Lost & Running Out of Time - Am I Missing a Better Path? (Advice Needed)

anewuser

TL;DR: This is a detailed post covering my experience, goals, and the options I’m currently aware of. This is extremely personal and valuable to me, so I want to attract people who are willing to take the time to give me comprehensive advice.

Any resources, ideas, questions, or other forms of help are welcome as long as they relate to my situation.

I’m a 24-year-old male who left college about four years ago. Since then, I’ve been improving myself and working as a freelancer specializing in video production and digital marketing.

My ultimate goal is to become a filmmaker in an English-speaking country. I was born and currently live in a developing country. This post isn’t about that goal specifically, but I need to mention it because every decision I make has to bring me one step closer to achieving it.

Right now, my primary focus is immigrating to the UK (more on why the UK specifically below). However, I don’t seem to have the type of work experience that would make companies abroad willing to sponsor me for a visa, even though I have collaborated with some major companies in the past.

After spending the last year continuously applying for jobs and improving my CV without securing a single interview, I’ve concluded that sponsorship is highly unlikely (at least for now). If I had at least gotten some attention, I would have doubled down on my efforts.

I know I can provide value to companies looking for video makers and social media marketers. I’m confident in my ability to market myself during interviews, but the hardest part is getting noticed. I feel invisible right now.

A few days ago, I found a recruitment agency that claims they can elevate my profile, apply for jobs on my behalf, and land me interviews. It sounded too good to be true, but I’ve decided to give them a chance.

At the same time, I’ve started looking for agencies or individuals who can help me secure high-demand, unskilled labor jobs, such as construction or caregiving. It may not be ideal, but given my situation, I’d gladly take it.

Time is extremely important to me, and as it passes, I feel increasingly anxious about my age. My short-term goal is simply to be in the UK legally. Once there, I can start networking with other filmmakers, attending industry events, and sharpening my skills. I’d prefer to be in the UK before turning 30, but I don’t know if that’s a realistic expectation.

 

Other Options I’m Considering

Aside from the paths mentioned above, I’m aware of these possibilities:

1. Studying in the UK

• Studying in the UK is significantly more expensive than in other European countries, and I’d need to save for another 2–3 years to afford it.
• I’m not really interested in studying, but if I do, it would be solely for the purpose of staying in the UK.
• Even after graduation, a visa sponsorship isn’t guaranteed. I’ve seen many international graduates struggle to secure sponsorship.

2. Becoming a Successful Financial Trader

• I have an agreement with a company that will sponsor me if I become a consistently profitable trader.
• They are legitimate and have sponsored people before, but their probation challenge is extremely difficult.
• Financial trading is unlike any business I’ve tried before, and it could take me years to master.

3. Launching My Own Digital Marketing & Video Production Agency

• In theory, this seems like the best option, and I have contacts who could guide me.
• However, logistical challenges make it incredibly difficult:
• Forming a UK-based company is possible, but I struggle to open a UK bank account due to my country of residence.
• Major platforms impose restrictions on my region. Facebook, for instance, instantly restricts any new agency ad accounts created from my country’s IP address.
• Even if I overcome these barriers (which is possible), progress would be very slow, and reaching the self-sponsorship qualification level would take at least five years.

 

Right now, I feel torn between these options. I don’t know whether to go all in on one path or to keep assessing my options and alternating between them until something works.

I’m certain there are pathways I haven’t considered yet. I keep learning about new possibilities almost every day, which is why I’m hoping to reach people who might know something I don’t.

Any resources, ideas, questions, or feedback are welcome!

FlorayG

"At the same time, I’ve started looking for agencies or individuals who can help me secure high-demand, unskilled labour jobs, such as construction or caregiving. It may not be ideal, but given my situation, I’d gladly take it."

Neither of these jobs are unskilled. I have a friend here on a visa from South Africa and she has had to undertake a LOT of training in order to be employed as a social care worker. 
On the other hand; she has as much work as she wants and often does 60 hour weeks because, like you,  she has a purpose for the money. But bear in mind you will need time to pursue your chosen career and earning this way is long, hard hours with very little spare time

anewuser

FlorayG said:

Neither of these jobs are unskilled. I have a friend here on a visa from South Africa and she has had to undertake a LOT of training in order to be employed as a social care worker. 

