Over the past few years, a quiet storm has been building within the television industry. What began during the pandemic lockdowns, with production stalling and lengthening periods between freelance contracts, has escalated into something far more serious.

At the heart of the crisis is a major structural shift. The rise of streaming platforms, plummeting advertising revenues, and increasing production costs have combined to squeeze broadcasters, studios, and freelancers alike. The BBC, facing a government-imposed license fee freeze, is attempting to save over £700 million annually, cutting jobs and programming in the process.

The ripple effect has been devastating.

According to Film Industry Watch, UK production companies lost £392 million in revenue in 2023 alone. Independent studios and freelancers are especially vulnerable, with over 70% of small production companies at risk of closure.

This Is Personal

I still have many friends working in TV. It’s painful to witness what they’re going through. These are professionals with years, often decades, of experience. People in their 40s and 50s with families and mortgages, now having to accept entry-level or casual work, from removal jobs to waiting tables, just to make ends meet.

Many are being forced to burn through savings, remortgage their homes, or even relocate from London to more affordable areas. They’re not just facing financial pressure; they’re grappling with a loss of identity, purpose, and belonging.

This is the industry they loved. One they worked tirelessly to be part of: sacrificing weekends, holidays, and job security for the joy of storytelling, collaboration, and creation.

Now, many are asking themselves hard questions:

What do I do next? And… what could I possibly do instead?

From Uncertainty to Possibility: Finding Your Next Step

The emotional and financial strain is real, and it’s heavy. But there also something else: first a quiet resilience, then a slow spark of curiosity. After the initial grief of losing a beloved career, a new possibility begins to take shape.

This moment calls for deeper reflection, not just about work, but about life:

• What do I truly value?
• What gives my life meaning, purpose, joy?
• Can I redefine success?
• Who am I, beyond my job title?                                                                                   
• What limiting beliefs are holding you back? (e.g., “I’m too old”, “I don’t have the right skills”)
• What are your non-negotiables in your next role or career path?

What else is possible? The Internal Shift

This transition is about more than changing careers. It’s about honouring the skills and passions that brought you here, and finding practical, meaningful ways to bring them into a new chapter. Sometimes, the biggest shift is internal. For many, age becomes a barrier, not in capability, but in confidence. For others, it’s the belief they don’t have the right skills. But skills can be learned. The question is: are you ready to discover what else is possible? You’re not starting from scratch; you’re starting from experience. 

The change may be seismic, but within it lies the opportunity to rebuild something more sustainable, fulfilling, and aligned with who you are today, not who you were when your career first began.

If you’re navigating a job or personal transition and could use support—or a fresh perspective—I offer a free 30-minute session. You can book it through this Contact Form.