3 answers
Uti
Student
Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
1
Question
Asked
477 views
Is it worth chasing a career in entertainment when the chances of making it are so small?
any advice for me please
3 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1333
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Heyo Uti,
Alright so, Pursuing a career in entertainment is absolutely worth it—if you’re willing to stay persistent, adapt, and define success on your own terms.
Charlie highlighted how opportunities unfold over time, and Wyatt emphasized the limitless ways to create impact. Both are right, but there’s something deeper that often goes unspoken: making it in entertainment isn’t just about talent or luck—it’s about strategy, resilience, and ownership.
One thing many aspiring entertainers overlook is the power of leveraging smaller, growing platforms rather than waiting for a big break from traditional gatekeepers. While aiming for major labels, production houses, or agencies is great, real success today often comes from building your own audience first. With platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Patreon, and streaming services, many artists, actors, and creators have bypassed industry gatekeepers altogether.
This ties into something Charlie indirectly touched on—starting somewhere—but in today’s world, starting doesn’t always mean taking a traditional entry-level job in the industry. It can mean creating your own work, collaborating with peers, and building demand for your craft before anyone in the industry "discovers" you.
Wyatt mentioned keeping an open mind, which is crucial because success in entertainment rarely looks like a straight path. Sometimes the best way in isn’t through the front door—it’s through a side door. Many successful actors, musicians, and filmmakers started in adjacent roles before getting their big moment. Writers became directors, radio hosts transitioned into acting, social media influencers landed record deals. The key is staying in motion. Even if your first paid work isn’t exactly where you want to end up, if it keeps you in the game and building connections, it’s a step forward.
And then there’s the question of rejection. Charlie pointed out that you’ll hear a lot of “no’s”, and that’s true. But what most people won’t tell you is that the people who succeed aren’t necessarily the best—they’re the ones who kept going the longest. Rejection isn’t a stop sign; it’s proof you’re in the game. Each no gets you closer to a yes, as long as you keep improving and showing up.
So is it worth chasing this career? Yes—if you approach it with strategy, flexibility, and the long-term mindset of building something sustainable rather than waiting for permission to succeed. Stay focused, create your own opportunities, and keep moving forward. You never know where the next door will open.
One powerful way to start right now—without waiting for a big break—is to create a project that showcases your talent and attracts opportunities. Instead of just applying for roles, submitting demos, or waiting for someone to say yes, build something that puts you in control. This could be: A YouTube or TikTok series if you're into acting, comedy, or storytelling A short film or animated project if you're into filmmaking or animation An independent album, podcast, or digital performance if you're a musician or voice artist A blog, webcomic, or script series if you're a writer The key is consistency. A single viral hit is rare, but a steady stream of work builds momentum. People notice persistence. Many successful entertainers were found because they kept creating when no one was watching—until suddenly, everyone was. This approach doesn’t replace traditional industry paths; it strengthens them. Instead of just knocking on doors, you're building your own house—one that people will want to visit.
Instead of just reaching out to industry professionals asking for advice or opportunities, find ways to contribute to their work. Offer to help on small projects, volunteer at events, or collaborate with others at your level. If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, assist on indie sets. If you’re a musician, create samples or remixes for emerging artists. Writers can offer script feedback or co-write with others. People remember those who bring skills, enthusiasm, and solutions rather than just requests. Many careers in entertainment begin with being in the right circles at the right time—not through luck, but by being consistently helpful and visible.
Alright so, Pursuing a career in entertainment is absolutely worth it—if you’re willing to stay persistent, adapt, and define success on your own terms.
Charlie highlighted how opportunities unfold over time, and Wyatt emphasized the limitless ways to create impact. Both are right, but there’s something deeper that often goes unspoken: making it in entertainment isn’t just about talent or luck—it’s about strategy, resilience, and ownership.
One thing many aspiring entertainers overlook is the power of leveraging smaller, growing platforms rather than waiting for a big break from traditional gatekeepers. While aiming for major labels, production houses, or agencies is great, real success today often comes from building your own audience first. With platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Patreon, and streaming services, many artists, actors, and creators have bypassed industry gatekeepers altogether.
This ties into something Charlie indirectly touched on—starting somewhere—but in today’s world, starting doesn’t always mean taking a traditional entry-level job in the industry. It can mean creating your own work, collaborating with peers, and building demand for your craft before anyone in the industry "discovers" you.
Wyatt mentioned keeping an open mind, which is crucial because success in entertainment rarely looks like a straight path. Sometimes the best way in isn’t through the front door—it’s through a side door. Many successful actors, musicians, and filmmakers started in adjacent roles before getting their big moment. Writers became directors, radio hosts transitioned into acting, social media influencers landed record deals. The key is staying in motion. Even if your first paid work isn’t exactly where you want to end up, if it keeps you in the game and building connections, it’s a step forward.
