I am at a point right now where I'm not sure which way to go with my career. I'll give a little history, and hope I can get some advice. In the very early 90's I dropped out of High School and started working as a desktop publishing clerk. In the next years I learned hardware and networking basics, software analysis and customer service. In 1996 I went to the US, where I got my High School diploma, and stayed there for 2 years. From 98 till 2000 I worked as a DJ and lightman in a club. In 2000 I really started to work with Internet. I learned HTML, PHP and MySQL while I was working as a web designer. My desire to learn more got me to set up a Windows 2000 Server for the ISP where I was working and was noticed, so I was bumped up to the R&D department, where I came in contact with Linux. To learn Linux I was given Slackware to learn to build everything from scratch. After I understood Linux, I helped research for the ISP. Finally in 2004 I started my own web design company, getting deeper into PHP and MySQL, while I studied the implementation of web standards. By the end of 2005 all my websites where XHTML and CSS valid. When I analyze myself, I find that I am very much interested in finding out how new technology works and can be implemented, and share that information with others. I also find that I'm very good at troubleshooting and problem solving. My friends know me as the one person who they can turn to who will always find an answer for their problem. I am very good with PHP, but more with implementing and troubleshooting stuff than creating my own stuff. I never really got into programming, even though I learned the basics. I even gave input in some popular projects, such as phpMyDirectory and sNews by Solucija, but those contributions don't pay the bills. I try to build websites for income, but that gets boring, especially after the development phase, going into filling in the content. So it's obvious I need to do something with troubleshooting or with reviewing new technology, but I have no idea where to start. And that's my problem. I'm not even sure I explained my problem well enough. Bottom line: I have a lot of knowledge and qualities that go to waste because I don't know where to next! So please, can you guys help my find my way? Maybe if you ask me questions or something, to help me see the light. I look forward to your help. Edit: I forgot to mention that I've also been looking into making money online, by starting some blogs, but that slowed down, since I'm constantly trying to work, cause the bills keep coming in. I have also started a directory, but same story. I guess I want to just stop and evaluate my situation and decide which way I go, before i continue with anything else.
That is a nice career, So how much are u earning from your web design company ? may be u can have a big design company !
I think you should get a job that can pay the bills while still earning from freelancing which you can set aside for your retirement fund.
Something else about my web design company: I have the feeling I'm doing something wrong, cause I'm not making a lot of money with it. I do 3 jobs max a month, which doesn't leave me with much. On the other hand, it does make me slightly more than I would make if I would work for a company (in Suriname or Guyana, where I am now, third world countries). And it gets boring, doing virtually the same thing every time. At the moment for instance, I'm working on 2 sites, which I've been working on for 3 months already. I was thinking of doing freelance troubleshooting or testing/reviewing, but I have no idea how to go about that.
I am very good at sharing my knowledge, but I don't want to get into something that would become a drag soon. It's cool to explain to people how the web works or how to css a website, but if I would have to do that repeatedly, I would get bored quickly. I might look into the wages of trainers here locally to see if it's worth the effort. But that would just be something I would do on the side. Remember, I enjoy working with code. The most fun I had recently was installing Ubuntu and constantly trying out new stuff. I also run a dedicated server, where I offer hosting for small businesses. So it's also fun to be busy with maintenance.
Focus on what you are passionate about and it will carry you far. Another thing, this being a common quote for inventors; "Find a need and fill it". I imagine there is a lot of growth potential in Guyana. Teaching short courses to those interested in doing some of the things you do now could be a good way to go. You may also find some future business partners from the best students in the classes and build your network of friends and business partners too. I'd say also, that you could put your expertise to work for you by listing your services on DP, Sitepoint, Webmaster World, etc. If you're really good and offer great service, your business will grow.