Bot:
I worked for a large Co. for 17 years 'till they went out. Went to a local EC, paid my 'dues' (4 years), did the Vo-Tech thing too. Took the test, passed, got my Lic. and struggled. Met a few people, made some friends, found a few GOOD accounts and that's it.
In between, took the AHJ courses and TESTS, passed, got the AHJ Lic. Squeezed in an Instructors Certification to teach Basic Electric at Vo-Tech. Squeezed in Certification to teach Continuing Ed to EC's.
I know the "you gotta do what ya gotta do" scenario; been there. Just be aware of the consequences.
BTW: One could always work for an EC while one was starting out; even a day or two??
John
