Considering changing majors?? advice please..

[86 Fox]

So i havn't stopped thinking about all this since the semester started, im a freshman in college and im going to schoolcraft right now, simply because it's local, cheap, and convenient for me to start off and figure out what i wanna do before i go spend big bucks elsewhere..

Right now I'm currently taking some of the graphic design classes they offer which is a pretty respectable program there, but the more and more i take these classes that come with it.. the less and less i think i could sit behind a computer for the rest of my career. I enjoy working hands on a lot more than i do spending hours on a project on a computer. I took a career decision making class to try to send me on a more clear path and it didn't help me much at all, it just kept suggesting i either be a lumberjack or something outdoor related or an artist of some kind.

It makes sense because the only things i truely enjoy and have any kind of interest or obsession with is cars, or engines and mechanics more or less, and art of almost any kind.

I'd love to be able to find some kind of major or job/career that can involve a bit of both? my dad thinks i should look into opening a garage with some of my mechanically inclined friends, them doing auto work along side my graphics, almost like a west coast customs type thing but a little less Xzibit. Doing custom paint jobs or skins for cars and cosmetic work but also an all around shop? I think it'd be awesome but theres a line between comin up with a good idea and actually putting it into action, I dont really know where im going with this or what i expect to hear from you guys but thinking of the future and what the hell im gunna do to support myself and one day a family while keeping myself from hating my work scares the shit out of me.

Quite frankly, i dont wanna grow up lol just needed to vent and get some of this off my mind and see if any of you know of any good programs at community colleges or university that do hands on type of work or can put me in a position to actually graduate and get a job in this down spiraling automotive industry.

I know this probably hurts your eyes to look at, i apologize ahead of time and to all those who actually read this, thanks lol

 

[383s10tim]

Tryin to make a respectable business with automotive will be kinda hard in this state, you'll prolly suffer before you establish yourself. Sitting behind a computer isnt so bad if it covers your fun when you punch out everyday. I would say start your own graphics biz and then move into the custom stuff if you want after you have built a steady clientel, the graphics should be your main source of income

 

[Fryguy302]

It's called "work" for a reason, it's not always fun. I personally don't believe in that "you have to do what you love" bullshit. You have to do what you have to do to get paid. If you're able to do what you love, that's great, but it's also rare.

That said, I strongly recommend going in to business for yourself (a few times if necessary), before you end up with a wife and kids. It might work, and it might not work, but the time to try it is when you're young and have only your own mouth to feed. Maybe you could start a business doing wraps on cars like you've suggested.

 

[MentalMisfit]

I'm with fryguy I think even if I found a job doing something I love eventually it would turn into work and their would be days I just didn't feel like going in and in turn it would ruin something I love doing.

 

[86 Fox]

that is true, i was just talking with my game design teacher, and he was sayin the exact same thing.. they call it work for a reason, if it was all fun you'd have to pay them to do it ya know? I just don't know what else im good at? or where else the money is right now.. cause if i could find something that just got me a secure enough job doing something i can at least tolerate that supports myself enough to have fun after work id be fine with that, and just do graphic design on the side.. i just don't know what to do lol theres way too much out there and not enough jobs in michigan.

 

[Hugger Z]

If you are planning to try your own thing on the side, take some business courses and get a good understanding of all that stuff. That way you have a good idea of what it will take to get things going and make them work. I think most people that start their own business have no clue what they are getting into. Granted economy has a BIG impact as well. But be smart about it and know what you are getting into before you take the plunge.

 

[ramman1984]

washtenaw comm college has one of the best auto programs in the country

 

[ChevyManSS350]

I go to Baker College right now, and there automotive program that I am in is pretty cheap and the program is ASE approved.

 

[cjmatt]

Pick a major in a field with lots of jobs and money...working with your hands and toying with cars seems fun at first, but its usually not as fun when its not YOUR car, or when you arent working on enough other peoples cars to be successful.

My $.02, go for the cash, then make enough that you can work with your hands on your own time

 

[86 Fox]

yeah im more talented graphically than anything, i just don't know what to do with it as my only major, i think i need to do some research on where the jobs are at, major in that. and minor in graphics... i know i can make money from it, i've already started to i made a t shirt over the holiday season and made a couple hundred in profit selling them to friends and family. heres a link to all the stuff i do, just gotta figure out a way to make it get me somewhere http://www.flickr.com/photos/46312146@N04/?saved=1

 

[DennisH]

Like someone said, if you want to own your business, you need to take business classes. It doesn't matter how mechanically inclined you are, if you don't understand how to operate a business, it most likely will fail.

And going into business with friends and/or family is usually the kiss of death. You have to keep it professional, and that can be hard.

JMHO.

Dennis

 

[Dr. Teeth]

It's called "work" for a reason, it's not always fun. I personally don't believe in that "you have to do what you love" bullshit. You have to do what you have to do to get paid. If you're able to do what you love, that's great, but it's also rare.

Totally agree with this. I like to work on cars, but I think that if I was a mechanic it would get old quick. Quite frankly I don't particualrly enjoy working on teeth, but it pays the bills and I never seem to run out of customers.

I say find a career you can live with that'll allow you to make enough money to afford your toys and do what you love as a hobby. If you are lucky enough to land a job doing what you love, more power to you; but I have to agree that almost EVERYONE I know does not LOVE their jobs, they do them to make it through life and then have hobbies.

Not that this was much help in choosing a career path, but I think that comments like mine and FryGuy's are more of a reality check for the gross majority.

 

[grr456]

Since I am one who sits behind a computer for a lot of hours per day and have done it for more years than most of you have been alive..

I am an Engineer who began drawing lines in the late 60's. There were a lot of times I couldn't stand being at the board for that long. But, then again, I did enjoy what I was doing. I am still doing it and I still enjoy doing it, although I am using a computer rather than pencils.

The pluses are the pay is pretty good and you end up having quite a bit of freedom...The minus is that it does get boring at times...

Just my .02...Gary

 

[SuperStang90]

Whatever you do dont do an Auto program. It may be good if you would like the knowlege but there just arent any jobs out there, and unless your doing cool stuff like customs (which there isnt a big market for in this state) you will hate wrenching. I thought i would like it cause i love cars and most everything associated with them, but the work sucks and its very hard on your body.

 

[AJ 87SC]

86 Fox,

I am a student admission councelor at a local college.
Pretty close to Schoolcraft actually...

There are some hands on computer degrees that you can do that can enable you to start your own business, NOT be stuck behind a desk forever, etc.

Its not automotive per se but there are tons of opportunities

Shoot me a PM if you want some more info, its a great degree if you have the skill set for it

-AJ

 

[robvas]

Stick with your graphic design classes and get a degree.

Your schooling is only half of your job potential. Your experience and networking are the other half.

 

[FlyLike]

Any job you get will become repetitive and not fun no matter what. Choose something with job security and good pay.