How I did it: I started taking accounting classes at the local community college for personal enrichment as well as possibly finding a "day job" with a practical in-demand skill. One morning I was sitting in class working through some problems with the rest of the class when my instructor interrupted to announce an opportunity for an internship. She began explaining you could receive "work experience credits" and I quickly began to tune her out since I was 30 years old with a Bachelor degree. I didn't need a kid's internship for extra credits accrued toward an Associate degree. Who cares? But the instructor's words slowly drew my attention back to her announcement. She described the position as a PAID writing position with opportunities to deal with the business and marketing of a start-up company and some TV stuff. I was intrigued as I had originally graduated college with a B.A. in Cinema & Television Arts and worked in television production for three years in Hollywood before leaving. I had also recently earned A.A.'s in Journalism, Business Management and Marketing. This sounded too good to be true. A paid position tailor made for me? Anyway, I expressed my interest, secured an interview and was quickly hired afterward. Now I write all the copy for the company's website as well as write and design informational pamphlets and brochures. Soon we will put out our first magazine issue as well as the first installment of a streaming online TV show. It's exactly the kind of work I want to do AND the business is centered around helping young athletes gain the proper training and education to secure recruiting deals with colleges. So not only am I doing what I love but it's also dealing with sports and helping kids! It's awesome. And although I'm not getting rich just yet, I am able to make ends meet doing what I love and having a positive impact on my community.

Jan 16, 2011, 05:18PM PST | 0 comments | 7 cheers