In reality, you won’t get low pay as long as your new career/job is still related to your background. But it may be a risk in many aspect if you completely jump into a new career.
It’s a risk because it’s not just what one person wants at this age. It’s also about family, personal goal/life, career achievement, salary, value, time, etc. Above all, it’s also related to how good this person is; How much this person will contribute to learn a new career; How faster this person can get good design skills; if he/she is lucky to get a job he/she likes (there are many directions in landscape architecture); if he/she is lucky to get promotion quickly. After all, it’s team work in most companies. Personality and communication skill play an important role here. So before you moving any step, there are some big questions you need to ask yourself. Why you want to change your job completely? Is there any other way to save current situation? How much passion do you have to LA now? Will you have financial pressure if you become a full time student?
However, it really depends on what you are looking for. No pain no gain. It may be a great change in your career. Risk doesn’t mean mistake.
So here are some suggest I can provide. Not sure what type 3D graphic artist you are. But 1 you could self market and open your own studio or find a new job. 2, you could be consultant or sub-contractor. A lot of design firms (most arch. and engineering) would like to have some one like you to do some animation in house. The pay is good, maybe better than designers. You may even give a try now without take 2 year school. 4, google/amazon/facebook etc as UI designers. / concept artists for movies.
Hope it’s helpful a little bit.
