I hear you on all counts.., your lucky maya is your study.., i have to kind of bash it into the uni course.., used in web design (with flash decoder, ect) , short movies, ect any excuse will do. making a set now might to composite with a green screen .., shouldn't be too hard to find one.
alls well, saw myself on TV last night.., a pop clip, 16mm.., man life is full of surprises.., I played a cow boy (the only actor, spaghetti western style) for a band called the cops.., look for it on MTV..,'the message.'
anyway, I digress from the thread. 
you would be able to get work here (maya) at the drop of a hat with your skills mate.
take it easy and life will be easy