I think I made a mistake...

[twiggy101]

I graduated in a small town in June 2007. Never went to college or something like that, just did some jobs in my home town. So I live in my own house and I work at a glass shop which pays my bills and mortgage. I only started to work there because I lost my previous job and I was desperate for work. I grew to like the job. So last July I asked my boss to get me into the apprenticeship program. Why not? I've been working there for a year so why not go to school and get paid better? So I sign a bunch of papers and he takes them to an apprenticeship school. I thought I was going to go this year because at this point I already spent 2 years out of school. But I guess I'll have to wait until next fall to go to school. That is when I started thinking.

I really like to work with photoshop, animation and stuff like that in the field. I've been looking at new media classes for about a couple years but I never joined because of the way the economy is while glazing is supposed to be in demand. Plus I only have to spend like 4 weeks a year in Calgary to go to school for about 4 years to become an apprentice. The pay should be nice but the thing is I only like my job. When people ask me how much I like my job I just simply nod and say "I like it". I want to tell them I love my job.

The thing about graphic designing is that I explore different schools but I always look back at graphic designing. I like to use GIMP as an alternative and do different things. I find it fun. Meanwhile, glazing is something I can't involve myself at home. I'm pretty good at my job actually but I feel I've been there, done that. It's just that lately it's been dead at work. Especially today. There was [censored] all. Me and the guys were literally standing in the shop. I'm an installer but I don't have a helper. They hired green guys and then partnered them with the more experienced workers but leave me at the shop. Now I wouldn't be surprised if they stared laying people off. And to be honest, I'm not afraid of being laid off. At least that way I'm out of the apprenticeship program and I have graphic designing as plan B. Even if I don't get laid off, it would be hard for me to tell my boss that I don't want to do it anymore. But I just want myself to be happy. But I'll see as I go.

[polexia]

be happy, but also have the money to back it up.

if nothing else you can continue to do graphic design art as a hobby.

[Brandon Walsh is Insane.]

It's hard to find a job that you actually like, that can supply you with what you want.

Unless you create your own job...

Just learn more about graphics and what not -- you don't necessarily have to go to school to learn the art trade, a lot of it can be done at home via the web. You can even take online courses to help you out if you are so inclined.

Good luck in whatever path you choose.

[Tapout]

A word of advice: enjoying Photoshop does not = automatic full-time dream job.

Absolutely pursue your dreams if you have the time and willpower to do so, and with graphic design, there are plenty of resources out there from free online tutorials to stacks and stacks of books. There are also probably online courses you could take. However, you will most likely end up taking them in the evenings after work. Make sure you can pay the bills.

If your goal in life is to become a graphic designer or visual effects guy, I can tell you that you'll be competing with a ton of other guys who are just as passionate and talented, and will also have college degrees, which will likely work against you. Keep that in mind and consider pursuing higher education if you can afford to.