Want Advice

Darein

Darein

Retired SWG Bounty Hunter
So since deciding maybe policework won't be the best for me (though I'm still going to do a little more research before I dump the idea entirely), I've looked at a couple other options.

I do tons of things on the internet and play tons of computer games, so I think it would be pretty natural to do freelance work on the web, like writing, web design, photography, graphic design etc. There's already websites where they do this, and an example of this is http://www.freelanceworkexchange.com/

I would need some more education in creative arts though so I would probably need to go back to college for a degree (I have an Associate in Arts, basically a 2-yr general education degree), or join a technical type of school. I just need something that would enable me to work with java, PHP, and some mid- to high-level HTML, and a few other things I'm not in-the-know of right now. Some more design type classes would help too.


For playing computer games I could get a CS degree and try joining some game development companies. I just don't like the math part of that though, and I can do some basic C++ but I really don't enjoy it. I might be able to make it as a level designer.

I'm also thinking that I need to "broaden my horizons" or some-such and grab a few internships, though in a 10,000 population town there may not be many internships available that I'd be interested in.

I think it would really kick butt to be a screenwriter too.

I need a few more ideas though, and if anyone does any of the above for a living, please fill me in on some things, such as work environment, employer's expectations of you, typical schedule, etc.


PS - also thought about bail bond enforcement agent though it sounds very iffy, and I doubt anyone here has done that! :lol:
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Darein @ Feb 8 2006, 01:41 PM) [snapback]41305[/snapback][/center]
So since deciding maybe policework won't be the best for me (though I'm still going to do a little more research before I dump the idea entirely), I've looked at a couple other options.

I do tons of things on the internet and play tons of computer games, so I think it would be pretty natural to do freelance work on the web, like writing, web design, photography, graphic design etc. There's already websites where they do this, and an example of this is http://www.freelanceworkexchange.com/

I would need some more education in creative arts though so I would probably need to go back to college for a degree (I have an Associate in Arts, basically a 2-yr general education degree), or join a technical type of school. I just need something that would enable me to work with java, PHP, and some mid- to high-level HTML, and a few other things I'm not in-the-know of right now. Some more design type classes would help too.
For playing computer games I could get a CS degree and try joining some game development companies. I just don't like the math part of that though, and I can do some basic C++ but I really don't enjoy it. I might be able to make it as a level designer.

I'm also thinking that I need to "broaden my horizons" or some-such and grab a few internships, though in a 10,000 population town there may not be many internships available that I'd be interested in.

I think it would really kick butt to be a screenwriter too.

I need a few more ideas though, and if anyone does any of the above for a living, please fill me in on some things, such as work environment, employer's expectations of you, typical schedule, etc.
PS - also thought about bail bond enforcement agent though it sounds very iffy, and I doubt anyone here has done that! :lol:
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First off....don't be a "DAWG" wannabe.


Second, do what you think will make you happy, but don't something just to make a paycheck. I'm doing that right now and I hate it. Hell last week it got to a point my boss threatened to fire me and I told him I dared him to do it...needless to say I still have a job (note NEVER do that) I just dont care if he fires me or not.

Third, what do you enjoy the most, video gaming? Policing? Politics? what? You sound like you're still trying to find yourself and what you want to do and it sounds like video gaming may be it. If you don't like programming there are other opportunities in the gamming world other then programminng.
 
Look around. Many tech schools these days offer whole educations specifically for the computer gaming field.

It's something I've been looking into, but at 30 I'm wondering if it'd be worth it...
 
There is a school in Florida I've heard about a few times over the years called Full Sail, and it sounds like they have a good program. They do all media stuff (film, animation, etc.) and have a nice computer section. Apparently they even help you set up your first internships and such, though I'm not sure. I might give them a call sometime, but from Washington state, that's a ways to commute to school. :lol:


Oh and I think "Dawg" is still wanted in Mexico for not turning over one of those last bounties. :blink:

ZOMG, you know what would really rock, is writing articles for like IGN or some other company about new games!!!
 
Dont be a BH, its not everything you think it will be. As for tech schools, any college with a computer department. I am scared of these online coleges, most are run out of an office or someones home.
 
Has anyone here been to a tech school, like ITT or whatever?

Would like a quick overview of them. Thx.
 
I think the first thing you need to know is that most jobs that sound cool are just that - they sound cool.

There are some awesome points about any job, but they are all mostly work. Game designers (and most programmers) are either under immense pressure to meet a deadline that someone else (who likely has no knowledge of the time it will take you) put on you or have absolutely nothing to do because they are waiting for someone to give them specs. Bigger companies have more of the first variety. It's a VERY stressful job.

