He Wants a Job with a Furry Business

Dear Papabear,
 
As I'm over half way through high school it's now time for me to start looking for a job. My plans were to hopefully work with furries for around 5 years before signing my freedom away to the military, but if I like the job too much I was going to stay. (I do realize that I'm still young and things can and do change).

​My question to you is what jobs are there in the fandom? Sadly I lack the artistic still to be an artist and have yet to even try fursuit construction so those are out. (I also would like to have some furry co-workers) Currently I was looking at applying at Bad Dragon but there located in Phoenix, Arizona and I hate there hot weather. (I'm from north west Washington state). My dream was to move to the Midwest around Michigan or as I like big cities buffalo in upstate New York but I would be willing to go where the job is. 

P.S. I just thought of something; is a fursuit making assistant a thing?
 
Hashna (age 16, Washington state)
 
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Dear Hashna,
 
There really is not much in the way of jobs in the furry fandom, especially if you are not artistically inclined, because there really are not many furry-run businesses. Most people who make money in the fandom are creating things (arts, crafts, fursuits and fursuit paraphernalia) and selling them as small businesses. You mention Bad Dragon, which, if you are cool with the things they manufacture, I hear is actually a pretty good company to work for. I’ve talked to some of their employees, and they are quite happy and feel they are treated well. You say that you are “willing to go where the job is,” but that’s not true if you’re not willing to move to Phoenix. Too bad, because I also hear good things about the furry community in Phoenix.
​
About the only other industry I can think of that is furry-related is in publishing. There are several publishing companies that specialize in furry books, graphic novels, comics and the like. Type in “publishers” on the WikiFur site and explore the companies there. Since you’re not good at the graphics end, you can see if they need help with other areas of publishing, such as sales or administrative tasks (although for the latter you would be better off with a college degree).

Speaking of college, I’m assuming you’re considering the military because you can’t afford college? You know, if you can get some decent work you could probably afford a good community college, which is cheaper than a 4-year school, and learn a valuable trade or go into nursing or some such. It’s a very good option for many people, and it has the added benefit of the fact you usually don’t have people shooting at you like you do in the military.

Another thing I would advise—nay, beg—you not to do is move to Michigan. The economy there is in the toilet and it is an absolutely miserable place to try to find work; the weather there also sucks big time. If you are dead set on moving to the Midwest, I would suggest Minneapolis/St. Paul as a more viable option (if you really like snow). If you are absolutely convinced you have to move to Michigan, the only city that might be tolerable is Ann Arbor. Nice university town with some culture to it (stay away from Detroit and the surrounding areas).

Oh, and there is no such thing as a fursuit maker’s assistant (not, at least, as a paying job), so abandon hope there. Even the most successful fursuit makers struggle to make a living at it and usually supplement their income with other “real world” jobs.

So there’s the reality of it. It’s very difficult to make money in the furry fandom world. It can be done, but don’t get your hope up because it’s rare that people make a living in the furry world exclusively. Sorry to burst your bubble.

Hugs,
Papabear