Ignoring the neverending disputes about whether anyone here will 'make it', what happens if you do? Say your sitcom gets picked up, commissioned and broadcast, then you get an agent and the work starts to pour in.
Is being a screenwriter a job for life? Or do you get chucked after five years and have to go back to working in tescos? What happens when you get old? Is that why a lot successful writers are setting up production companies?
Being old doesn't stop you from writing. You do however start writing plots about old men in bathtubs rolling down hills and that, or so I hear.
Are you asking us personally? Or is the 'you' a general you.
When the money runs out you can always put a few women out on the game... can't you? 
I'd like to try as many comedy aspects as possible. Write, direct, show-running, working with new talent (when I'm swimming in awards obviously) and maybe acting (though I've got a REALLY annoying voice)
I'd want to try everything except appearing on camera.
*shiver*
Damn, that *shiver* was well done.
So is there actually such a thing as a screen writing career path?
I can't seem to find anything about it on the internet, it all seems to be about getting that initial 'foot in the door'.
Yes, that's about it. Once you get your foot in the door it's simply a matter of twisting about 180 degrees and keeping other feet out...
How much does a writer earn from a sitcom?
If I ever "made it", I would have to give up my career as a playboy bunny/international party girl so that would be a relief. It's long hours and there is no union.
Quote: Simon Stratton @ August 29, 2007, 1:52 PMHow much does a writer earn from a sitcom?
I think it's about the same as a Greek Urn...
And you probably have to do your first one for free... 
After that they'll let you know...
Quote: Simon Stratton @ August 29, 2007, 1:52 PMHow much does a writer earn from a sitcom?
About £3k-£5k if my memory isn't going and my memory isn't going.
Hmmm, it's a lot more than that I think. Maybe 5k+ an episode. Don't know for sure though, but people do make a living out of it. Definitely not nothing Frankie! We should find out for sure if we want to become writers.
And I need to know if I'll earn enough to hire Ruby for my party.
Wages are obviously a closely guarded secret but from what I understand commissioned sitcom writers can easily earn towards the mid to upper end of five figures a year. It really does depend on production companies policies, DVD sales, repeats etc though.
If your name is Ricky Gervais, John Sullivan, Graham Linehan or any other instantly recognisable name you're obviously looking at a lot more than five figures a year!
It varies to be honest doesn't it. You get paid for commissions, rewrites, etc.