<prompt> Human: I worked as an independant contract for 1 year and was just unexpectedly let go. I love the company I worked for and I relied on it too much. I did not take my SATS. I did graduate highschool. I wasted a lot of my money on clothes and some gear to help me work better. So what is my next move? I have: - 4,261.05 in my bank 5,700 when final paycheck comes in - 1,000 in my savings - 1 year and 5 months of 2d video game art experience with Adobe Flash Professional making concepts finished art working with a team preparing art for animation etc. - MSI Laptop Intuos5 Tablet For working on the go - Built Desktop Cintiq 24hd For the best art workspace - Parents willing to pay 75 of my college tuition if I choose to go to college Im lucky but I never counted on taking up that offer, I only found out about it today I still have good ties with my company, my boss and I are planning on discussing any questions or concerns on Monday. Im still allowed to volunteer as an artist, would it be worth it to continue for another 6 months to gain 2 years of experience for my resume? Im also going to shamelessly post some of my artwork in case any studiojob people are interested and checks this out. Edit WOW, thank you all for all of the great feedback. Im extremely surprised how many people are willing to give actual great feedback. Not many people commented on my money problem, I guess its not as much of a problem as I thought it was. Based on everyones feedback Ive realized I have a lot of freedom to create as many opportunities right now as possible.Right now Id truthfully rather have a job then go to college. I just extremely enjoy working and hopefully I can find another job that gives me as much creative freedom as I had with my last job.Assistant: Im guessing that you would be missclassified per employment law if you were assigned as a volunteer but doing the same duties, although it would likely only come to a head if you sued your employer for unpaid wages minimum wage at the least. IMHO I wouldnt want to be the person whose resume showed that they worked for free doing the same job when in the past they worked for money. While you are looking for a new job, its a great opportunity to use your local community colleges resources to get a GED or HSED. If you ever decide to go to college, you dont want to be held up by having to get a GED or HSED. Human: When you volunteer with this company you contribute what you want when you want. Its great for getting experience for starting artists.Assistant: Doesnt that mean you can still volunteer AND either go to college or get another job?Human: I cant work in the same field while volunteering with this company its just against their policies.  <response>: That sounds more like indentured servitude than volunteering and wouldnt hold up legally -- what are they going to do, fire you? Dont waste your time. 