As I was searching the forum I came across a post I made just over a year ago... http://computing.net/programming/wwwboard/forum/13012.html ... about getting into programming as a career. About 3 months ago, I started a new job installing and programming home automation systems! The systems use a proprietary language that is essentially C with some usefull macros. I haven't actually done any coding yet. I've been learning to install the systems and learn how they work before I get to do any of the code, but I have been doing some graphical user interface design, which I also enjoy. (And also pulling cable and exploring attics occasionally.) I never would have expected to have a job like this a year ago. I think my A+ certification actually helped me land the job. For me it's a great fit because I think I would get tired of sitting in a cubicle all day updating someone elses code or writing code that has no immediate visible impact. Although that would have been 100 times better than my previous job. Just wanted to update anyone who might still be around from way back then and say thanks to those who replied for making me feel like my situation wasn't hopeless.

Wow I can't believe it's been a year since that post... Thanks for the follow-up. I'm glad to hear you've found a job that you'll like. Home automation has got to be a fun business. Plenty of people do it for a hobby, so you know it can't be completely dull. Me, I can see myself sitting in a cubicle all day working on code that has no immediate visible impact a lot more than I can see myself pulling cable...But to each his own :-) It's great to have some C experience starting out...Good C Programmers make the best all-around programmers. Good luck, -SN