[elmerfud]

The bubble that you surround yourself with school and such kind of distorts how the real world is. You may be really great at what you do, but no one knows you. Without a direct reference it can be hard to get in some place.

I would lean toward what your family is saying, just get a job. Even if you feel that job is underpaying you and not doing something "exciting". Through this process you should learn about "selling yourself" and what employers want to have in an employee. Talent is important, but talent without being able to properly market yourself won't get you where you want to be.