Entertainment employee worried about long-term future

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am currently working in an industry that I love, but it is unstable. I’ve been working on the creative side of TV and film for the past eight years. I am currently employed and thankfully have never experienced being laid off. I’ve done a lot of freelance work, so I know what it feels like for a project to end, but honestly, I have always been lucky enough to be offered new work pretty steadily at the end of projects I’ve worked on. As of late, though, I see how much the industry is changing and how many strikes and layoffs are happening, and I have developed crippling anxiety. Even though I currently love the role I’m in and it is full-time (not short-term), I find myself always worrying about the what-ifs of my industry and my future. It is emotionally chaotic and keeps me from being able to focus, and it pushes me into negative thought patterns. How do I keep myself from worrying about what’s to come? — Instability DEAR INSTABILITY: Start by practicing gratitude every day. When you wake up, be thankful for the work and life that you have, and focus on giving it your all. Approach each day anew. Look at the tasks ahead. Think about how you can make yourself invaluable as you go about your day. Be a positive and thoughtful team member and problem solver whenever possible.