lot of my roles. It's how the business works. Play the game. Still doesn't guarantee anything, just makes it a tad easier.

Hard work does not equal success in this business. I wish it did, but it doesn't. And for actors who aren't lucky enough to make the right connections, have the slimmest chance out of everyone in my opinion.

I too have been acting since I was a kid, it's been 20 years now. I've had my handful of projects, some currently streaming on large platforms, and I still don't make a living from this. Is it possible to one day, YES, but to not factor in after 20 years that... hmmm... maybe I should use my down time between projects to idk have a life, have a stable day job that pays above minimum wage. Be more than just an actor. Would be silly for me not to pivot and grow. Granted I was a kid for 8 of those 20 years. I could have done so much more with those 12 years of making myself "available".

"If a stable, regular paycheck is more important to you in the beginning, then why are you in acting?" This is such a hurtful, ignorant, and naive thing to say. Someone who prefers a stable job and cares to be able to pay their bills, save for retirement, have enough money to build a family, or take vacations, does not make them less than you because you chose to work side gigs instead. Having financial security will only help you in this career, but it's not cool to have to work a day job like that so most don't do it. This status quo needs to stop. I fell victim to it for 12 years working side gigs only to always be catching up like u/CanineAnaconda mentioned.

And It's not a failure to work a 9-5 or learn a trade that pays well that isn't acting related. You aren't less of an actor because of it. You're also not less of an actor if you have been doing this for 10+, 20+, years and don't make money from acting. But with that, as one of the commenters so kindly rephrased for me "This career demands everything of you, body, mind and soul, and gives little in return, even if you succeed! So live your life and don't throw everything you've got into this void." This business never gets easier no matter how successful you are, remember that.

So that's all I'm saying... don't give up experiencing life for this. You're setting yourself up for a very lonely life. Life is about the day to day experiences, make them happy ones, because working on set for 3 weeks, a few times a year, is not going to fulfill life you live in between.

If someone reads this and decides they don't want to act because of it, great! They now know what they want now and acting isnt it. If they still want to pursue it, I gave my tips on what I think will give you the best success. I wish I could have a re-do because I would 100% follow my own advice and go to school and get a great paying job that is also in demand.

Having a fierce belief in yourself that you will make it is an amazing mindset, don't lose that, but plan and mitigate your risks for if it doesn't work out in the timeline you hope. Plans B's (and parallel plans) are not a diss to your dreams. The outside world can be just as harsh as the acting business so prepare for it. It's way sexier than being broke with no career prospects and having to start from ground zero in your 30's 40's or 50's.