When There Are No Jobs, It's the Best Time to Go Back to School

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Go Back to School
Why a Lack of Jobs Isn’t a Bad Thing
Reasons to Choose Animation as Your Next Career
Common Concerns About Going Back to School—and How to Overcome Them
The Benefits of Retraining in Animation
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Go Back to School

When jobs are scarce, it’s easy to feel discouraged. But this period of uncertainty can actually be a golden opportunity to go back to school and retrain in a high-demand field like digital entertainment. When industries are slow, they’re often going through a major shift, which creates new opportunities. Instead of waiting around for things to improve, why not take the chance to learn something new and set yourself up for future success?

The world of animation and gaming is vast, with roles ranging from character animators to visual effects artists to game designers. Animation is always evolving, and retraining now can give you the skills you need to thrive in a booming industry once the job market picks up again. VANAS Online Animation School offers Animation, Visual Effects, and Video Game programs. To launch your career, visit https://www.vanas.ca.

Why a Lack of Jobs Isn’t a Bad Thing

It may seem counterintuitive, but a lack of jobs can be the perfect time to pursue new career opportunities. Here’s why:

Job markets fluctuate: Every industry goes through ups and downs, and recessions or downturns can be a chance to prepare for the next boom. By retraining now, you position yourself as a qualified candidate when hiring picks up again.
More time for learning: When jobs are scarce, you have the time to focus on learning. You won’t have to juggle work with your education, and you can dedicate your energy to mastering new skills.
Less competition: If fewer people are investing in education during a downturn, you’ll be competing with fewer candidates when the job market recovers. Those who have retrained in animation will have an edge over others who waited for things to improve.

This slower period gives you a chance to build a solid foundation for a career in animation without the rush and pressure that often come with a thriving economy.

Reasons to Choose Digital Arts as Your Next Career

If you're considering retraining, digital arts, animation, and video games offer some fantastic benefits:

Growing Demand: Animation is used everywhere—from movies and TV shows to advertising and mobile apps. The demand for skilled animators is high and increasing as more industries incorporate animation into their work.
Creative Fulfillment: Animation allows you to work on projects that inspire others and tell powerful stories. Whether you're interested in film, gaming, or digital content creation, animation gives you the chance to express yourself in innovative ways.
Career Flexibility: Many animation jobs offer remote work opportunities. This flexibility can make it easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance while also advancing your career.
Well-paying Jobs: The salary for skilled animators can be lucrative. The need for animators with a range of expertise—such as 2D, 3D, and VFX—means that this is a profession that can offer both creative and financial rewards.

Common Concerns About Going Back to School—and How to Overcome Them

A lot of people hesitate to go back to school because they have concerns about the cost, time commitment, or their ability to succeed. Here’s how you can overcome these obstacles:

“I don’t have money for school right now.”
This is one of the most common objections, but there are many ways to make education affordable. Look into grants, scholarships, and student loans that can help cover the costs. Additionally, some schools offer flexible payment plans that allow you to pay for tuition over time. VANAS has financing options to make animation school more accessible.

“I don’t have the time.”
Going back to school may seem impossible with a busy schedule. However, many animation programs are flexible and online, allowing you to learn at your own pace and on your own time. Whether you’re working part-time or managing family commitments, online programs like those at VANAS can fit into your schedule.

“I’m not sure I can succeed.”
It’s natural to doubt your abilities when you’re trying something new. The good news is that everyone starts somewhere, and animation is a skill you can learn. Schools like VANAS provide step-by-step instruction, mentorship, and hands-on projects to help you succeed. With persistence and practice, you’ll build confidence in your abilities.

“I’m too old to start over.”
It’s never too late to retrain. Many people pursue new careers later in life, and they bring valuable experience with them. If you have the passion for animation, you’ll find the motivation to learn and thrive.

The Benefits of Retraining in Animation

Choosing to retrain in animation comes with many rewards, not just professionally, but personally:

A Creative Outlet: If you've always wanted to work in a field that lets you express yourself creatively, animation is the perfect choice. From drawing to storytelling to designing characters, animation offers countless opportunities for self-expression.
Job Security: While many industries face layoffs, animation is a field that continues to grow as technology advances. Animation is used in everything from films and video games to medical simulations and virtual reality. You’ll have many career options once you're trained.
Better Work-Life Balance: Many animation roles, especially in the digital age, can be done remotely or on flexible schedules. This offers the potential for better work-life balance compared to traditional office jobs.
Constant Learning: Animation is a dynamic field, and new technologies and techniques are always emerging. Retraining in animation means that you’ll always be learning, staying engaged with the latest trends and tools.

Investing in yourself by going back to school now will pay off in the long run. And when the job market recovers, you’ll be ready to take on new challenges in the animation industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes animation a good choice during a downturn?

Animation is a growing industry, with many applications across entertainment, technology, education, and more. When other industries are slow, animation remains a reliable and rewarding career choice.

Is it too late for me to start learning animation?

No! Whether you're just out of high school or thinking about a career change, it's never too late to start learning animation. The field is open to people of all ages, and there’s always room for new talent.

Do I need to be a great artist to become an animator?

Not necessarily. While artistic skill can be helpful, many animation jobs require other talents, such as software knowledge, storytelling, and design. You’ll learn the necessary skills in a good animation program.

How long does it take to become an animator?

It depends on your program and your pace, but most animation programs take between 12 to 24 months to complete. You can start working on projects and building your portfolio as you learn.

What kind of jobs can I get after training in animation?

Animation opens the door to many career paths, including character animation, visual effects, 3D modeling, game design, and more. The skills you develop can be applied to a wide range of industries.

Now is the perfect time to go back to school and retrain for a career in animation. Whether you're transitioning into a new field or just starting out, animation offers a world of opportunity. Invest in your future now, and you’ll be ready when the job market picks up again.