Supporting a Friend Through Creative Career Struggles

Watching someone you care about struggle with their creative path can feel overwhelming. When a close friend seems trapped, desperate about their future, but reluctant to open up about what they're going through, it's natural to want to help. The challenge is knowing how to approach someone who might be withdrawing or putting on a brave face whilst battling uncertainty about their creative direction.

This question was answered by Sabina Read, psychologist, presenter, broadcaster, facilitator and writer with expertise in workplace issues, career change and mental health across the lifespan, particularly supporting people through life transitions and relationship challenges in professional settings.

Focus on What You Can Actually See

When you're worried about someone, it's tempting to jump straight into analysis or comparisons. Sabina warns against this approach: "Don't go in for the diagnostics. Instead stick with observable facts."

Rather than saying something like "you seem anxious" or making assumptions based on your own experiences, focus on specific behaviours you've noticed. "Observable facts means that you're saying to that person I've noticed recently that you've been withdrawn, not working, drinking, whatever," Sabina explains. The key is sticking to what you can actually see rather than interpreting or diagnosing.

Create Space for Honest Conversation

Once you've identified the observable changes, approach your friend with genuine curiosity rather than solutions. Sabina suggests framing it as: "Have I got this right? Help me understand. Is that what it's like for you or have I missed something?"

This approach "allows them to respond without feeling defensive" because you're not telling them what's wrong with them. Instead, you're acknowledging what you've observed and creating space for them to share their experience if they choose to.

You Don't Need to Fix Everything

One of the most important things to remember is that your role isn't to solve your friend's career crisis. "You don't need to have all the solutions," Sabina reminds us. "You can act as a sounding board and be a conduit to the next step."

This takes the pressure off you to have all the answers about creative career paths, industry connections, or life direction. Sometimes the most valuable thing you can offer is simply being present and listening without trying to fix everything.

Recognise When Professional Support Might Help

If your friend's struggles seem to go deeper than career uncertainty, gently suggesting professional support can be incredibly valuable. "The next steps might be seeing a psychologist or career counsellor or their GP or talking to another friend," Sabina notes.

You're not admitting defeat by suggesting professional help. You're recognising that some challenges benefit from trained expertise, whether that's career guidance, mental health support, or both.

How NNC Circles Could Help

Both you and your friend might benefit from Never Not Creative Circles, our peer support groups designed specifically for creatives facing challenges. These monthly sessions connect small groups of creatives in safe, confidential spaces where people can share experiences and support each other through difficult times.

For your friend, Circles could provide connection with others navigating similar creative career struggles. For you, it might offer insights into how to better support someone you care about whilst managing your own concerns about their wellbeing. Learn more about NNC Circles.

When to Seek Additional Help

If you're finding it difficult to support your friend, or if their struggles seem to be affecting their basic wellbeing, don't hesitate to seek guidance yourself. Sometimes caring for someone who's struggling can feel overwhelming, and that's completely normal.

Professional support is available for both of you if needed. Find resources and helplines here.

Remember: Small Steps Matter

Supporting a friend through creative career struggles isn't about having perfect words or magical solutions. It's about showing up consistently, observing with care, and creating space for honest conversation. Your friend might not be ready to talk immediately, and that's okay too.

The creative industry can feel isolating, especially when someone's questioning their path or feeling stuck. By approaching your friend with observable facts rather than assumptions, and by being willing to listen without fixing, you're offering something genuinely valuable: the knowledge that they're not facing this alone.