Should I Quit Acting? When Is Enough Enough?

You might be asking yourself those hard questions:

“Should I quit acting?”
“When is enough enough?”
“I’m working hard and I still haven’t made it…”
“I’m financially struggling and everyone else my age is getting promoted, making an okay living, and moving on with their life.”
“When should I face the fact that I might not be good enough?”

I think every actor, at some stage, has asked themselves these questions. The truth is that no one has the right to tell you when to quit, or to quit at all. There is no one straight answer to this painful question.

I also think that a lot of actors glamorize this industry. They like the idea of the potential prestige, but don’t really want to do the hard work or live this impossible lifestyle. It’s definitely not for everyone.

You might be one of those people who’s been at it for a significant amount of time and still nothing is happening — but life is showing you other opportunities. And because you had your mind set on acting, you refuse to acknowledge those other things.

When Life Opens Other Doors

I once met a wonderful actress years ago. She was genuinely talented — but talent alone isn’t what determines success in this industry. She wasn’t booking roles and was miserable.

Here’s what was fascinating: everyone around her could see that she had a real gift for producing. But she resisted it because in her mind, “I’m an actress. That’s it. That’s who I am.”

Eventually, she let go of the idea of what she thought her path should look like. She embraced producing fully. And guess what? She’s thriving now. Not only professionally but emotionally — she’s no longer miserable.

Taking a sideways step is not the same as quitting. If life is showing you other opportunities, listen. Follow them. This industry won’t slam the door on you forever. You can always come back.

It Takes Time… A Lot of Time

Sometimes we forget that acting is a craft — and a business. It takes years to build your “toolbox” as an actor, to figure out what works for you, to deliver consistently excellent performances. It takes years for people in the industry to get to know you, trust you, and rely on you.

Honestly, I believe you have to give it at least 10 solid years — truly 100% — before you can say, “I gave it a fair shot.”

But here’s something equally important you must accept to protect your mental health:

It might never happen.

The dream of Hollywood, the prestige, the fantasy — it might not unfold the way you imagined. And you have to be truly okay with that to keep your heart intact.

Remember Why You Started

My father is an artist — a painter. He always says:

“Natalia, when I’m old and can no longer hold a paintbrush, that’s when I’ll die.”

He doesn’t care if he sells his paintings. He must create. That’s his life force.

As actors, we forget this sometimes. We are artists. Our purpose is to create. That’s where our joy should come from — not from bookings, fame, or external validation.

And if the industry isn’t giving you opportunities right now? Make your own.

We live in a privileged time. You can create sketch shows, short films, or monologues and share them on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. Maybe they’ll blow up and become your “way in.”

Through the Window

In my life, nothing came easy. I always have to go through the window because the door is locked. So I’m used to it. I accept it.

I know the doors are wide open for some — and that’s wonderful. I hope they appreciate the light breeze when they step through that door.

But if you’re not one of those people, it’s okay.

Be an artist. Create. Take care of your heart. If you feel too much pain, step sideways. Do things that bring you joy.

Final Thoughts

Being an artist is not about chasing prestige — it’s about creating.
If acting brings you joy, keep going. If you need to take a step sideways, do it without shame. If you need to rest, rest. If other opportunities light you up, follow them.

This industry will still be here.

Take care of your heart. Create. Keep growing.

Sending you the biggest hug!

Natalia

If you enjoyed my blog and it resonated with you, I’d be truly grateful if you shared it on your social media so it might support other actors as well. My goal is to create a safe, encouraging space where actors can feel seen and supported.