I used the term 'unskilled' because it’s often how these roles are categorized in job listings or visa sponsorship discussions. From what I’ve observed, the majority of companies provide the training in the UK after securing the job, so a certificate related to the job is enough to apply, as far as I’m aware.

Marcon

anewuser said:

TL;DR: This is a detailed post covering my experience, goals, and the options I’m currently aware of. This is extremely personal and valuable to me, so I want to attract people who are willing to take the time to give me comprehensive advice.

Any resources, ideas, questions, or other forms of help are welcome as long as they relate to my situation.

I’m a 24-year-old male who left college about four years ago. Since then, I’ve been improving myself and working as a freelancer specializing in video production and digital marketing.

What sort of college are we talking about - something comparable to a UK university? What qualifications do you have - a degree, or some form of vocational qualification?

My ultimate goal is to become a filmmaker in an English-speaking country.

Having a goal is great - but pause to consider how realistic it is. Do you really have the necessary determination, drive and crucially talent to achieve it? Is it financially viable? 

 I was born and currently live in a developing country. This post isn’t about that goal specifically, but I need to mention it because every decision I make has to bring me one step closer to achieving it.

Right now, my primary focus is immigrating to the UK (more on why the UK specifically below). However, I don’t seem to have the type of work experience that would make companies abroad willing to sponsor me for a visa, even though I have collaborated with some major companies in the past.

You say you have 'collaborated' - what did you do? How successful were these collaborations? If they worked well why is nobody prepared to sponsor you (I'm asking for information, not making some sort of veiled accusation that you didn't do a good job for them)?

After spending the last year continuously applying for jobs and improving my CV without securing a single interview, I’ve concluded that sponsorship is highly unlikely (at least for now). If I had at least gotten some attention, I would have doubled down on my efforts.

It really is vital to identify why you have had zero success. Until you are able to do that, it's going to be nigh on impossible to take steps to remedy matters and improve your chances.

I know I can provide value to companies looking for video makers and social media marketers. I’m confident in my ability to market myself during interviews, but the hardest part is getting noticed. I feel invisible right now.

You are confident you can provide value to companies looking for marketing help but can't get yourself noticed - there's a bit of a contradiction there, surely?

A few days ago, I found a recruitment agency that claims they can elevate my profile, apply for jobs on my behalf, and land me interviews. It sounded too good to be true, but I’ve decided to give them a chance.

I trust you aren't going to be paying any money to them?

At the same time, I’ve started looking for agencies or individuals who can help me secure high-demand, unskilled labor jobs, such as construction or caregiving. It may not be ideal, but given my situation, I’d gladly take it.

Good for you! Flexibility and a willingness to do whatever it takes is a great positive sign.

Time is extremely important to me, and as it passes, I feel increasingly anxious about my age. My short-term goal is simply to be in the UK legally. Once there, I can start networking with other filmmakers, attending industry events, and sharpening my skills. I’d prefer to be in the UK before turning 30, but I don’t know if that’s a realistic expectation.

 You are 24. You have very little life experience simply because you're so young, but sometimes the confidence of youth can be a handy attribute! Far from running out of time - you have half a century at least of potential working life ahead of you - you are building up experience whatever you do, and that in turn should stand you in good stead as you mature.

Other Options I’m Considering

Aside from the paths mentioned above, I’m aware of these possibilities:

1. Studying in the UK

• Studying in the UK is significantly more expensive than in other European countries, and I’d need to save for another 2–3 years to afford it.
• I’m not really interested in studying, but if I do, it would be solely for the purpose of staying in the UK.
• Even after graduation, a visa sponsorship isn’t guaranteed. I’ve seen many international graduates struggle to secure sponsorship.

If you aren't interested in studying, why spend time and money on something at which you are likely to fail, or at least not succeed well enough to make it worth the outlay? A poor outcome from a UK course isn't exactly a recommendation for a potential employer or sponsor.

2. Becoming a Successful Financial Trader

• I have an agreement with a company that will sponsor me if I become a consistently profitable trader.
• They are legitimate and have sponsored people before, but their probation challenge is extremely difficult.
• Financial trading is unlike any business I’ve tried before, and it could take me years to master.

