A freelance motion picture editor named Allan, aged 45, is facing significant financial challenges despite his earlier success in the film and television industry. Once earning up to $95,000 annually, Allan's income plummeted drastically in 2024 to just $31,000. This decline stems from multiple factors affecting the Montreal film industry, including tighter budgets from streaming services, reduced advertising revenue, increased use of artificial intelligence, and fewer American productions filming locally. Despite owning a home with manageable mortgage payments and having savings in various accounts, Allan finds himself living at a deficit, relying occasionally on credit lines to cover expenses.

Allan's career trajectory had been promising since he graduated in 2003 with a degree in communications. For nearly two decades, he enjoyed steady work and substantial earnings within the vibrant Montreal media scene. However, beginning in 2023, Allan noticed an alarming drop in available projects. He attributes this downturn primarily to changes in how content is produced and consumed globally. These shifts have led not only to less work but also to greater competition among professionals like him.

Despite these setbacks, Allan maintains some financial stability due to prudent past decisions. In 2019, he and his partner purchased their current residence through a private sale that avoided typical real estate costs. An inheritance allowed them to make a substantial down payment, keeping monthly mortgage obligations low. Additionally, they benefit from Quebec’s affordable daycare system and government child benefits, which are directed into education savings plans for their young children.

Even so, Allan struggles to meet all his monthly expenses without dipping into reserves or increasing debt. His detailed budget reveals areas where cuts have already been made—such as halting contributions to retirement and tax-free savings accounts—but certain fixed costs remain unavoidable. The psychological toll of this ongoing uncertainty adds another layer of stress to his daily life.

Allan remains hopeful about potential improvements in the industry while continuing to prioritize long-term investments in his children’s futures. Although navigating current economic conditions proves challenging, his strategic approach to managing limited resources demonstrates resilience amidst adversity. By focusing on essential expenditures and maintaining discipline in saving where possible, Allan exemplifies adaptability in response to unforeseen career fluctuations.