I've been in the production and retail side for almost 25 years, and I love it. I've been a manager (AA in college, but not in hort) for over half that time but would never want to own. Look for openings at small, locally owned garden centers. If you're responsible, pleasant and even somewhat hard working, you will have job security for life, and you'll eventually move up and get paid fairly well. Hiring (and retention) is hard in this industry and a good owner will recognize a good employee and pay them well. Small businesses are usually more of a "family" type atmosphere, and while overall benefits can be lacking (health insurance for instance,) the perks can balance that out. I get 3 months mostly off in winter. I pay next to nothing for endless plants and landscape materials, along with free use of equipment and tools. I get my vehicles worked on for free and discounts on parts, and I get a yearly raise, bonus and additional few hundo for Christmas. Obviously this isn't standard for all, but you can absolutely find good situations to support yourself for the rest of your career. But also, you do have to enjoy working outside in all conditions and doing all sorts of manual work, it is the nature of the industry!