My typing is ok, comp skills so-so just bought office word 2003,aplied to temp agency on a lark 3 weeks ago got quick responce they gave me some testing placed me right away, seasonal job ending soon, cust serv rep, mainly phone/computer orders returns etc. In Seattle ,family stuff, till March or so,back to L.A. want to segueway this into something I can do to pay rent when acting gigs are scarce. Quick study, pretty sure I can get the skills I need just not sure where to focus. Working on typing and office word as a foundation.
First time I have EVER worked in an office. An adjustment..
Dream scenario of this is get to the point where I can work out of home make own schedule, not miss auditions etc etc .
Would be grateful for any informed responses! Thnx. Mike G.
The tired answer is to learn web programming skills, but those guys are generally a dime a dozen.
Look into learning C# for windows. There is a free version I believe that you can download for learning. Learn how to do stuff with a database. Again, I think there's a free version of SQL Server, or you can always use the free MySQL database. Spend a lot of time really getting to undertand object oriented programming techniques (do this by making up some projects - games, DVD collection software, etc). Once you have a good feel for it, farm yourself out dirt cheap - up to $20/hour - you may be able to find work as an "intern" for around $10 - $15/hour. If you can live on that for around a year you're home free. After a year of living like crap you should be good for a $50k/year job or less doing stuff you can work on at home. After another year of that you should be able to do just about whatever you want.
You don't HAVE to do C#, but right now it's the easiest skill to get into places. Java shops are going to be snootier and more difficult to get into for someone with no experience. Lots more places are willing to give you a shot if you're willing to work for next to nothing (in programmer terms) and you know c#.
It's not easy, but it's not too hard either to get into programming and make a decent living. If you have analytical skills and you enjoy solving problems, and, most importantly you aren't afraid to take risks, you can do it, no problem.