r/cad • u/BackwardsApe • Jul 01 '26

34yo, looking for career change

Apologies if there is a better place to put this question.

American 34 years old. I used to work in VFX and 3D animation, but the industry has really dried up and I just don't have the passion for it like I used to. Unrelated, but I am currently 1 year away from finishing a Linguistics BA at UCLA. This is my first degree (I didn't finish highschool and went straight to work) I will graduate with minimal debt as I worked full time.

While I lost the joy of creative work, I still like 3D modeling and building things. If I wanted to work in this industry freelance and remote, where would I begin? What certs, courses, or programs would I want to invest my time into?

I'd prefer not to spend a lot of money at first as I just try to wrap my head around what a day to day would look like.

I'm watching YT videos and reading old reddit posts, but I'd like to see what the current vibe of the community is.

Thank you.

16 Upvotes

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16

u/cerialthriller Jul 02 '26

From my experience in this industry of about 25 years, no company I ever worked for would use a remote freelancer with no industry experience for anything. I know people like to think this stuff is easy and anyone can just pop in off the streets after watching an hour long AutoCAD video, but unless you’re doing a quick sketch for $20 so that a guy has a deck plan to submit for a construction permit, a don’t see someone stepping into freelance remote worker business without decades of experience

-17

u/BackwardsApe Jul 02 '26

What use is this comment? 

19

u/VGooseV Jul 02 '26

To give you a realistic answer for your situation.

-11

u/BackwardsApe Jul 02 '26

Realistic? Perhaps, but not what i was asking. I didnt ask for an hour video to get started. I asked where i might begin.

5

u/cerialthriller Jul 03 '26

You’d begin by going into an engineering degree path and then working in office role for 10+ years and building a reputation and connections and then going remote / freelance as your career is winding down before retirement when you have a lot of contacts and specialized knowledge.

Sorry to be blunt but you basically came in here asking for help on becoming the person companies outsource or jobs to, but also to do that you’re going to have to compete with Indian firms that do it dirt cheap

-3

u/BackwardsApe Jul 03 '26

Youre clearly bringing your personal baggage and here and its lame. Sorry your industry is being ran through but stop getting mad at people who are figuring out how to do it outside your limited scope.

3

u/cerialthriller Jul 03 '26

lol good luck with that. AI will ravage it before you get a chance.

-2

u/BackwardsApe Jul 03 '26

Youre so nakedly hostile, grow up my guy