I know what you mean by stereotypical image - when I left grammar school at sixteen to become a 'gardener', I was very much looked down upon by my peers who were going off to careers in industry, banking etc etc but at the end of the day, I have had a very happy and stimulating life at work and I get to do something different every day and it always involves my greatest passion - PLANTS!! How lucky we are.
Have a good career.
Glad you have found some of the 'younger generation' on here - we oldies know quite a lot as well and they do say that you are as young as you feel! Personally, I still think I am 27!!
Enjoy the site.