Education vs. Job

So, I had some interesting things come up this week.

Not sure if I mentioned it (I probably did, but I'm a bit under-rested right now so a little brain dead), but I currently work part-time at JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts. Obviously I would prefer a "real" job, but JoAnns has always made me happy. They hired me right after I graduated from high school and I worked there for a year before attending DigiPen. So when I was desperately in need of money this summer, I happened to stop by a JoAnns that needed someone pronto to help stock in the early mornings. I was a prime candidate because I had prior experience, so it was almost an immediate hire. Honestly... I got lucky.

Anyway, I received some unexpected news yesterday. I was in the stock room, minding my own business (aka wrestling with the boxes and the very small space we have to work with), and my main manager comes back and explains to me how, if our store surpasses a certain amount of revenue this year, they have the option of hiring an RTL - "Receiving Team Leader". I didn't realize that the manager I work with to unload the shipments every Monday morning is actually filling two positions since a former employee left. So anyway, she asked me if I'd be interested in filling that position starting in the Spring-- which is more or less what I do now, just with full-time hours and more paper work.

Honestly, I didn't expect it. I feel like I fumble and fall over myself at work on a regular basis, but I guess I must be doing a decent job in reality. I told her I was interested in the position. I mean, increased pay AND full-time hours? It probably means benefits, too. I don't even know what those taste like!

The longer I've let it sink in the more I've started to feel apprehensive. I really should focus on my portfolio so I can get a job that pays much better, is what I want to do, won't sap my life energy and won't require me to be bad-mouthed by rude customers. (It's probably just the holidays, but work hasn't been nearly as fun lately.)

On that note, I had a one-on-one consultation at the Gnomon School today to discuss my options if wanted to take some courses. I cannot describe how relieved I am at the councelor's response to my artwork. I think his wording was more or less, "You're pretty good!" He basically let me know that my art foundation is really strong -- I just need a little more 3D knowledge to "fill the gaps". He recommended a few courses which, unfortunately, will be too much for me to pay for out of pocket alone.

As unappealing as taking out more loans is... I really feel it's the quickest way to guarantee my success. Gnomon has a lot of close industry connections, so not only would I get a priceless education and access to professional assistance, but I'd also hear about any positions available at nearby companies. I think that's worth going a little more into debt -- just a bit. I'd rather work really hard for one year and spend a little more money than flounder and struggle with my motivation for the next five years. I have a life to live!

Anyway, it's probably about time to start packing and head to bed. Right after work tomorrow Tom, his sister, and I are driving up to Oregon for Thanksgiving. It'll be a great vacation -- I've really been craving seeing some snow! L.A. is beautiful, but it doesn't have everything.

Happy Thanksgiving!