Alright Im going insane right now, and have no idea where Im going with my life.

School:
Im currently 19 graduated a year ago and havent enrolled in college yet. I havent enrolled in school yet, because well 2007-2008 school year I had no financial aid due to my parents not filing their taxes. So now that I have put some thought into school Im stuck on career paths. Originally I wanted a Bachelors of Science in Computer System Security so I could be a Network Administrator. Computers have always come easy to me, and Ive been fixing them since I was 9 when I actually knew what the hell I was doing. Well after designing a few logos for some local DJs one complemented my work that I did for free and asked if he could use it for a album cover. Well that re-sparked my interest in visual communication which I studied every year in high school along with a private study class for graphic design and video production. In the year out of high school I havent had a computer to use until my room mate let me install some software on his PC in exchange for some lessons. Since the DJ said he liked my work Im thinking of getting a Bachelors of Science in Visual Communication. One thing for sure is I do want a four year degree out of life.

Money:
I recently got layed off from my last job where I was Database Engineer. Loved the job it was super chill, no rules, just show up to work and do it right. Well now Im jobless and the city I live in has nothing to offer me. Ive applied for several jobs as a amateur network administrator, but no telemarketing company here will hire because I have no experience and a CompTIA A+ Cert in software and hardware doesnt mean squat to them. Ive also tried BestBuy's Geek Squad, and Circuit City's Fire Dog, but neither are hiring. I really want a career oriented job, but there is nothing here. Im contemplating moving to CoSprings(40mi north of where I am) and living in my Great Aunts rental, but dont know if itll be worth it. Or moving to Denver(110mi north of where I am) and blowing lots of money on a deposit for a apartment just to fail and have to come back here to move in with my mom and recover.

Future:
Its so damn unpredictable! School, and money are two big things in life right now to worry about. I want a education so I live to up to everyones standards, and money to provide for going to raves, and paying the bills.

The only real happiness I have right now is when I goto Denver for those 10hrs of dance time and have a blast. Then come back to this town just to be depressed about there being nothing here. Im sure this is a hint for me to get the hell out of dodge. One other problem there. My Jeep is in mid construction and the price of gas isnt to sexy anymore. Id like to sell it, but the chance of me getting $4k for the vehicle with a brand new powerful motor isnt going to happen. Id like to sell if for a new car like a Toyota Matrix or a Jeep Patriot but with no down payment and no job its going to be a pain to afford the payments. Also now that Im moving back in with my mom until I get another job I wont have a computer to continue my graphic design on until Im college and my grandparents unleash the money they have been saving since I was born for me to goto school and pay for expenses(Apple MacBook Pro).

So yea Im sure most people on this forum are going through this same situation, but someone here has to have already struggled through it and have some pointers.

I'm 33 and I struggled through a lot of the same stuff in my life. This is just based on my personal experience and what's right for you might not be the same, but here you go.

I'm certified as a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Cisco Cert. Ineternet Expert (CCIE), A+, Net+ and have a ton of experience with Checkpoint and Symantec Firewalls.

I should be in high demand, yet I can't make a living in the computer field because no company will pay me what I'm worth. I used to make 6 figures and now can't get a job paying 50k.

When the field first broke years ago, there was a lot of money, security and job opportunities. The reality is that the computer engineers of today are the auto mechanics of yesteryear. There was a time when mechanics made a ton of money and were in high demand. Now everyone and their grandfather can work on an engine and they don't get paid squat.

The same thing is happening with the computer industry.

As far as your current situation, it sounds like you don't have much of an opportunity to get on the path you want to be in the place you're at. If those opportunities just aren't there for you then I would definitely advocate taking a chance and going somewhere that you actually have a chance at living the kind of life you want.

The beauty of it all is that you are still 19 and have plenty of opportunity to make mistakes without it having to destroy your entire life. There's time for you to take chances now and have plenty of time to recover in the event things don't work out. If you have a family that's willing to help you through these times then you're even better off, because you have that extra security of knowing that total failure does not necessarily equate to being homeless.

I say give yourself the opportunity you deserve and want in life. If you happen to fail you have things to fall back on. Not everyone has that same security.

sigh (IMG:http://www.glowsticking.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif)

*grok*

feel lucky that you're only 19- i'm 23 and barely starting to get my ass together for college. i've been working my ass off trying to make enough money to pay the bills, and that's all i've been able to do; pay the bills. i haven't had any money left over to save for college or anything else for that matter. life just sucks like that sometimes.

Geek Squad and Firedog do NOT want people who are actually knowledgeable. They want people who will maximize profits from tech services.

Ride a bike. That's what I do.

My friend is planning to open a computer tech business of his own. It's very risky but in the end, it could be worth it or an epic fail.

90% of small business startups fail within their first year. If I remember correctly of the remaining 10%, half of those fail within the second year.

Sorry for the delay. Went on vacation almost right after posting this. Im still on vacation in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Been a good chance to escape the heat of 90* weather for 115* weather lol. Im out visiting my dad who ran away this january.

Cleared up alot of thought and burned alot of skin. Sunburn is the new coolness in the 2nd degree.

But when I get back to CO Im going to start slowly moving my crap back to the moms house. Check out CSU for a degree that interests me. Get the Jeep done and sold. To many problems to deal with and the Jeep and my broken Toyota are burdens I need gone! After all that and a job Ill probally look into moving to Denver for Univ of Phoenix or ITT school of Technology. If all this gets done in a year that would rock but Im not holding onto any hopes.

ITT is possibly one of the worst technology schools you could get a degree in, simply because they are a 'Gradfarm'. Meaning they pretty much give you your diploma, and its not worth much in the world. Same thing with schools like DeVry, Full Sail, DigiPen, etc.

University of Phoenix is a better bet for a worthy diploma, but will be more expensive.

If you want a sure job without risk of being fired or laid off, and dont mind sacrificing half a year of your life for strict training, and another few years for service, join the Air Force or Army. Im in the training course for the Army's 25B MOS, which is 'Information Technology Specialist', which is a fancy phrase for 'Network Administration'. There are other MOS's in the 25 series that deal with satellite communications, visual media creation and editing (stuff like the Army commercials, etc), making and laying cables, using and repairing certain land nav equipment, etc. The only problem there is the pay, which is leveled out by free board, food, and medical coverage. So its not all that bad.

If you want a job, and nothing in your area is related to your preferred field, suck it up. I was the same in the fact that I wanted jobs at Circuit City, Best Buy, Radio Shack, Game Stop, etc. Sometimes its more important to get a job at Burger King to keep some money coming in, while still looking for a usable job in your field.

Those are my few cents. And sorry for sounding like an Army recruiter. Lol.