Forum Moderators: phranque
College is coming and I'm so confused on what to do. Ideally, I'd like to be my own boss. Freelancing / owning my own business are something I've always dreamed to do, especially with web design. The problem is I don't know if I'm being realistic. Since I'm still in highschool I haven't had time to truly figure out how hard it is to survive as a self-employeed webmaster. If you don't mind, I'd like to ask a few questions related to this topic.
1) How hard is survival? Specifically for self-employed.
Are you employed or self-employed and are ends meeting?
2) Is it tough to find a job?
Incase freelancing wasn't going well, is the field too crammed to find a job?
3) Should I major in IT or Graphic Art?
It seems a lot easier to survive freelance as a graphic artist. Print is a huge weakness of mine, as a lot of my stuff is web-based. Being able to design t-shirts, ads, logos, etc. seems to be a big bonus. Here's an example of my work (youll see why I suck at print):
4) Are you happy where you're at?
A lot of days where you wish you went a different path?
5) Whats your current anual income?
If this is too personal you can just skip it.
6) Any advice for a youngin'?
I really really appreicate any words of guidance. It's a very confusing and scary time for me.
[edited by: trillianjedi at 1:24 pm (utc) on Feb. 23, 2006]
[edit reason] No links or images please [/edit]
Both IT and webmastering are indeed "realistic" career choices. Your chance of survival in the general IT field is probably better. Meaning, employers tend to look at IT professionals who have lots of experience in different areas - while they may view a person who is strictly a web developer and knows nothing about anything else, a little differently. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
But if you truly wish to become a great webmaster, high school is a great place to start. Keep practicing and developing your skills. It will pay off down the road.
1) How hard is survival? Specifically for self-employed.
Being self-employed can be difficult, depending on your background, experience, and the type of work you choose to do. Being your own webmaster can be very difficult if you're having to freelance, or search for clients.
2) Is it tough to find a job? In case freelancing wasn't going well, is the field too crammed to find a job?
Really depends on your choice in the IT field. There are some medical businesses that are behind the times, but willing to pay a COBOL programmer $100K/year. Then, there are those high-end media companies with 50+ programmers earning $40K/year each.
3) Should I major in IT or Graphic Art?
Only you can answer that question! I would not suggest choosing a major based on financial need. We all want (and need) money. But being content with your career choice is even more rewarding. Whatever you decide will take lots of work. When you work hard and smart, the money will come.
IT is a more general field and like I mentioned before, some companies look for diverse individuals.
4) Are you happy where you're at? A lot of days where you wish you went a different path?
There are good days and bad. Some IT folks never survive. Others thrive and make millions. I enjoy the IT field and the work that I do. But there are rough days!
5) Whats your current anual income? If this is too personal you can just skip it.
Now Fodera! You know hardly anyone will answer this question! :)
My current salary from full-time employment is between $50,000 - $100,000/year (can't reveal everything!). But that's with years of experience in the industry.
6) Any advice for a youngin'
Yes. Keep asking questions and keep exploring. Work hard, be smart and the fruits of your labors will be plentiful.
(By the way, the WW moderators will probably snip that image link you placed. It's against the WW TOS to place links to personal pages or images)
Good Luck!
