I would have loved that, but the very reason I spend the week like this is because all the family has it hard...crisis has taken its toll on us They were helping me before, should the need arise. My long-term plan is to gather a good portfolio and complete basic graphic arts skills, and then go out there to build contacts. I still need a job on the "just anything" side to cover the basics till then...You are quite right about the socializing thing, too. But: while I could be spending sufficient time outside, I'd have to either quit searching online or quit drawing-and most people my age are equally hungry for work. My Uni studies are in Materials Science, but there is zero production here (not mention hardly anyone knows what M.S. is). I'd have to do postgraduate and PhD studies for decent chances to work abroad, but I can't go back to university (it is at another city and I don't have the budget for it)-if I follow my dream I have way more chances to find a job here!