Computer Animation or Computer Programming?

I am curentley attending college for my associate degree in computer programming, but I would also love to do computer animation. Which computer route would be the best to take? I do not know much about computer animation and was also wondering what jobs would be available and if they were hard to get. Thanks

Computer Animation or Computer Programming?
Both are great fields to be in. You should never try and let people decide your life or career for you, that's strictly up to you. The only way people can assist you personally is by explaining to you the pros and cons of both fields of study. I have an uncle who works in computer programming and an associate who does computer animation as a matter of fact. To start, computer programming is a very important field, one that is always going to be needed and pays pretty well. The unfortunate part about this job with my uncle is that he was laid off from two employers who folded up over night. The market here for computer programmers right now could be, well, let me just say, better. Second, the associate I know who's in computer animation, well, he does pretty well for himself. He just finished doing some of the effects of the newly released World Trade movie, and the movie The Poseidon Adventure. He was always good in the creative end, so he studied computer animation. Computer animation probably pays better for the type of work you need to do, at least in the movie sector, but computer programming, if you get into the right business will set you up for a lifetime of work. It really comes down to you asking yourself, "what are you good at?" Are you better with art and designing, seeing an empty slate and seeing how a finished project will look, or are you better with hands-on-work. Using your mind for more technical realms? Whatever you decide for yourself, you'll know that you're making the right decision. Best of luck to you.
Reply:I have been in both businesses and I think that both are difficult to get permanent employment in. I left the field of graphics because I was in a project oriented field with stiff competition for any positions that came available. I trained to be a database programmer and specialized in Medical billing applications and have become a person with a number of job offers coming around every year. The hourly wage was higher in animation, but the gaps of no work and the hassle of going on interviews took away from the net income.
Reply:Computer animation graphics industry is growing very well (You can see that from latest animation films,not only in films but also in many places it has wide application)So I'd suggest you to take Computer animation courses.It mixes your creative mind and your knowledge of programming.It also has lots of fun and very interesting.Good luck.