Would it be unwise to leave my well-paid job to pursue a career in film?

This week’s problem

Over the past five years, I have had a very successful career at a leading commodities company — and have a salary to match. However, I have never really enjoyed my work. I have long aspired to work in film, where I know it can be very difficult to succeed. Do I prioritise a standard, reliable, mundane career that pays well, or take the plunge and pursue my creative ambitions? Female, 20s

Jonathan’s answer

The elements of what makes working life enjoyable are different for each person and can change at each stage of their life. You have a successful, reliable career with a good salary. However, this is not satisfying you at the moment. There may come a time when such elements will be enough, but for now you are willing to consider trade-offs to pursue creative ambitions and enjoy your work more.

Seetha Kumar, chief executive of ScreenSkills, a training and career development organisation for the film, television and game industry, said: “If something is calling you, it’s not too late.”

Before taking the plunge and leaving the steady pay cheque, apply your research skills that make you successful in the commodities sector to the film industry. Kumar noted there are career maps on the ScreenSkills website for more than 270 roles in the industry, and she encourages you to explore those.

Which positions excite you and pique your curiosity? This is an industry about storytelling, and everyone involved can feel part of supporting that creative process. Kumar suggested you assess what transferable skills you have that you can and want to use. These may include communications, logistics, finance and negotiation skills while remaining calm under pressure. All useful for location and production managers.

Many roles in the industry are freelance and project based; this can give great flexibility and allow you to pick and choose locations and jobs but would be a transition from your “reliable mundane” career. Talk to some people in the industry who made the move (and maybe some who moved back as well) to learn how they adjusted.

The industry is attractive, it’s still growing post-pandemic, is supported in the UK by government and innovating continually. There is an accepted and welcome career path for people transferring in from other lines of work, from accountants to army officers, through ScreenSkills’ Trainee Finder scheme.

From the fact you are asking the question, it seems you are ready to make the move to pursue what you love, or at least find out if this work can be sustaining and enjoyable. You are early enough in your career to act to avoid a future of unfulfilling work; follow your aspiration of working in film, identify some specific roles, gain some training, then take the plunge into an exciting and creative new world.

Readers’ advice

Are you prepared to make the lifestyle change that losing your big income, and replacing it with a smaller income that you will work harder for, will bring? You will start at the bottom, learn everything from scratch. Sam_economist

I worked in the cinema industry for five years. Pros: it can be fun and sociable. Cons: it’s extremely political. What you win or lose seems to be dictated by a chaotic system of luck and individual self-promotion. JavaAndHorses

Consider using the cash you earn from your day job to fund your passion for film as a side hustle — for example investing in and producing films. I worked with a CFO who had a passion for theatre and used his cash to produce Broadway shows on the side. Randomavr

Jonathan Black is director of the Careers Service at the University of Oxford. Every fortnight he answers your questions on personal and career development and working life. Do you have a question for him? Email: dear.jonathan@ft.com.