Hey matt, im a bit late on this post but all i wanted to say is good choice going with the job . I know that schooling is good and all and you could learn a lot by being tought by another.. but learning out of books, here on simplymaya and other sources is definately the way to go. I do have more time them most people but if you can find time to work on maya in your home then you are set! You can learn so much without a teacher if you put your mind to it.