I want to become an actress, have an agent. But my parents think not. They want me to get a sensible degree and earn money like them. But I want differently. I feel like they are putting a massive wall between me and my dream. What should I do?
Responses (3)
I want you to take some time to ask yourself, "Is this really want I want out of life? Should I really go into acting? Is this really the path I want to take?" Take a lot of time to think hard on that. Once you're sure about going for acting, tell your parents, but say it respectfully, "Mom, dad, you should know that this acting thing, this is my dream. This is what I want to be doing for my life. There's nothing I want more than to act. I really love you guys, but I want you to know that even though you put so much effort into raising me, this life is still mine and I choose to live it by doing what I love."
Your situation actually isn't so different from mine. My mother doesn't think there's a future for me in dance. I'm still looking for a way to convince her about my dream...
I wish you the best of luck with your future.
When someone values employment and stability, it's hard to convince them to accept a career that is full of uncertainty and obstacles, no matter how big the potential payout may be. But you must listen to that little voice that keeps tugging you in the heart, asking you to follow a certain path. And, understand that because the passion is put in you and not your parents, it's okay if they disapprove or can't understand.
I'm a father of 5, and as a parent, naturally I want my children to be safe. Same goes to your parents. They just want you to be on the safe route. I also run my own business, and when my first couple of businesses failed, my parents were vehemently against my decision to start another one. They wanted me to make use of my educational qualifications and find a good job with good prospects. Absolutely not my cup of tea.
Pursue your dreams with the intensity of a hungry lioness chasing its prey. Do what needs to be done on a daily basis to keep you moving towards your goal. Learn to sell yourself - get out there and enter auditions, competitions and events. Make yourself highly visible to influencers in the industry.
An inseparable part of selling is the ability to face rejection - lots of it. Each rejection and criticism you encounter in auditions and competitions is meant to prepare and teach you, not weaken you.
If you can find a mentor or role model whom you can shadow, all the better. Doing so will greatly shorten your learning curve, and that person can provide you with invaluable guidance and tips, and show you the ins and outs of an acting career. Showbiz, like any other business, has its darker side. For instance, when I first joined an apparel trading company as an executive, I was shocked and dismayed that we had to bribe the department stores to get favorable spots for an event.
I would advise that you still go ahead and complete your studies. It's the least you can do as a daughter who is still dependent on her parents now; but your career choice should be only yours to make, because it's a calling.
While you pursue your aspirations and education and excel in both, you need to take great care of your timetable; that might mean foregoing a social life, romantic relationships and time-intensive hobbies. On a daily basis, do the things that matter the most first; once these are done, feel free to do low-value activities like watching TV.
Like any parent, all I want is for my children to succeed in life. As long as their chosen vocation isn't morally wrong or illegal, I'm all for whatever career they pursue.
All the best.
Mer,
UnbreakableWill.com