I am a graduate, 26 years old, and I've been doing advertising for the past 2 years. I 100% decided that I want my career to be a creative one, as I feel the most calm and effective when I am thinking creatively. I also read the Artist's Way by Julia Cameron which had a huge impact on me. I'm set on being in a creative role, whether it be animation, editing, or graphics.

Right now I've been teaching myself several online tutorials of both Photoshop After Effects and been using them to create socials. I have a decent understanding of them but definitely not an expert. I was actually looking into taking up a design theory class that covers most of the Adobe Programs.

I wanted to know if I'm really shooting myself in the foot here and setting myself up for a very poor quality of life. I have a friend my age who has a second job in cosmetology. Will I be able to earn a decent salary while comfortably building my skills? This industry seems extremely competitive, and I'm worried that I will not be competent enough until a much older age.