Lou Gallagher shared an image on the TM Hub

The #offairnightmare is really unpleasant

Nearly every freelancer I know is out of work

Everyone is thinking along similar lines - how long do / can we wait for it to pick up? Will it? And if it does, will our applications ever get seen amongst the inevitable pool hungry for work?

I have personally found it impossible to secure any agency or temp work to tide me over - being told my CV isn't right and I'm either too experienced or don't have the right experience, so have been living off my savings... I'm lucky to have them yes but that retirement is looking unlikely pre 80 at this rate!

I have had 2 IVs of late and for the first time in my career I didn't get either role... that's honestly never happened before and it's been a painful tablet to swallow

I had hoped to know there was light at the end of the 2023 tunnel but realistically those of us still seeking that next role will be going into 2024 looking for it

⭐️ If you're feeling deflated, you're not alone and whilst that won't take those feelings away please don't suffer silently - let's talk

⭐️ I'm hoping it's normal for us all to be questioning our worth / our CV / our reputation/ our references... damn I'm questioning my sanity even writing this post 🤣 I'm also sure it's the situation and not us

⭐️ I'm going to try and stop worrying as it isn't fixing anything

⭐️ I'm going to have more self faith and self respect and bound into 2024 with my head held high

⭐️ I had 3 great jobs this year and I know for some people it's been a lot worse, so I'm also going to be grateful for the positives

I am going to take some actual time off over Christmas... as whilst work has been drier than the Kalahari, I've spent so much time talking about it, thinking about it, doing courses and networking like a fiend, that I've not given myself a day off

May your festive seasons be filled with love and making good memories

Whatever 2024 brings let's bring it together... team work makes the dream work, and supporting each other is how we will all grow and get to the other side ❤️🎄✨️

Ella Sykes

My feelings and experiences all summed up in this post. The countless CVs I’ve sent off, each taking hours to write and that’s just for work as a runner! I’ve given myself while June/July and If things haven’t improved I’m going to have to look in other areas, hopefully creative industries but who knows what’s going to happen.

2 years ago

Mikey McManus

It's not just the lack of work, it's the lack of response, engagement, sincerity, professionalism and for the small work that IS presented, getting paid on time or at least with the same urgency productions require the work done - it's pathetic and good folk are walking away from the industry.

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Rua Kasumi Turner

@LouGallagher I know exactly what you mean about that bitter pill! I was fortunate enough to always get the job after interviewing until my OffAirNightmare properly kicked in in August. I’m glad you’re giving yourself the Christmas period to just recharge though, I’m trying to accept it as the best route too! Here’s to an infinitely better 2024🙏🍀🤞

Giulia Gomes

@LouGallagher thanks for your words. I totally relate. You are not alone.

Simon Vacher

@LouGallagher Feel your frustrations! Stay positive. It’s a journey. We are an adaptive species, especially those in the creative industries! I’ve managed to get some government funding for a completely new sector so I’m giving that a try in 2024 and see where it leads.

Ana Uzcanga

@LouGallagher I’m 100% with you! My offnightmare kicked in mid November, I’m fortunate enough to have b2b work until then, but still feels harder everyday. I’m trying to think of this break as a holiday break leading to a more positive 2024! You are not alone!

James Lister AMPS, MIPS

@LouGallagher I’ve heard it will get busier next year so let’s hope so because it’s been awful this year. It’s like second Covid time. Like you I’ve got savings but I don’t know is if my skills are transferrable. Is the industry f’d or do we carry on. Let see. Hold tight, ride the wave. Have a great Christmas and let’s see for the new year brings us 👍🎬💪🤪

Paul Hicks

@LouGallagher this is great post, Lou. Thank you for the insight and I’m sure this will be helping people in the industry that have self doubt, I know I do when I find it hard to get work or even a job cancels at the last minute without much consolation. I find it hard and I’ve been doing this for over 25 years and can cut pretty much anything they put in front of me. I heard from a few editors and production crew last year really struggling but this year WILL BE DIFFERENT. have faith and keep going. Also try n find those extra streams of revenue. Good luck and let’s hope the world calms down a bit so we can sit back and chill for 5 mins.

The Talent Manager

Lou Gallagher shared an image

Production Exec / Line Producer (TV) and Producer (TVC Music Promo and Digital)