What should I do?

[TheGreenReefer]

Hello fellow reefers!
I would like some opinions or other peoples experiences with what I am about to describe. Here is a quick background... and my tank to keep you reading.

I am 23 years old and a third year college dropout. I was on my way to a bachelors degree of science with marine science as my major at UConn Avery Point. I've been out of school for over 2 years and I am now a contractor (see photo. I manufacture and install high end porch screens throughout CT). This isn't what I want to be doing in life. I have always had a love for the ocean and the life within it. In third grade I told everyone I was going to be a marine biologist and I did... all the way until I dropped out. But the ocean always stuck with me...

I am now a reefer (1.5yr). I found this hobby through the many beautiful instagram photos. I've kept all kinds of reptiles and amphibians and now I have a few reef tanks. More photos! Some old and some very new. I moved recently.

I love this hobby. This has honestly turned into my passion. It's all I think about, listen to, and watch. 24/7. It keeps me going and super happy.

Now enough about me. I am ready for the next step of reefing. I want to make a career out of this. I just don't know where to start. i love every aspect to it. The chemistry, technology, all the biological life and taxonomy, building and setting up reef tanks, fragging and growing coral, etc. I don't know where to go from here though. I live in a state that has very limited reefing opportunists. I want to move somewhere where there is more reefing action. I'm willing to go all the way with this. I just don't know how to start. I would like to hear from other peoples experience when their hobby turned into passion and your life! All other thoughts, opinions and comments are also greatly appreciated!

Thank you for reading all of that!
TheGreenReefer


Here are some of my successes and failures!

 

[Samina]

Are they any Tropical LFS around you? Some of them employ individuals that have background in marine biology and that could be useful on your resume sown the line.

Since you have a year left to finish your degree and you were majoring in marine science. Have you considered maybe finishing it and that may open up opportunities for you. You don’t necessarily need to specify exactly which direction in marine science you want to go right now. But finishing the degree may allow you to branch off in one of the many directions with more ease and exposure.

Nice tanks by the way and awesome craftsmanship on those houses!!

 

[Reef-junky]

I would say there’s no real money in what your looking at. The type of job you want is far and few between.

 

[Mical]

If you are serious and devoted, I'ld be contacting the ORA folks in Florida. They are the most serious people in the business. You'll get exposure to some of the finest aquaculture there is available to aquarists. You could try retailers but from the sounds of your ambitions - Go Big!