When I first began to dabble in the graphic design field, I had no clue what I was getting into. I just knew I had fun messing around on the computer all day and creating cool looking stuff.
Even after I got my BA degree in graphic design I wasn't clear on how to go about getting work, so I did what every other college grad did and got a job working for someone else.
I spent a few years working my butt off to create the same type of designs using the same logo day in and day out. It was a miracle that I lasted almost three years, which probably had something to do with the fact that I was making a lot of money, but even with a fat salary, I still didn't consider myself successful.
I finally realized that I would never be truly happy there. I barely considered myself a designer, rather a peon of sorts, just clicking and typing away with no creative freedom. I knew it was time to move on, but to what?