Contrary to popular belief, the life of an actor is not always luxurious and effortless. While a small percentage may experience such privileges, the majority face numerous difficulties and concerns. The reality of being an actor is not the fairy tale it’s portrayed to be, but it can also be a joyful profession to work in. It’s crucial to navigate the tough times alongside the rewarding ones.
If you know deep down that you want to be an actor and it will fulfil you, then it is worth pursuing. We hope our list will make you aware of the challenges and how to overcome them. Having the right mindset when chasing a creative career is the key to finding happiness.
1. Lack Of Job Security
Due to the project-based nature of acting, chances are that you will never be in one job for very long. When that job is finished, you will be back looking for a new one. One of the bad things about being an actor is that there’s no telling when the next opportunity will come. However, this can also be a positive. The next opportunity could be just around the corner! Embrace the quiet periods by working on personal projects and honing your craft through reading, workshops, and networking. See it as a time for development.
2. Long or Unsociable Hours
When you do land a job, the hours can be long or unsociable. Theatre shows usually take place in the evenings and on weekends. Filming days can be very long, and you may be on set from very early morning until late at night. This can be draining and make it difficult to keep in touch with loved ones. Self-care becomes essential to cope with these demanding hours. Prioritise rest, get sufficient sleep, and maintain a healthy diet. Incorporate non-work-related activities into your schedule so you can return to work feeling refreshed.
3. High Competition
There are lots of people who dream of becoming actors. The reality of being an actor means that for any one role there will be lots of other auditionees. It can sometimes be hard to see people celebrating their wins on social media when you feel like you’re struggling. Boost your confidence through positive affirmations and loving self-talk. Always strive to learn and deliver your best work, so you know you always did your best. Finally, try to see fellow actors as a supportive network and as your colleagues rather than as your competition. Make real connections with the people you meet, celebrate each other’s wins and share in the common struggles.
4. Financial Uncertainty
A lack of job security unfortunately means financial uncertainty too. Not only can paying for training and materials be expensive, but you don’t even have a paycheck to rely on at the end of each month. It can be helpful to find a job to help support your income as an actor. Flexible jobs like waitressing or bartending are a great idea for actors.
You can also use your existing skills to earn some extra cash. Tutoring, writing, or selling artwork are popular examples. You could even use periods of unemployment to learn new skills such as coding or proofreading to help build a more reliable and flexible income that complements your acting work.
5. Emotional Demands
While we may love the work that we do as actors, it can be emotionally demanding of us. The first thing to remember is why you are doing it. Remember the impact of great performances and the courage it takes to expose vulnerability for the sake of art. However, setting limits on the emotional places you go to or topics you deal with is okay. It may restrict certain roles, but it allows you to feel comfortable and enjoy the work you choose. If you tackle challenging emotions, create a self-care plan. Take breaks, be kind to yourself, journal, meditate, or connect with loved ones. Ensure you have something that brings joy and preserves your well-being; include mindfulness when getting better at acting from home. Acting should be on your terms and not compromise your health.
6. Rejection
Dealing with rejection is tough in the competitive world of acting. It can feel difficult when you’ve put your heart and soul into an audition and the role doesn’t go your way. Unfortunately, it is part of the reality of being an actor. While you can’t control the outcome, there are ways to make rejection more manageable. Continuously learn and prepare diligently for auditions to have peace of mind knowing you gave your best. Additionally, remember that every closed door opens up new possibilities. A better opportunity may be just around the corner. Instead of dwelling on rejections, focus on persistently working towards your next chance.
7. Work-Life Balance
Maintaining work-life balance as an actor is challenging. Juggling long hours, additional jobs, classes, networking, and auditions can make it easy to neglect your personal life. Finding balance is crucial to avoid burnout and lead a fulfilling life. Make sure to set boundaries for yourself. This could include setting limits on travelling for long periods of time or advocating for reasonable working hours. Time management can make finding balance a lot easier. Make sure you have a plan for the week, and try to schedule in time for yourself, as well as your friends and family. You call the shots on your life and, with a bit of planning, you can live it in a way that works best for you.
8. Criticism
Part of the reality of being an actor is that you open yourself up to all sorts of criticism and public scrutiny. In an industry that is fighting decades of unfair bias on actresses prettiness and weight, receiving criticism, can feel deeply personal. Remember that criticism of your work is not an attack on your identity. Differentiate between constructive and non-constructive criticism. Feedback from your acting coach can be valuable for growth and improvement. Try to focus on those who want to help, rather than those who may want to hinder. Prioritise your mental health, using affirmations and self-care to enhance your self-esteem and reduce vulnerability to critical comments. Practising mindfulness as an actor can help you stay true to your self-worth.
9. Limited Industry Accessibility
One of the most difficult things for beginner actors to deal with is the fact that the industry can feel inaccessible. It can seem almost impossible to book those first jobs, and things like getting footage for a showreel can feel like a catch-22. The best thing to do is be patient and start small. Take some classes, apply for student films, and try to connect with other actors who are at the same point in their acting journey as you are. Make sure to read the other posts on Blooper too, such as our guide on how to become an actor without any experience. There are lots of different ways to get into acting, and Blooper is here to help you discover them.
10. Lack of Control
Overall, the reality of being an actor can make you feel as though you have a lack of control over the outcome of your career. You may feel you have a lack of control over your schedule, your finances, and where your future is heading. On the flip side, you never know where good luck is going to strike. Make sure not to blame yourself when things don’t go your way. The best thing to do is think about what you can control rather than what you can’t. When you’ve identified what you can control, put your energies and focus here rather than on anything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the downsides of being an actor?
The downsides of being an actor include lack of job security, financial instability, long days, public scrutiny and emotionally demanding work.
Is acting hard on mental health?
Acting can be hard on mental health due to the unstable nature of the profession and emotionally demanding work. However, with proper self-care and reaching out for help when we need it, we can all be less vulnerable to poor mental health.
Is acting fun or hard?
Both! Acting can be a very demanding profession and it takes a lot of work to be a good actor. However, most people find it lots of fun, and find that the joy they get from it makes the hard work worthwhile.
Is it easy for actors to cry?
For some, it is – Olivia Coleman famously had to try and stop herself from crying during emotional scenes in The Crown! However, for other actors it is less easy, and they may use various techniques in order to reach the emotional performance required for the scene. Either way, acting is about a lot more than the ability to cry.
Conclusions
As you can see, the reality of being an actor is that there are a lot of struggles you must face throughout your career. However, there are also a lot of techniques and skills you can use to help you face these challenges head on. With proper self-care, boundary setting and a healthy mindset, you will be more able to rediscover the joy that acting brings you.