Any tips, ideas, anecdotes that you have that may help me? I've completed my last year of schooling in Australia, and I'm needing direction, motivation and help in the next part of my life.

I know where I'm heading career-wise (graphic designer), and I know I'm studying for the next 2 years at TAFE in graphic design, but after that I don't have any solid opportunities to work as a graphic designer junior, all the while I need part-time work to support my family. If I don't, I'm not contributing to my family, and am just using up resources.

Well, let's start with when you're truly finished your formal education. Be very careful with adding monthly / yearly recurring expenses to your cash outflow. Car payments, etc. These can add up quickly and eat into your living / social / fun / travel expenses. When you get a raise at work try try try to keep living at the same standard of living. It's _so_ easy to ratchet up your expenses equal to or more than your income rises. Leaving a gap between income and expenses allows you the luxury of freedom, and will greatly reduce your stress.

What sort of part-time work have you done in the past? Are you interested in doing graphic design work or something completely different to get through school?

I've experienced those same problems. First when I finished high school. Back then I set some goals for my future which were finish a college degree and starting playing a symphonic instrument which would lead me to play in a symphonic orchestra. I'm currently waiting for my title i modern languages and I've been playing for 3 years in my state's symphonic orchestra.
So now I find myself in that place again where I say: -Now what? What's next?
I guess right now I'm waiting for a job opportunity in my field and I can see clearly what I could become in the future there ant with the experience I get working. But I still feel I need to set some new goals, and get my priorities straight between my career and music.

@Matt I only have my official Graduation ceremony and Formal in December to go, then I'm done forever :)

Excellent points Matt, I have thought about streamlining my possessions and usage of resources so I won't have to pay as much, e.g. riding a bike instead of driving a car etc.

I didn't think of that before about keeping my standard of living down so there's a bit of extra money to spend. I've always dreamed of a lavish lifestyle, but that'd be hard to maintain. Simple is best, and working with that I have. Great point :)

To be honest, I haven't done any part-time work, I've done work placements and work experience, but I haven't had a part-time job. A bit odd for someone of my age (18), most of my friends have jobs already. I guess[.]

[.]I set my goals too high, even for jobs. I think 'I'll land a job as a graphic designer', yet I can't just do that. I've been told to work at Target etc, or just pack boxes somewhere, yet I'm too picky, but I can't afford to be picky. I'm going to investigate working as an intern at a design studio (I know a few contacts).

Being a graphic designer is my biggest goal at the moment, yet there are opportunities here and there, and tangents I want to take, such as a concept artist, music producer and more.

@Mike, as a fellow who dabbles in music production, I feel a similar situation, either study to get qualifications to become a graphic designer or drop everything and become a full-time musician. I can't risk that though, I'd have to earn for my love of music, and that's a tricky one.

@Louis I think you are to start in a field where you can work independently, and as you gain knowledge while studying you can expand your possibilities with the projects you get into. It happens that my best friend is two semesters away from having his degree in graphic design, and he's currently working (as independent) for a company, making some publicity designs for them. He started working with wedding invitation cards and creating logos for school's graduation groups and other small things as soon as he learned the basics to design computer programs like Ilustrator or Corel. As he worked in his own time schedule he's had time to study while earning some money and then more eventualy. I don't know if it'd work for you where you live.

@Mike that's great advice, I've tried to do that, like do a logo for a band here, a shirt for a friend there etc, but I haven't received money yet, I'm a bit afraid to charge. But I've definitely looked for opportunities within my community and friends. It's just a matter of making money from it, and doing something worthwhile.

I've been told by my VET coordinator to keep up with side projects and designing for people while I study so I can earn a bit of income, and I've talked with freelancers to see how they go about pricing as well (I've discussed this on another branch).

An issue of mine is sticking to these designs, and completing them, sometimes contact withers away or the idea becomes old or the person doesn't want the design.[.]

[.]That said, there's a few projects I have in mind, a possible job where I can be paid, and projects with friends here and there like art collectives, shirts and more.

I haven't thought of wedding invitations etc, I here they're quite the popular thing these days. I'll consider that.

Haha well you can get some info on how you can do those invitation cards for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, prom parties, etc. See who might need get those cards done and offer yourself.
And it's good that you've started without charging, it's still a way for you to get experience, but you have to let them know that you're gonna need to charge for your work and time, plus the materials you're gonna use cost money too. Of course, with friends and family you can charge them just the material, maybe a little extra or just having them paying for lunch or drinks at a bar or whatever you could do to spend time together. It's a good way to keep it friendly (while you're still learning).

@Louis: Regarding working at Target or something more in line with your career. I have two thoughts on this: 1) Any work in a professional environment is good to get you experience. There are values and culture at every workplace that are just different than home and school. 2) Don't get discouraged and aim too low. If you don't want to stack boxes then don't settle for that.

I have a different opinion on not charging for your work, just to get experience. I think you should always charge, or a the very least, do work exchange. By not charging you are teaching your clients a) that you aren't good enough to charge and b) to expect to pay less. Mike's advice about charging just above cost for family is good. But anyone else, including friends, you should charge a rate that values your time and your quality of work.

If you want experience, perhaps consider volunteering for a charitable organization and doing graphic design for them?

You still have 2 years left of school, right?

Drop graphic design, switch your concentration to web design and learn to code html and css. Focus your energy on learning those skills and you will get a way more lucrative job after graduating.

Here are some resources to help you get started:

w3schools.com
smashingmagazine.com
alistapart.com

and if you like books
amzn.to

If you need money now, couple freelancing with work in the service industry. Waiting tables will improve your networking and communication skills, also tips usually end being more per hour than a minimum wage job stacking boxes.