Is there any difference between two sentences?
it has never been easy for cartoonists to earn a living for their life
or
it is not easy for cartoonists to earn a living for their life

Actually, I don't really understand when I can use (has been or have been) in a sentence. Would you mind giving some examples for elaboration? Thanks!

Question

Is there any difference between two sentences?
it has never been easy for cartoonists to earn a living for their life
or
it is not easy for cartoonists to earn a living for their life

Actually, I don't really understand when I can use (has been or have been) in a sentence. Would you mind giving some examples for elaboration? Thanks!

Answer

Firstly, you don't need "for their life". Earn a living already sort of means that.

Has never been easy is past tense. A close Chinese equivalent would be 一直以來做 "cartoonist" 不容易賺錢.

The second sentence, "it is not easy" only speaks about the present. It doesn't say anything about the past. 現在做 "cartoonist" 不容易賺錢.