Forget it. Entry is massively competitive and there's nothing in your post to suggest you have any chance of getting a training place, or that you are remotely well suited to the hideously high pressure environment - not many people are.

3. Launching My Own Digital Marketing & Video Production Agency

• In theory, this seems like the best option, and I have contacts who could guide me.
• However, logistical challenges make it incredibly difficult:
• Forming a UK-based company is possible, but I struggle to open a UK bank account due to my country of residence.
• Major platforms impose restrictions on my region. Facebook, for instance, instantly restricts any new agency ad accounts created from my country’s IP address.
• Even if I overcome these barriers (which is possible), progress would be very slow, and reaching the self-sponsorship qualification level would take at least five years.

 So you'd be 29 by the time you got to self-sponsorship level. That's not ancient...

Right now, I feel torn between these options. I don’t know whether to go all in on one path or to keep assessing my options and alternating between them until something works.

I’m certain there are pathways I haven’t considered yet. I keep learning about new possibilities almost every day, which is why I’m hoping to reach people who might know something I don’t.

Any resources, ideas, questions, or feedback are welcome!

Some thoughts above.

I commend you wholeheartedly for thinking through how best to proceed, but I think you're trying to run before you can walk. The clock is ticking, but not nearly as loudly and madly as you fear. At 24, you're a beginner at life and work!

You want to be a film maker in an English speaking country. How many films have you made and posted on (say) YouTube or similar? How well received have they been?

The UK isn't the only English speaking country around, and others may have less restrictive entry requirements, which in turn might help you launch your own agency.

anewuser

Marcon said:

anewuser said:

What sort of college are we talking about - something comparable to a UK university? What qualifications do you have - a degree, or some form of vocational qualification?

It is comparable to a UK university, but I haven't graduated. I only completed one year.

Having a goal is great - but pause to consider how realistic it is. Do you really have the necessary determination, drive and crucially talent to achieve it? Is it financially viable? 

It is quite realistic to make low-budget movies at the very beginning. I'm not trying to work with a big production company at the start. I do have the determination and drive, yes. In fact, I'm going through the hard stuff just for the "dream." As for talent, I think I'm talented, but only time will tell, I don’t want to be delusional lol. At the end of the day, I want to make movies, not necessarily "successful" movies. It's an artistic endeavor, and I’m open to the possibility that people may not like my work or that I may not become a successful filmmaker. But that doesn’t matter to me because this is what I love to do. My objective is to meet the high standards I set for myself and to make myself proud.

You say you have 'collaborated' - what did you do? How successful were these collaborations? If they worked well why is nobody prepared to sponsor you (I'm asking for information, not making some sort of veiled accusation that you didn't do a good job for them)?

I helped them produce some videos. I don't know whether they were a success or not, as I'm just a freelancer. But some of them came back to me for other projects, so I assume what I did brought them good results.

It really is vital to identify why you have had zero success. Until you are able to do that, it's going to be nigh on impossible to take steps to remedy matters and improve your chances.

Totally agree, I'm working on identifying why I haven't had success and trying different approaches.

You are confident you can provide value to companies looking for marketing help but can't get yourself noticed - there's a bit of a contradiction there, surely?

I think it's due to the extremely competitive nature of the job market and the way CVs are processed. I had great success marketing my services, that's how I get clients and survive as a freelancer.

I trust you aren't going to be paying any money to them?

I can pay.

 

Good for you! Flexibility and a willingness to do whatever it takes is a great positive sign.

 You are 24. You have very little life experience simply because you're so young, but sometimes the confidence of youth can be a handy attribute! Far from running out of time - you have half a century at least of potential working life ahead of you - you are building up experience whatever you do, and that in turn should stand you in good stead as you mature.

If you aren't interested in studying, why spend time and money on something at which you are likely to fail, or at least not succeed well enough to make it worth the outlay? A poor outcome from a UK course isn't exactly a recommendation for a potential employer or sponsor.

Totally agree. I was just listing the options I'm aware of.

Forget it. Entry is massively competitive and there's nothing in your post to suggest you have any chance of getting a training place, or that you are remotely well suited to the hideously high pressure environment - not many people are.

 So you'd be 29 by the time you got to self-sponsorship level. That's not ancient...

Thank you so much for the valuable feedback!

I responded to some of your questions above.

