Those wonderful employment issues.

RuneLateralus · Otaku Knight Gender: Joined: 27 Sep 2002

I am unemployed. Ok, technically, I am not. I work two part time jobs. Should be earning something decent right? Wrong. One of the jobs (Gamestop), gives me about 4 hours a month. The second job (JC Penney's) does better at giving me hours...but this week...the assistant manager didn't give any hours cause she didn't know I still worked there. And I have been there for 5 months...but they have failed to give me the raise you get for being there 90 days (nevermind that all the teens who do shit got theirs). Bottom line, I barely average out 8 hours a week with less than $7 per hour. The rate I am going with the two part time jobs, I will be lucky if I can make my student loan payments. And that doesn't include the credit card and cell phone either. My parents helped me out with a lot, but my dad never believed in me going for the path I wanted. I so wanted to prove him right, but he is right, it really looks like I wasted the past 4 years of my life.

I am an animator. For about 8 months, I have sent out about 30 resumes. I got only 3 responses. I have had experience doing models, lip syncing in Maya, and texturing with Photoshop. So pretty much, I qualify for Graphic Design, Animators, modelers, the such. However, I can't ever seem to get anything. I have been told I have the talent. They like the animations on my website. Why can't anybody give me a damn chance. If I fail, fine. But in the experience, I have met the deadlines, I do quality work, and I am easy to work with.

I worked hard for my bachelor's degree. And what do I got to show for it. Shit. Nothing but shit.

Silver Adept · Otaku Lord Age: 42 Gender: Joined: 20 May 2003

It's a tough market to break into - having an excellent portfolio is a good step to making things work. Have you got a "Demo video" that shows off all of your skills to prospective employers? Maybe a side project or two that's ongoing that you can use to show off with? Patience, perseverance, and living somewhere near an animation studio might be your best friends.

(Of course, if you've done all this, then sorry for taking your time - accept my apologies and sympathy instead.)

underpants · awesome sauce! Age: 41 Gender: Joined: 07 Jul 2004

Rune, I'm so sorry for your frustration. Where do you live? Is it near a big city or something?

Unfortunatly, going to college isn't a big deal any more, in my opinion. For example, I'm studying to become a teacher, and in NY state no one will hire you unless you have a master's degree. College is so routine now, you either have to work your way up -even though you have a degree-, get a master's degree, or know someone in the business. Quite honestly, knowing someone is the key to almost anything, especially something like Graphic Design or animation.

Did you have an internship in college? Maybe you can call them and see if they have any openings.

You could also see if any animation or graphic design studios are hiring for any jobs and try for one of those.

My final bit of advice is to go to your college's career office (if it's close, obviously) and see what they can do for you.

Hang in there, you're going to make it! Don't give up!!! We believe in you!

Tobias · *explodes* Age: 38 Gender: Joined: 17 Jan 2003

senor, just keep trying. UP does bring up a good point, and if anything, you could also try to work freelance and see if a company can hire you to do marketing design with your animations.

Its the only thing that comes to mind at the moment, when more things hit my head, i'll let ya know.