I have no Value to anyone - what now?

I've spent my career (in entertainment)trying to accomplish great things in my field thinking that impressive points on a resume will help me be successful BUT Between industry gatekeepers, potential sponsors/marketers, Wikipedia editors the message I keep getting is that despite everything I've accomplished to date, no matter what it is I've achieved, anything I may possibly have claim to be proud of - I am essentially of no value to anyone (or to quote "Not enough to be considered Notable" or worthy). For things like Grammy involvement, red carpet walks, appearing on TV shows I keep hearing "that's cool and all, but not enough to be considered somebody notable."

Nothing I do is GOOD ENOUGH

My life has been a frequent uphill battle to have some efficacy and societal impact, and while I've made it far enough upstream - i'm still not GOOD ENOUGH. I have a sinking feeling that even if I had a #1 billboard hit, win several grammies, invent something like Google, and save thousands of lives through charitable efforts - I will still be of no value to those that control the flow of wealth and information.

I know MOST people don't have any value to others outside of a their immediate circle, but I don't find that comforting at all.

I'm strongly considering a career-shift so I'm not depending financially on the whims of entertainment industry gatekeepers and album sales, But even then, how do I to come to terms with the fact that "no matter what I do, nobody will ever take notice or care?". I keep asking myself "What do I have to do to finally get some acknowledgment and recognition" and after decades of trying am realizing that I may never ever ever be considered valuable to anyone other than myself.

For me life requires more than little pleasures in order not to be depressed - pleasure is important but a small component of happiness. I also need to feel valued and that my actions mean something. I can't seem to get that feeling no matter how hard I try.

I think you are right to consider a career-shift but I would also suggest some personal counseling just so you can get in touch with your inner self. I get personal satisfaction out of helping others. Have you thought of volunteering or going to work for a charity supported by one or more entertainment industry figures? is one example of what I mean.

That's a hard one for a lot of people to understand, but IceCreamKid has a point. Find value in doing something such as charity work. My profession is of a teacher. My first ten years were HORRIBLE. The kids basically beat me up emotionally (and a few tried to physically as well), my mental disability (BPD) constantly got in the way of being effective, and people at my work during my first and second year called me names behind my back, refused to give me a good reference, and took bets on how long I would last until I would quit. When I was out on sick leave with my daughter, I was having problems and they actually took a poll on whether I'd return or not. I know that profession is WAY different but I think the results are the same. I was working my read-end off and no one gave me any credit and wondered when I'd just disappear. I know it's hard, but you have to find value in yourself. If you are proud of your work and it brought in enough money to maintain your lifestyle, that's all that matters. You wouldn't have gotten paid if you hadn't gotten the job in the first place, and you wouldn't be called to do other work if you were looked upon as totally useless. The entertainment business, along with politics, are very rough. People are always trying to put to down and I'm certain you're not the only one in your business who feels that way. See if there's a support group for people in your industry who feel the same way, or a therapist who deals with others who feel like you do. I'm sure you're not alone. In the meantime, you WILL find support here, though I believe it will be difficult to find someone in exactly your situation to talk to.

You ARE of value. Just because those stuck-up hotshots in the celebrity world don't put you on the A list doesn't mean you don't matter. Alas, a lot of that world's success depends on luck, who you know, and kissing up to the right people, as far as I have observed. But, mind you, I've never even been a lead in a school play.

I agree with the counseling idea, too. That way, you can come to see yourself of value and get a handle on where would be the best place for someone with your obvious skills and experience. If you have an advanced degree, then you could teach drama at a university, for instance. Teaching would be great. And frankly, teachers make a greater contribution to the world than any actor or actress, IMHO--and a lot of people would agree with me.

I have had the same feelings in my own industry but mine does not seek celebrityship. I have a degree in the social sciences and sought to change the world for some better. Everything I have tried to do (including many many years of volunteering for everything from youth programs, to senior homes, to political rallies, to fundraising) has not resulted in anything of value for me. I am still stuck in minimum wage work doing retail and restaurant...simply being told what I DON'T have instead of what qualities I DO have.

I can sympathize with you. Everything I have sought career counselling for has said go back to school for something extra. I have four trades, a college diploma and a university degree and there are still certifications they are asking for that were not included in the programs that only companies pay for if you are hired. Why don't the school programs include these certifications in there courses so the students are better prepared to compete? The last time they told me to go back to school again I nearly lost my temper.

It is up to ourselves mostly to re-teach ourselves that we have value in this world. I even have a motto on a jacket of mine that says "We are all valued people" We just need to find out from friends and loved ones now and then what we are valued for.

Perhaps a bit of independent social media marketing might help. I wish you luck and support. I hope you can find your self worth again. To find worth in one's self is more important than worth to others.When we see worth in ourselves we portray that outward better to others. I am just coming out of that agony myself. Still searching some though.

I think you have two choices...reasonable choices.
1. don't get you identity and self-esteem self worth from outside sources ...that would allow you to stay in your chosen profession. The good points in that are that you have considerable time and effort invested in your chosen career and one wold assume from info provided that you have had some financial success with this. I eventually considered peer opinion much more important than than anything else in evaluating a career.
2. Reassess your value system and move on to another line of work. This may be better for your soul.

I am really sorry you are struggling so much with your career. The Industry is a very tough one. I don't have to tell you

It really is who you know and then multitudes of people surrounding you to keep you propped up (it's like the old-time mob, you are either in or you're out. There is no in-between).

What really matters here, though, is NOT what others write (or say) about you, but what YOU think about YOU. Clearly you are struggling, but is it temporary or are just...done.

The most important thing to ask yourself is:

- Am I selling out? OR
- Am I just frustrated and exhausted at the moment?

I would encourage you to speak with a T to help clarify these things so you can decide your next steps.

If you can look at yourself in the mirror, continue pushing forward and still love what you do, that's all that counts.

Wishing you the best,
Rose

I don't think Michael Jackson ever thought he was good enough, either.

Achieving goals is not, by itself, a road to lasting happiness.

If you get your Wikipedia entry, you'll feel good for a couple of weeks, and then the feelings of inadequacy will return.

Psychotherapy helped me.