What job is right for me?

From your question it’s clear that you’re frustrated as you’re not sure what to do with your future and would like some guidance on what to do next. It’s great to see that you have a passion for acting and that you have expressed an interest in pursuing this. As you say, acting can be competitive but if acting is what you want to do, then there are options available to you.

The National Careers Service website has an article, which details what it is like to be an actor including the varied kind of work you can do: from stage, TV, radio, and film, as well the skills you’ll need to develop to be successful, such as a good memory for learning lines and concentration. It also describes the sort of hours you might be working, what it’s like, what type of income you can expect and the training and job opportunities available.

If you are serious about acting, it may be worth looking at the possibility of auditioning for drama school so you can learn and develop your acting skills. For information and advice on how to get started with this, you could go to the Drama UK website as there is a lot of articles on there about what to expect, how to find the right course and what to expect from the application process.

There are also links to Youth and Amateur Theatre groups on their website. You may find that taking part in youth theatre now gives you an edge over others that might be applying for acting jobs in the future.

If you decide to go down another route, for example, you also mentioned directing and English as alternative options then again, it would be good to look around to see what relevant courses are available for you. It sounds like you are considering going back to college or university so it is important you take the time to decide the best course for you.

Ultimately, it is your decision to choose your ideal career which you would like to pursue. It can be hard to choose especially when you have a few ideas, so it might be a good idea to speak to someone who can help you talk through your options. National Careers Service are an organisation who offer advice and information on learning and careers – you can contact them on 0800 100 900 (Mon to Sunday from 8am – 10pm).