Is Chasing My Audiobook Dream Worth the Hustle? 🎙️💸

Hey friends, I just hit the big 3-0 and I've been narrating audiobooks full-time for almost a year now. I love the flexibility, but let's be real—pulling in $30k a year in Chicago isn't exactly living large, especially when rent alone feels like a bad joke. My partner's solid income keeps us afloat, but I can't help but wonder if I'm just coasting on their success while I keep hustling for gigs. The grind is real—audition after audition just to keep the work coming, and even then, burnout sneaks up on me. Some days, I think, "Why not just get a job that pays better if I'm working this hard anyway?" But then I remember how unique and fun this work can be, and I feel guilty for even considering leaving it behind. Still, the uncertainty of freelance life and the looming threat of AI replacing my job has me losing sleep. So, what would you do if you were in my shoes? Stick it out and hope for a breakthrough, or pivot to something more stable? I’d really appreciate your honest thoughts. 🙏 #CareerDilemma #FreelanceLife #WorkplaceStruggles #JobCareer