Preliminary questions from a total noobie.

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I'm looking to possibly acquire the skills for a trade so I can make some money. I'm 26 and not planning on going to college. Welding seems interesting, so I'm giving it a look. So far I don't have any tools or any welding experience whatsoever. I heard that you don't need degrees in welding to get work. Wondering if that's true?How long does it generally take to acquire enough skills in welding to get a job, assuming I decide I want to get serious about it and put a lot of time into developing the proper skills?Is there any work for freelancers who don't necessarily want to take the employee path?If any of you experienced welders could answer my questions or direct me to the right threads where these questions have been asked before, I'd appreciate it.Thanks
Reply:It takes a lot of time, dedication and practice. But if you can make it through that you should be on your way to a decent living.
Reply:Originally Posted by lambenttytoI heard that you don't need degrees in welding to get work. Wondering if that's true?
Reply:If you could find someone to give you one on one instruction, that is a very fast way to pick up some skills.I just helped a kid with a mechanical engineering class project. He wanted to do some welding. In just a couple hours he went from this first  picture to the second one. The first couple inches on the right of the first picture is my weld. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:My kid was taking community college welding classes.  Did O/A first, then maybe stick or MIG, I forget.  Then maybe 1/3 of the way through his TIG class they had a job fair.  Kid showed a couple of tickets and got a 3 month trial gig for maybe $15./hour TIG welding Inconel turbine blades.  Not a lot but it was a big international company, health insurance & whatnot.  He didn't stay for various reasons, but easily could have. But he had a chance to show his skill and that is what sealed the deal. Walk in?  I don't think you will do as well.  Or it may be a hell-hole. And my kid can weld very well. Knows his stuff. Now he's a machinist, not just a CNC button pusher. OK with MasterCAM, familiar with HAAS and Mazatrol programming. Just started a new job in an area not too near civilization for $18. an hour.  Just graduating community college with his A.S Degree and is 26 like you."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Thanks for the replies, everybody.CEP: I totally see what you mean!