How do You Know When to Say, “I’m done."

Another rejected screenplay, another rep that said no, another writing contest you didn’t make the short list for, let alone win… Rejection comes with the territory of being a screenwriter, but how do you know when you’ve had enough?

It’s a potentially painful subject that crosses all writers’ minds, but many hate to talk about it: if and when should you let go and quit being a screenwriter?

Even screenwriters who have had some success, but aren’t achieving the level of career they want to, ask themselves if it’s worth sticking it out. If that, ‘big break’ when and if it comes, will be worth it. 

Here are 3 things to consider if you’re ‘on the fence’ about continuing with this career:

1. Wanting to Write and Wanting to ‘Be a Writer’ are Two Different Things

A lot of people (usually people not in the industry) fantasize about the life of a Hollywood screenwriter. They have an image in their heads of working under palm trees on studio lots, rubbing elbows with celebrities, and getting to see their stories brought to life on screen. Sure, some of those things might happen for you, but at the end of the day being a professional screenwriter means you spend your time writing, getting notes, rewriting and then writing some more. Sometimes you write things you don’t love to get a pay check; sometimes you have to incorporate notes you don’t agree with; sometimes even creating things that sound fun, like action sequences, jokes, or beautiful emotional moments - are all pretty damn difficult. A lot of people who dream of having this career sometimes forget one important thing: it’s a job. As much as you might love it, and as successful as you might be, it’s not a fantasy life. It’s work. So, ask yourself, are you in love with the process of writing (and all the challenges, heartbreak, and notes that come with it), or are you in love with the “idea” of being a writer?

2. Take a Good Honest Look at Yourself (and Your Scripts)

Screenwriting is not an easy game. To survive the rejection, projects that never get off the ground, and dead end development deals, you have to have a healthy dose of ambition and truly believe in your talent (no matter what other people think). That being said, there’s a difference between championing work that you objectively know is good, and being totally deluded about your level of talent. Reading other people’s scripts is a great way to suss out whether you can write at the level Hollywood demands. Take a look at successful TV and film scripts currently online, or read unproduced scripts from writer friends who are a bit further along in their careers than you. Then ask yourself if your work landed on an exec’s desk in a pile of professional scripts, would it be able to hold its own? This isn’t a question of writing style, your work can (and should) be as unique as you are. It’s a question of does your work have the same professional finesse as other professional writers? If you are honest with yourself and it doesn’t measure up, that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you have to quit, but it does mean you probably need to improve your craft before you find the success you want. If you find your work does measure up, maybe this is a good reminder that you have the chops to make it - it just might not be your time yet. There are thousands of screenplays that were rejected dozens of times before being picked up. Your time might still come.

3. Sometimes Hollywood Shows You the Way

I know a lot of people who moved to Los Angeles to pursue one thing, only to wind up in a completely different part of the entertainment industry. Aspiring actors who turned into heavy-weight producers, would be writers who became successful literary agents, development executives who chose to be screenwriters. A lot of people find when they actually start taking action to follow their dream, the “dream” they thought they wanted isn’t the sweet spot they imagined. Pursuing screenwriting might be the thing that got you to Hollywood, but now that you’re here you might discover you’re more interested in other jobs in the industry. Maybe your real passion is becoming a talent manager, or working on a film crew, or being a marketing exec, or any other ‘wing’ of the industry you can think of. Take a beat to do some self reflection, the world (and your gut) will show you where you’re meant to go next.

But Really, Should You Quit?

The only person who can answer that question is you. But I can say, thinking about it isn’t a bad thing. A re-evaluation of your career can help you reset your resolve, reignite your passion, and dive back in with more tenacity than ever before. And if you do decide you’re done, it’s not a failure. It might be this ‘stop over’ as a screenwriter was part of the journey to get to your true path in life.  

My dear friend Doug wanted to be an actor. Was desperate to be an actor. He spent years going on auditions, only to be rejected over and over. He was miserable. His friends got together and we convinced him it was time to move on. Reluctantly he agreed. But it turned out to be the best decision he ever made, because now he’s a successful writer and he never would have gotten here if he hadn’t let go of the career path that wasn’t loving him.

Whether you continue to pursue screenwriting or not, you’ve already done what most people never will: you followed a dream.

What tools do you use to reassess your screenwriting career? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!