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<p>I feel the same. But the key word here, in my view, is “NEED” my help. That is different than expecting it and relying on it instead of trying to make it on their own. My kids, even as adults, are my first priority and so if they ever needed anything, I’m there for them. But they were expected to support themselves once they were done with school. It hasn’t been an issue. They also believe that it’s up to them to support themselves. Of course we would not let our kids suffer if they were unable to do this for some reason. But the fact is, they have always found ways to earn money when on their own. They don’t see it as an option to just not work hard and let the parents pay their way. So, even though I agree that I will share my good fortunes with my kids, it will not be instead of their ability and efforts to do so themselves. I may pay for something they can’t afford that is not a necessity so to speak or what not. </p>
<p>As far as how long to give this field a go in NYC…well, I am thinking of this question NOT in relation to one’s parents supporting them in the meantime (because I don’t think that is in the best interests of young adults and they should be working toward independence)…so assuming they are on their own and trying to make a living…I think they need to give it several years. My daughter said this recently as it takes that long to build up networking and build up lesser credits and so on. But again, she is not relying on just getting cast in shows. She has been consistently cast in shows for the past 13 months and will be for the next four months but wasn’t always cast the first four years out of college. But in her case, she is involved in so many different things and various facets of the field and so is not relying on just getting cast in theater productions. Currently, her three careers are going well, but each one has taken several years to build up. She has worked in theatre and music the entire five years since graduating, but some of these jobs were survival jobs and she was not always cast in something. She always was performing, however, because she performs in various capacities for free as well. She says she sees many peers who did not give it enough time (she graduated five years ago) and gave up. But she also thinks some people are waiting for the audition Gods to come through and not taking initiative to create various opportunities for themselves. </p>
<p>I don’t know the specifics of your friend’s D who has been at it for 8+ years and if she has had any work in the field. I suppose if none, she likely should be doing other work and still seeing what she can do on the side. I would not financially support someone who could be earning money but is still waiting for some big break and not working. </p>