And then there’s the question of rejection. Charlie pointed out that you’ll hear a lot of “no’s”, and that’s true. But what most people won’t tell you is that the people who succeed aren’t necessarily the best—they’re the ones who kept going the longest. Rejection isn’t a stop sign; it’s proof you’re in the game. Each no gets you closer to a yes, as long as you keep improving and showing up.
So is it worth chasing this career? Yes—if you approach it with strategy, flexibility, and the long-term mindset of building something sustainable rather than waiting for permission to succeed. Stay focused, create your own opportunities, and keep moving forward. You never know where the next door will open.
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Wyatt s Miles
Animator
25
Answers
Dayton, ID
Updated
Wyatt s’s Answer
Dear Uti,
Absolutely! If that is what you have a passion for, chase it with ALL your heart, and keep an OPEN mind. Many misguided/misinformed souls would try to make you believe that there are only so many spots available. If you can bend your heart and your mind to the billions of possible ways to serve the human family and do good things with art and entertainment, you will not be fearful. Try to think about what your greatest gifts are (the things that you are inherently good at), then try to figure out what talents/skills you would like to develop. This will guide you in your journey, whatever you end up doing, and you will find joy and fulfillment. This is worth more than all the money in all the world. I believe in you Uti, and I'm sure those who really know and love you believe in you even more.
Sincerely, Wyatt
(I hope that I get to visit Japan someday)
Absolutely! If that is what you have a passion for, chase it with ALL your heart, and keep an OPEN mind. Many misguided/misinformed souls would try to make you believe that there are only so many spots available. If you can bend your heart and your mind to the billions of possible ways to serve the human family and do good things with art and entertainment, you will not be fearful. Try to think about what your greatest gifts are (the things that you are inherently good at), then try to figure out what talents/skills you would like to develop. This will guide you in your journey, whatever you end up doing, and you will find joy and fulfillment. This is worth more than all the money in all the world. I believe in you Uti, and I'm sure those who really know and love you believe in you even more.
Sincerely, Wyatt
(I hope that I get to visit Japan someday)
Thank you so much for your heartfelt advice. Your words truly inspired me to look at my passion from a new perspective. I appreciate how you encouraged me to keep an open mind and believe in the endless possibilities within entertainment. You're absolutely right — fulfillment is worth more than anything.
I'm sure one day you'll get to visit Japan! It's a beautiful place, and I'd be happy to recommend some amazing spots whenever you do.
Uti
Thank you!
M.
You are very welcome Uti. I am positive that you are an Amazing Kid. Right next to God, there is nothing I believe in more than you young people in this world right now. That goes for ALL of you; You will see and do wonders, I'm sure of it! Just remember, you don't have to do BIG things, the tiniest little things done with good intentions are all it takes.
Wyatt s Miles
Charlie Jennings
Director of sales
23
Answers
Lexington, Kentucky
Updated
Charlie’s Answer
Uti,
Thanks for the question about pursuing entertainment as a career.
First, "entertainment" is a broad description that encompasses many industries that can be considered "entertainment".
Examples: A singer song writer, stand up comedian, radio, television, acting and so forth are all considered entertainment. Without knowing your specific interest I would say anything you are passionate about is worth pursuing. I chose radio broadcasting as a career path, initially my focus was to be an on air DJ which I succeeded in becoming. The only thing constant in radio and other entertainment related industries is change. An opportunity to be the Music Director of the radio station came about, I applied and was hired for that position, later I became the Program Director, then Operations Manager. Things changed for me personally where I wanted to earn more money so I moved into advertising sales and was later promoted into a General Sales Manager position and eventually the Director of Sales. The point I'm making is to start somewhere in entertainment then opportunities for advancement will present themselves and your personal priorities and interests will also change and cause you to pursue other career paths in entertainment. If you hit a roadblock go in another direction, just begin! Any by the way, you will receive a lot of "NO's" along the way, ignore the negatives, keep your focus on your goals and go for it!
Thanks for the question about pursuing entertainment as a career.
First, "entertainment" is a broad description that encompasses many industries that can be considered "entertainment".
Examples: A singer song writer, stand up comedian, radio, television, acting and so forth are all considered entertainment. Without knowing your specific interest I would say anything you are passionate about is worth pursuing. I chose radio broadcasting as a career path, initially my focus was to be an on air DJ which I succeeded in becoming. The only thing constant in radio and other entertainment related industries is change. An opportunity to be the Music Director of the radio station came about, I applied and was hired for that position, later I became the Program Director, then Operations Manager. Things changed for me personally where I wanted to earn more money so I moved into advertising sales and was later promoted into a General Sales Manager position and eventually the Director of Sales. The point I'm making is to start somewhere in entertainment then opportunities for advancement will present themselves and your personal priorities and interests will also change and cause you to pursue other career paths in entertainment. If you hit a roadblock go in another direction, just begin! Any by the way, you will receive a lot of "NO's" along the way, ignore the negatives, keep your focus on your goals and go for it!
Thank you for giving me advice.
M.
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