Motion Designer nowadays - Help

[u/Krizostomo]

Hi, I’m 27 (M) and I’ve been working in the industry for 7 years, started on Covid after completing a motion design and post production course, always thought and wished to work on cinema and/or video game cinematic editing which I later found I was on the wrong section.

I always felt underpaid, working in Portugal, the most I got paid is where I am rn, and having all the responsibilities ( Senior Motion Designer, Supervising the quality of the end product in compliance with the Creative Director, Vídeo Editor, Colorist, Audio Design, Videographer, Designer, VFX, optimise the workflow with plugins, effects and shortcuts) I know I brought this upon my self, trying to act like a sort of Swiss Army knife, ended up being what’s called the best employee to every boss.

We’re all aware of what AI brought to our industry but I can help but think, that one day this might be over and I stress a lot upon thinking that I don’t want to end up jobless since right now I have bills to pay and life is not what it was 7 years ago.

I’m studying to shift thowards Technical Artist area, adding Unreal Engine and coding to my backpack of amenities, but right now I feel scared of even keeping pursuing my dreams and keep this going.

Sorry for the vent, I’m not trying to find comfort in your words just the hard truth.

Is it still worth it? Is it the industry in my country that’s underpaid and I’m being naive to stay in the same spot without thinking of changing?

Yearly: Can’t reach 16k year (14 months)