Four years ago I graduated from high school and I was at a fork in my life. I was great at both art and computer programming. I enjoyed them both and I couldn't decide what I should really study in college. Finally, I decided that it was Computer sciences for me (I saw the salaries and stuff at a career fair).
During college I held several jobs. I ran a successful web design and web hosting company for two years. I am currently a systems administrator for a building at my university. Plus I run some web sites. Most of the sites that I run are art related sites.
I sold my web hosting company because I thought I should spend more time on school work and actual working-at-a-company experience (I regret that now).
In six months I'll be graduating and then I'll be at another fork in my life. I have been offered a scholarship for masters computer sciences. I could start applying for computer related jobs (systems administrator or programmer) or I could start another business (design and art related).
The main reason that this is a big issue for me is because I've found that I don't like programming for other people. I love scripting, programming, hacking for my own benefit (or even helping others out) but when you are working for a company (like I found out over the last four years of working full time) it just isn't fun. In fact it makes me feel trapped, ill, depressed and frustrated.
The option that I want to take is to use my art talents. I have lots of seeds planted that I think may grow to be successful art related ventures (art sites, art for sale, etc). I could be doing all that and more. It probably sounds insane to some people that I want to deviate away from computer sciences and probably a high paying (yet soul destroying) job to working with blogs, design and art....
My Goal: I want to start generating enough income so that I'm making equal to what I am making currently in the next three months. I'm not making a killing right now because I'm a student and universities don't pay us that much haha. At that point I'll be three months away from graduation so I'll want to quit my current job and concentrate full time on my business. That will give me three months to decide how things are going...
There is a serious lack of time but my websites are running (or about to start running), and generating some income. I also want to start selling some art / designs and I'll see if the business can become profitable or not.
Any advice? It will be very welcome
