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• I'm so glad I've just read your article and seen the responses from everyone else. It makes me feel less alone in my situation (and the fact that many others from my course managed to find better paid jobs)... But respect to those who follow their hearts and their passions because this is surely the only way to happiness, and the only thing that matters in life regardless of money or status.

  

  Sham , Photographer , 26/02/11 , 1,753 AP

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• I totally agree, it's not easy, and can be very frustrating when many of your politics, maths and computer friends walked into seemingly wonderful highly paid jobs! But my advice would be to just keep on going, try to keep a fresh approach to every opportunity and eventually you will get there... don't loose sight of what you want to do.

  

  SteveW IdeasTap , Marketer , 11/02/11 , 517 AP

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• I seriously feel your pain! I feel like if I apply for anything else and don't even get the courtesy of a rejection email (let alone an acceptance one!) I will just give up on my dreams as a writer and accept a life of shop and restaurant work.
  
  What always spurs me on is the thought of writing about these hard, penniless yet formative years in the first half of my celebrity biography, and watching people smirk at it around the 3 for 2 tables in Waterstones.

  

  henryfry , Writer , 10/02/11 , 630 AP

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• You are a hero. I feel your pain - the lamp in the boot might be a perfect representation of your struggle right now. I hope that you find your calling! Your proactiveness is sure to get you somewhere. And you write beautifully =). I will definitely keep an eye out for you in the future!! Good luck out there!

  

  mimifindlay , Director , 09/02/11 , 914 AP

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• The arts council report comissioned this report on policy options for helping young people who wish to enter the creative industries back in march, it makes an interesting read:
  
  http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/media/uploads/publications/Creative_Survival_NDotM_for_ACE_march_2010_FINAL.pdf

  

  Joseph Duggan , Writer , 09/02/11 , 166 AP

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• "I get upset when I read a poorly written article because I know someone got paid for it when I would have done better." I thought this was just me! Can't you get any old job and do your freelance on eves and weekends though? (works for me...)

  

  naomioleary , Writer , 09/02/11 , 538 AP

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• Hello everyone,
  
  We're looking for more penniless creatives to share their experiences, as this piece seems to have struck a chord. Drop me a line if you would like to share: Luiza@ideastap.com.
  
  Thanks!
  Luiza

  

  Luiza , Journalist , 09/02/11 , 2,687 AP

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• It is tough out there. keep writing. :) Put your Paws up Little M0nsters! :)

  

  1ed2607f746e@anon.ideastap.com , Choreographer , 09/02/11 , 19,315 AP

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• Poppy, I think the uni experience can be invaluable in personal ways - networking, forming friendships and learning to think about things differently. If you can afford to volunteer or intern in your holidays and stuff you can build up industry experience at the same time as studying - but how useful that is depends on whether you know what you want to do afterwards and whether you are prepared to really go for it and potentially live in penury till you get there! I wrote for various student press and newsletters all the way through uni and met a lot of interesting people doing it - hopefully if they make it before I do they will return my calls!
  
  Hilary - I got a 2:1 in Modern History, which doesn't really qualify you for anything specific - I got hundreds of rejections for admin/secretarial stuff on grounds of being overqualified / my CV being too creative; and a bunch more from Historic Scotland, galleries, museums, and as mentioned in the article the arts sector for not having enough experience. A lot of jobs in Arts admin seem to be advertised by word of mouth so you probably need to volunteer at as many film festivals as possible and make as many friends as you can along the way. And remind them at every available opportunity what you do and that you are available for work. And remind yourself that you are good at what you do and soon the world will know.

  

  Ali George , Journalist , 09/02/11 , 646 AP

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• This sounds very familiar and the thoughts that I am not alone in it and only people with enough energy, enthusiasm and self-belief break through is what keeps me going.
  This was been twice as hard for me, as I came to the UK to do a degree in Media in 2008, just on time for all the mayor job-cuts. I've also tried (and keep trying) myself and as many creative areas as possible! Every time I get involved in another project, I tell myself, "You never know which one is going to be THE ONE and what skills or experience may prove to be useful."
  On the other hand, I think this created a new generation of creatives, TRULY passioned about their work. Because it's hard and takes so much dedication, those who are meant to be doing something else will be.

  

  Tina Remiz , Photographer , 09/02/11 , 5,991 AP

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