While I was in school, a potential “dream job”, was designing the entire interior space including furniture, fixtures, etc. After graduation I got to the point where I almost started my own furniture gig, but then I got a “real” job in medical devices. Still like it today.
Anyway, back to the furniture thing. In addition to starting on my own, I was planning on approaching 555 Fabrication, http://www.555.com/ . Coolest place on earth. I was building my portfolio when I got teh real job gig. Both a disappointment and a relief. I have a fear of when you make a hobby a job it becomes a job, if that makes sense. I have always had it in the back of my mind to someday work at 555. Maybe when I retire from the real job, when money is not an issue, I will work there as an apprentice for a decade or so.
Find yourself your own 555.