Chris, I began my career with the CT DEP wildlife division in 2001. I worked one seasonal term, and then decided the future was too tough a road at that point, so I took a desk job in a family business making really good money, benefits, etc. At 23 years old, the money was too much to pass up. in 2005, I realized money couldn't buy happiness, as I was miserable sitting behind a desk all day. I gave it up, headed west, and got back into a wildlife career. I have been working in wildlife since then. I have worked for 2 state agencies seasonally, and 4 wildlife oriented private businesses, plus started my own (failure haha) of a business. I've also worked part time doing retail, carpentry, landscaping, and more odd jobs than I you ever imagine to make ends meet. I have never been fired, always asked to come back, and the only job I've ever quit was because it required more time away from home than I care to spend at this point. As I've aged, and used life experiences to make the decision that CT is where I want to be, I have ultimately decided to stick it out and try to get into CT DEEP as a biologist. In between all of that, there were times I could not find work, and LUCKILY, CT does allow you to collect in between seasonal positions, otherwise I'd have had to abandon my hopes by now, and moved on to a life that is in no way what I want it to be.
That being said....DO NOT take my writing as a deterrent, you will have far more fun in your career than your buddies who chose more run of the mill careers. Just don't expect it to be easy!
One word of advice that will make your life easier....don't judge people based on what they write on the internet. It only stands to make you look bad.