Marcon

Many thanks for your replies, which I read with a growing sense of admiration - not often that ambition, realism and humility are found in the same place!

anewuser said:

Marcon said:

anewuser said:

What sort of college are we talking about - something comparable to a UK university? What qualifications do you have - a degree, or some form of vocational qualification?

It is comparable to a UK university, but I haven't graduated. I only completed one year.

I wondered if you'd left a college course uncompleted - so often people who do that then have a sense of urgency to do something else 'before time runs out', as if there's some sort of career egg timer which upended itself the moment plans went awry. The reality is simply that you went to college and for whatever reason it didn't work out. I've always liked the saying 'experience is what you get when you don't get what you want'. It's a bump along the way, not a mountain to climb.

Having a goal is great - but pause to consider how realistic it is. Do you really have the necessary determination, drive and crucially talent to achieve it? Is it financially viable? 

It is quite realistic to make low-budget movies at the very beginning. I'm not trying to work with a big production company at the start. I do have the determination and drive, yes. In fact, I'm going through the hard stuff just for the "dream." As for talent, I think I'm talented, but only time will tell, I don’t want to be delusional lol. At the end of the day, I want to make movies, not necessarily "successful" movies. It's an artistic endeavor, and I’m open to the possibility that people may not like my work or that I may not become a successful filmmaker. But that doesn’t matter to me because this is what I love to do. My objective is to meet the high standards I set for myself and to make myself proud.

That is an entirely realistic objective and there's every chance you will be able to do just that, and with your excellent attitude, probably a lot more too.

You say you have 'collaborated' - what did you do? How successful were these collaborations? If they worked well why is nobody prepared to sponsor you (I'm asking for information, not making some sort of veiled accusation that you didn't do a good job for them)?

I helped them produce some videos. I don't know whether they were a success or not, as I'm just a freelancer. But some of them came back to me for other projects, so I assume what I did brought them good results.

You mean you didn't check with your clients if they were happy...? We live in a world of feedback, which can be a total pain sometimes, but you need to know how well your work is being received. A simple phone call at the end of a project asking someone to confirm they are completely happy/if not what can you do to ensure they are works wonders and often leads to future commissions.

It really is vital to identify why you have had zero success. Until you are able to do that, it's going to be nigh on impossible to take steps to remedy matters and improve your chances.

Totally agree, I'm working on identifying why I haven't had success and trying different approaches.

Keep going! You'll get there.

You are confident you can provide value to companies looking for marketing help but can't get yourself noticed - there's a bit of a contradiction there, surely?

I think it's due to the extremely competitive nature of the job market and the way CVs are processed. I had great success marketing my services, that's how I get clients and survive as a freelancer.

Without knowing how things operate in your country, it's impossible to know what will and won't work. Any chance you can apply direct rather than via agencies (or possibly that's what you are already doing), and use something other than a run of the mill cv/application form where a job gives that sort of option when applying? If it doesn't, there's nothing to stop you making speculative approaches using the same sort of approach which is successfully winning you client business. 

I trust you aren't going to be paying any money to them?

I can pay.

It's not a case of your ability to pay - it's whether you should be paying. There are very strict laws in the UK about what job seekers can be asked to pay for, and those laws apply to overseas applicants as well as domestic job hunters. Suggest you have a look at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-the-international-recruitment-of-health-and-social-care-personnel/code-of-practice-for-the-international-recruitment-of-health-and-social-care-personnel-in-england

and

https://www.securitywatchdog.org.uk/latest-news/migrant-care-workers-charged-illegal-recruitment-fees-in-uk/

and

https://www.davidsonmorris.com/visa-sponsorship-recruitment-agencies-uk/

Thank you so much for the valuable feedback!

I responded to some of your questions above.

Please see further responses above.

In the UK we have a long tradition of volunteering. I don't know if anything similar exists in your country, but it's a good way to build up a portfolio if you offer your services free to a charity, they use whatever you've contributed on their website and are happy to give you the credit for doing the work - usually by adding a note on the website acknowledging that you were kind enough to provide your services without charge.

Have a look at https://www.gov.uk/volunteering and follow some of the links to see if there's anything in the UK you could volunteer for - many of the roles (especially IT) are remote. I've noted your comment about the issues with your IP address, so not sure if that suggestion is even viable from a technical perspective - hope so!