First off, I have a Bach. of Arts in Computer and Video Imaging from an accredited college that cost me upwards of $50,000 in loans and interest so far, maybe more. I have already paid a co-signed loan down and am now working on my larger State of Alaska Student Loan making up about half with the worst collective interest rate. I had the misconception coming out of high school that I would graduate college and make a six-figure salary working in California on movies and games.
Instead I learned through working for my college as their IT/Networking person that I was a lot better at technical work than being "creative" on demand. I built whole computer labs, mostly from Boeing surplus, that helped my college actually keep their accreditation for some of the degrees and certifications they offered. Even after graduation I found that any "job" relating to my degree wanted a year-long UNPAID internship before I would be considered so I wound up using my technical skills as a contract IT tech instead. But too many months of irregular hours and short duration contracts made things hard, plus those damned loan payments were coming due, so I went home to Alaska. After a few years doing seasonal work and other jobs I finally took my Dad's advice and applied for an Apprentice job with the local telephone utility. Upon being indentured into my union I was immersed into the world of telecommunications and served a five year period of OJT mixed with winter class sessions in Anchorage.
What I do now is HELL AND GONE from my degree, but sometimes a little aesthetics and design know how comes in handy. I'm a Journeyman Communications Technician, and there's actually a few different official titles depending on who you talk to, but it simply means that I'm one of the folks who make modern communications (eg. Internet) possible. Next April will mark 10 years at my current job and I can't help but wonder at how much I would have saved had I just listened to Dad. I could have been able to afford better housing, vehicles and not been saddled with credit score crushing debt. Only after I started doing skilled work under a contract, and all the other benefits my union provides, did I start to dig out of the hole. I may not be rich, but I will never be poor.
And guess what? With all the overtime I work, I wind up coming damned close to that six-figure dream every year...
MR2Di4