Doing articles for magazines (online or offline) can also be difficult. You need to do a lot of research. I'm sure you've had to do research papers when you were in school. The good part is you are doing them on something you really love - but it's still the same.

All I'm saying is be prepared that whatever you are going to do is going to have good days and bad. No job is ever as cool as it sounds. There are cool points to them. Make sure you find something you are willing to work that hard for. And remember as Albert Einstein said:
"Genius is 90% work and 10% inspiration". Same is true of a real career.
 
Friendly advice, be vary leary of those technical schools. Especially ITT. Real colleges WILL NOT accept the majority of your classes as transfer credits if any. This is a fact as I meet people who went to ITT (We have one in buffalo) and I know someone who taught there and more or less it is a glorified High School.

I putted around many years before I fell into a field that I love (Computer Support and Administration) You'll find it but you have to get out as best as you can and look for the opportunities. As far as college, I would go to a 4 year and take IT as your major, minor in art or business something that could enhance your major. Most 4 year CS programs include unix, web design, c++ programming etc. Yes it does require higher math such as clac and statistics but if you need help REAL 4 year colleges have plenty of FREE tutors to help you get through the tough subjects. 4 year colleges increase your chance for an internship as well.

I do not know how old you are but the Magic age for financial assistance is 24. When you turn 24 you no longer have to file your parents information :lol: Which means if done right your financial assistance should be much greater!

Good luck and just keep your eyes open for opportunities, they are there trust me. B)
 
dude, go with what feels right to you. obviously your heart or mind is telling you that police work aint for you. but if your just like nervous about it then that would be a little differnt.
 
Yeah I keep kinda beating around the bush but coming back to stuff that involves computers. No big suprise there I guess. I'm just not sure what part of computers would be the best deal for me. Web design sounds pretty freakin awesome.

I have a SWG website at http://swgd.netfirms.com. It isn't anything too special but I feel like after I put a bit of work in it, it did turn out alright. I could see myself doing that sort of thing as a job, though I still need to find out more about that.

I just come up with so many ideas for a career and it is pretty dang hard to research them all. I'm pretty much marking off one job at a time cutting down the list over time.
 
Well I'm your opposite kinda...

I've been in public safety since shortly after high school, and now I'm kinda stuck there. Got family and make too much money and decenet benefits and retirement plans and such. Government don't pay as much as the private sector, but they hardly EVER lays off or downsize anyone, plus they still have benefits like insurance and retirement (even IBM is killing it's retirement and such, so you can imagine what smaller tech companies are like in those areas).

I've grown a deep interest in computers and gaming myself over a long period of time (Atari 2600 and Comodore 64 veteran...), but the volitile nature of IT work and it's uncertainy in emplyoment status sometimes is not what a family guy and chance. So, I just play games and dream a little sometimes...

Went the tech school route on a program at work and got a AS from a votech, it's nice to put on a resume and I enjoyed taking the classes, but as stated above almost NONE of the credit transfers to a REAL college. So now I'm having to go back and work on a seperate BA in my mid 30's...lol

But, like everyone else said, you gotta do whats right for you. Maybe try out police work AND do some IT stuff to see which one you like the most? You don't have to lock into anything immediately, I sure wish I hadn't. Either way, higher education is always a plus no matter which career you choose...so BE COOL AND STAY IN SCHOOL!!!!

(/wanders off to strangle himself with a phone cord for saying that...rofl)
 
Did somebody say screenwriter?

To be a screenwriter, you pretty much have to come to LA. And oh yeah, you need to know how to write before you get here, otherwise you're just going to be a waiter paying for your $1200/mo studio apartment out of your tips. If you have connections, that's great. But if you don't... buy black slacks and a white shirt.

If you want to write, then I suggest you do just that. Write. Keep a journal, write poetry, do whatever. But keep writing every day. You need to get to that place where your thoughts pass freely through your hands and onto paper. It's not as easy as it sounds. it takes a lot of practice. Years even. Also, watch a lot of movies and look at how different writers tell their stories.

Screenwriting is very different from journalistic or novelistic writing. It's closer to poetry in that it's confined to a specific format. You have to fit your story within that format. Only what is seen and heard is put to paper.

Go here: http://www.script-o-rama.com/ and download some screenplays to get a good feel for the format. Get something by Akiva Goldsman and something by Charlie Kaufman and see how they are different.
And go here: http://www.writersstore.com/ if you want to find books on structure. Syd Field's book is the industry bible.

The best part about screenwriting is that you don't have to commit to a trade school or job environment to do it. You can do it at home, as a hobby, in your own spare time, like I did. Who knows what can happen from there? It costs nothing to give it a go.

I hope this helps.
 
Darein do this:

Save up two or three paychecks wait for your tax returns then blow it all on scratch tickets! :D
 
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