There are many ways to work with CG not only for ILM or Pixar. Archtectural visualization, adverticing, in the fashion industry or as illustrator and thousands of other opportunities. Who wants to be an employee anyhow? It is not so difficult to get something to do if you have the skill.  Sepiasiren has just get her first commission! And even I - a beginner has had one request from a 'event' company that offered mock travels to Mount Everest. They wanted a short animation about crossing a bridge over an abyss in Nepal. Had I had the skill I would have made a lot of money! So don't let JenX discourage you. BTW the two people who got the job in the end were picked from the people here at Renderosity.