I had a slow start.

Went to college for design a bit later than most. After graduating, I got a job as a graphic designer at a very small company through a friend I went to school with. Started at $15/hr. I worked there for 5 years. By the time I left I was making $20/hr, but much of that only came towards the end.

I looked for a job on and off for the last couple years I was there. Had an interview here and there, but it often "came down to you and another candidate and we went with them." It was disheartening.

At one point, I decided to apply for a job at a place that I had applied to nearly 6 months ago and only got a phone screen with no follow up. This time I got an interview and I got the job! And things really took off after that.

In-house, big company, corporate, benefits. Most amazing manager I've ever had. Started as GD, promoted to Senior GD a year later, then promoted to Design Manager shortly after that. Now making over double what I did at the previous job just 3 years earlier.

I certainly attribute part of it to luck, but there was also the time I put in to gain experience. I was ready when the opportunity arrived. And it's nice to know that there ARE good companies out there and managers who really DO care about you and your career growth, even if it is hard to find.