It can be difficult, but I think what I've come to understand is that the real situation is that the vast majority of "artists" out there, really aren't that good. 1 out of 10 are fresh out of art school where they spent the last 2 to 4 years learning basic 3D, spitting out cookie-cutter demos.

Since managing to get my job, I've been able to see many demo reels that have come in, and truthfully, the vast majority are just really mediocre at best.

If you're good, eventually, you'll get a job. That's what it boils down to.

I hunted a job for 3 years. During that time, my improvements between year 1 and year 3 were mind boggling, even to me. And at the end of that period of practicing and improving, I got a job. Sure, you'll probably need to take a "normal" job in the mean time, but as long as you keep improving and getting better, eventually, perhaps years from now, but eventually, you'll get in, if you're good.

That might be discouraging, but I think of it as encouraging. Encouraging you to continue to practice and improve and keep on trucking.