<prompt> Human: Im a 29 year old filmmaker living in Los Angeles. The film industry is not an easy one to thrive in especially if youre trying to make it as a directorscreenwriter. I spent my twenties making independent films, went to film school straight from high school got an associates degree but never went to college or have a BS. I have written and directed two feature films with named actors in both films, a short film that premiered at the Cannes film festival in 2011. Im in the process about to have my second feature film world premiere at a well established film festival in the fall of this year. I finally got representation last year with a manager which was a big milestone for me after being in LA since September of 2007 with no representation. I was supposed to get paid 20,000 USD for directing my second feature film but told my producer to keep the money in the budget so we can get better named actors in the film, which we did. Taking the massive pay cut also enabled me to go to our investor and negotiate a much larger percentage return when we sell the film. I wrote and directed the film for 100 USD taking a huge risk, gambling on myself and my work. My dream has always been to be a filmmaker and for the past 10-11 years Ive been just that happily even though Ive been broke. Approaching 30 has got me wondering about my 20s and choices Ive made.I dont regret what Ive done but at 30 with no savings, no day job, no debt and high renting prices in LA has got me kind of in a down place right now. I guess Im wondering at 30 whats more important the fact that Ive been living my dream despite being broke or if I should be planning for my future, maybe go back to school and get a real job?  <response>: The biggest thing I see here is no debt. If you can make ends meet without debt, start saving just a little. Life is all about choices and balancing all things work, relationships, family, finances to make a life youre happy with. On you current path, finances and starting your won family may suffer . If that works for you, keep going. If you want to make adjustments, feel free to do that too. 