If there is a particular job or a particular industry you want to work in, then your new job becomes getting that job. Work tirelessly to get it. If you really want that nonprofit job, then pull out all the stops. -Write a song titled, "why I need to work at a music non-profit," record it and send it to the CEO. Write the CEO, owner, President of any company you want to work for. Let them know that you'll literally work in the mail-room to start. Let them know that you're passionate, hard working, reliable and smart. Let them know that you want them to hire you, observe your performance and see that you are one of the best decisions they've made for the organization. When you go to the castle, see the king (or queen). That's how you get your dream job. Also, start going to networking events. Portland has a vibrant tech and startup scene. Meet people there. Make business cards that say "flac -the best hire you've ever made." With your phone number and email below." Network, network, network. Cause guess what? If it's your dream job, it's about 20 other people's dream job too. All those other people are working, networking, writing the king. You need to be doing the same. But you have something none of them have. You are extremely creative, and you should never forget how valuable that is. That will differentiate you from your peers for the rest of your life, if you let it. Your creativity is a very powerful weapon. Use it. Good luck, my friend. "If you will it, it is no dream."
Also, ditch the drunk friend. edit: And, get confident, stupid!
Weren't we all that drunk friend once? But I see what you're saying.
I've steadily come to the conclusion that you can help yourself, you can help others, you can help both in any mix you choose, but the more you help others the less you can generally help yourself. I have always actively sought to help others and usually stretch myself too thin to do much on my own account. But I've only recently recognized that this tendency has cost me position compared to some of my more selfish peers. I do not intend to change my behavior - I can't suddenly become a selfish prick even if I wanted to. But I'm growing an appreciation for just how much self-preservation and self-determination is necessary to excel at competitive careers. If your weekend is spent helping your friends move, it isn't spent finishing that screenplay.