There are tiers to every endeavor. On paper, they’re laid out as a clear path up. In reality, you can climb and fall on a whim, sometimes skipping levels. There is no one way or right way. Just your way. With that in mind, below is what a career trajectory for an actor in television and film might look like on paper.

Non-Union Performer. If you’re a non-union actor with the ultimate goal of working professionally, a good first step is to become eligible for SAG-AFTRA membership (SAG-E). In my opinion, being SAG-E makes an actor more attractive when submitting on union projects and when seeking representation. There are a number of ways to become eligible, like working background.

SAG-AFTRA Member. When your auditions for union work begin to outnumber those for non-union work, start seriously thinking about joining SAG-AFTRA. The catalyst for me joining was my first pin on a network television show. Whether or not I got cast, it was time—I was auditioning for more and more union gigs and, at that moment, literally one step away from booking my first union project.

Television. A tier with its own tiers. In its simplest progression, episodic television opportunities track like this: Co-Star → Guest Star → Recurring → Series Regular. And one does not qualify you for the next. Showing an ability to consistently deliver at a given level does. Focus on building trust with the people you work with and good things will happen. You may land a dozen Co-Stars before booking your first Guest Star. Remember, this career is a marathon, not a sprint.

Feature Film. Again, this is the “on paper” map. There are no hard and fast rules. For our purposes, however, we’ll assume some success in television has brought you to film. To keep it linear, your first roles will be in the form of Supporting characters. Then, after proving (again) your ability to deliver in all your projects, you’ll start getting shots at the Lead.

Leveling up is fun, but can feel daunting. Often, you’re at the top of your current tier before jumping. When you finally do, it’s often into the bottom of the next. Yeah, you’re on the up, but in an arena where you’re new to the party. If you feel this way, reflect on where you’ve been and remember you’ve earned your spot. You’ve done it before and you’ll do it again. Stay motivated. Stay encouraged. Don’t quit.

You should alway be working to get better at it. It’s a part of you, so honing it will only make a stronger you. A stronger you will do stronger work, and stronger work will get you opportunity.

Find variety in your training. Read books, take classes, and study works. Don’t get comfortable. If you do, it may be a sign to move on, or advance, from where you are. Have that conversation with yourself, and be honest. Then, do what’s going to make you better.

Depending on where you are in your acting or filmmaking career, registering with Central Casting might make some sense. Background work isn’t glamorous work, but it’s a great way to get on set.

Whether a how-to or a how-not-to, every set has taught me something. And being part of a production is a great way to meet people you may want to work with in the future. Just show up early, prepared, and ready to help, and you’ll be in for a good time.