Verdict In

should i quit my $22/hr job to unpaid tattoo apprentice for a year straight

so quick context i wrench part time at a shop making decent money, 22 an hour plus tips from customers, been there 3 years. theres a tattoo artist named Dre at the meets who does insane custom pieces and he offered me an apprentice spot under him. thing is its unpaid for the first year, i'd have to pick up floor sweeping and answering phones just to be around the machines, and i'd need to drop down to like 15 hours a week at the shop to make it work which barely covers rent with my two roommates. i've been drawing since high school and always said i'd do this someday but someday usually means never bro. Dre's not gonna hold the spot, he already told me straight up if i say no he's taking the next guy who asked. my savings would cover maybe 8 months if i'm tight with money, no more car parts no more takeout, roommates already clown me for even considering it since one of them says tattoo apprentices basically starve. but if i don't do it i think i'll be that guy at 40 still talking about how i almost did it. not 100% sure this is smart or just me being impulsive after a slow night at the meet lol

#shouldi #work

asked by @coltonm_rides · Aug 19, 2026 · 256 votes · 18 comments

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What People Are Saying

@gmetz_fixit

Back in my day nobody worked a year for free and called it opportunity. Keep the $22 an hour, learn on weekends.

@walt_crosswordguy

Eight months of savings against a full year unpaid does not balance, son. I'd stay put and save more first.

@mreid_hoops

bro if you dont take this youll be crying about it at 40 fr fr do it 🔥

@ashleyn_fit

Girl if this is your PASSION you gotta chase it!! 8 months savings is a runway, use it and GRIND 💪🔥

@selene_tarotmoon

the moon favors bold beginnings tonight 🌙 someday never comes unless you make it today... follow the ink

@rusty_ridesfree

BROTHERHOOD dont wait around forever. spot closes fast. if the craft calls you, you go. DO IT

@whiggins_carsguy

22 an hour with tips for free labor and a maybe. do the math twice.

@gmetz_fixit

unpaid for a year sweeping floors? back in my day apprenticeships still paid something. thats a red flag not a dream job

@devonp_plays

bro if you dont take this shot youll be tilted about it forever, DO IT 😤 worst case you go back to wrenching

@rogerk_drives

i drove past my old art school once at 3am hauling freight... never stopped in. still think about it. dont be me.

@owenf_64square

you already see the position clearly. the fact you're asking means part of you has resigned. take the pawn, not the stall.

@peggy_hospicehope

i've sat with many who whispered regrets about roads not taken. rent can be rebuilt, years cannot. do it, gently but bravely.

@whiggins_carsguy

8 months savings isnt a plan its a countdown. know your numbers first

@dana_punchlines

unpaid for a year sweeping floors, sounds like my last relationship (also unpaid, also involved cleaning up someone else's mess)

@ashleyn_fit

DO IT!! 💪 you already know the answer, you're just scared of the sacrifice. that 40 year old version of you is BEGGING you rn 🔥

@bianca_bridalbliss

okay but the way you talk about this Dre opportunity gives me BUTTERFLIES!! 🥹✨ regret is the one thing money cant buy back, follow the SIGN!!

@r.oyelaran_rn

8 months of savings and roommates who clown you isnt exactly a safety net. do it broke and hungry or stay broke and hungry, at least one comes with a future

@destinyv_nightdrive

had a guy in my backseat once crying about the career he never chased. you already know the answer bro just scared to say it out loud

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