By the age of 14 I was one of the top 10 painters of Warhammer models in my age group within the UK. If I had continued painting them at that time and continued improving my skills, there is a high possibility I could have applied and been accepted to work as a professional studio painter for Games Workshop. As it was I often got paid by friends and people who didn't have the skills or patience to paint the models they needed/wanted (one guy worked full time had no time to paint his new Tyranid army, he brought the materials and I did it for him) to paint the models for them. I never quite got that since the painting and construction (including conversion) of said models was over 50% of the pleasure of collecting and playing Warhammer. However at the age of 14 who was I to turn down an offer of payment to do something I positively enjoyed.
I can still paint Warhammer models to a very high, near professional standard. I'm not however likely to be able to get a job with Games Workshop as since I was a kid the professional "eavy metal" team that they have in their studio painting the models for them has changed considerably, most members have won at least 2 or 3 Golden Demon awards (awards for the best painters) which does mean I am sorely out classed. I could however if I went, re-learnt all the rules and games easily pick a job up working in a Games Workshop store. However I would only do so if management positions were an option for me.