Affording an apprenticeship

So here's the story. 3 years ago I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Corcoran School of Art & Design in DC. Pretty well accredited institution, even if I hated every minute of it (too elitist). I'm in LA now and have been trying to save up to afford a tattoo apprenticeship. I'm tired of waiting, I'll be 35 before I have that type of money and I'm only 25 now. I've talked to a few shops and they're all interested, one in particular is where I'm most interested. We're talking details soon but here's the problem. How do you afford to work 40-60 hours a week at a job that doesn't pay? Do I keep the job I have now and only work part time hours? If so, doesn't the 80 hour week keep me from pouring everything I have into my apprenticeship? Isn't that what a shop/artist want from an apprentice? (Someone who's life is the shop and what they're learning). I've been looking everywhere for a student loan that doesn't require an accredited school, but I have had no success whatsoever.

basically, yes.

I'm no tattoo artist (yet) but it seems to me you need to give up everything to do tattoo. Which makes it really hard for people who have any kind of responsibilities. Like kids. I'm 25 and determined to become a tattoo artist. But i'm having similar problems. I can't afford an apprenticeship with having to work 40 hour weeks to support my kids and help my wife with school. The only thing i can think of is practice as much as you can on your own. Buy practice skins with extra cash, practice on melons and try to find a tattooist who will share some industry experiences with you. Might be tough, but you do what you can with what you have. Don't let anything stop you from doing something you love. -Llourn

I'm no tattoo artist (yet) but it seems to me you need to give up everything to do tattoo. Which makes it really hard for people who have any kind of responsibilities. Like kids. I'm 25 and determined to become a tattoo artist. But i'm having similar problems. I can't afford an apprenticeship with having to work 40 hour weeks to support my kids and help my wife with school. The only thing i can think of is practice as much as you can on your own. Buy practice skins with extra cash, practice on melons and try to find a tattooist who will share some industry experiences with you. Might be tough, but you do what you can with what you have. Don't let anything stop you from doing something you love. -Llourn

so i refresh the page, and i end up reposting... *sigh*