Still Tired? Still Broke? Still Making Art? You’re Not Alone

You’re exhausted. Your bank account is begging for mercy. The gig you just did paid in “exposure.” You’re wondering if you’ve made a huge mistake devoting your life to something that’s equal parts passion and pressure. And yet—you’re still here. Still creating. Still trying.

Welcome to the messy middle of the creative journey.

The place where burnout meets breakthrough.

Where the myth of “doing what you love” collides with the reality of grant rejections, long nights, and a group chat full of equally fried friends.

This isn’t a failure. It’s not even unusual.

It’s the lived reality of working in the arts in Australia. And you’re absolutely not alone.

The Mental Load of the Creative Life

Working in the arts is not just a job. It’s a lifestyle. An identity. A calling. It’s also one of the most emotionally and financially unstable career paths out there.

According to a 2023 study by Pirate.com, 66% of artists have experienced burnout, citing financial stress, overwork, and emotional exhaustion as key drivers. Another survey by Support Act found that more than 75% of music and performing arts workers had experienced mental health challenges in the past year.

This isn’t because creatives are less resilient—it’s because the industry is stacked against sustainability.

Let’s break it down.

Tired? Of course you are.

Creative fatigue isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, spiritual, and neurological.

You’re not only managing your workload—you’re managing your reputation, self-worth, multiple jobs, creative rejection, the pressure to stay visible online, and a constant hustle for the next opportunity.

Even “good stress”—like getting a grant or opening night—can push your nervous system into overdrive.

If you’re tired all the time, it might not be laziness.

It might be your nervous system screaming for a break.

Still broke? You’re not alone there either.

Let’s talk numbers.

• The median income for Australian artists is under $20,000 per year. (Creative Australia, 2022)

• Most artists spend more on their practice than they earn from it.

• Many creative professionals rely on multiple side jobs or unpaid work just to stay afloat.

This creates a cycle where burnout is baked into the business model. If you’re constantly sacrificing your health, relationships, or rest in the name of “the work,” you’re not thriving—you’re surviving.

And the kicker? When you’re broke, it’s harder to access support—therapy, rest, health care, or even time off.

Still making art? That’s powerful.

Despite all of this, you’re still here. Still trying to tell stories, paint beauty, move bodies, challenge systems, or build something from scratch.

That doesn’t mean you have to suffer for your art. It just means you’ve got something inside you that refuses to go quiet. And that fire deserves protection—not exploitation.

Making art in a system that undervalues it is radical. Continuing to care, connect, and create in the face of exhaustion is not weakness—it’s defiance.

So What Can You Do When You’re At That “I Love This But I’m Falling Apart” Stage?

Let’s be real: no one blog post can fix systemic industry problems. But here’s what can help:

1.

Talk to Someone Who Gets It

You don’t have to be in crisis to ask for support. Creative-specific counselling or peer support can help you unpack burnout, set boundaries, and reconnect with what you love about your practice.

Hey Mate’s counsellors and facilitators all have lived experience in the arts. We get it.

2.

Make a Sustainability Plan, Not Just a Career Plan

Your dream project means nothing if you’re too burnt out to enjoy it. Plan for rest. Advocate for better conditions. Include recovery time in your budgets. Start saying “yes” to opportunities that align with your values—and “no” to the ones that don’t.

3.

Stop Measuring Your Worth by Your Output

You are allowed to slow down. You are allowed to have quiet seasons. Your identity is not tied to your productivity. The industry might reward the loudest and busiest—but that doesn’t mean it’s sustainable or healthy.

Rest is productive.

Stillness is allowed.

You don’t have to earn the right to be here.

You’re Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Do This Alone Either

We say it all the time at Hey Mate, because it’s true:

You deserve support that understands the unique pressure of creative life.

Whether you’re a freelancer, performer, festival producer, arts worker, or emerging artist—you don’t have to “just push through.” There’s space for rest here. There’s room for care. And there’s help available that won’t ask you to explain why your work matters.

If You’re Still Tired, Still Broke, and Still Making Art—We See You

It’s hard. It’s beautiful. It’s messy.

And you’re doing better than you think.

If you’re ready to access real, meaningful support designed for the realities of the creative industries, Hey Mate is here.

Support is just a click away

Explore our mental health services, peer programs, and recovery resources. Or just start by reading another blog. We’ve got your back—no matter how tired you are.