Tell your journey as a colorist

Hi I'm an amateur colorist, mostly coloring my own shoots at home, not freelancing or servicing but I been loving doing it for more than any other post process.

I've been thinking of doing it as a professional work, but that being said, my level of expertise are not there yet, I still lack technical knowledge and deep understanding of practically everything and what i know are simply surface level.

that being said , I am curious of colorist who have been on the field as a professional. Can you tell me your story of how your career started, how long have you been grading as an amateur before servicing, what company did you apply, what types of people did you contact, your first gig, what industry are you grading for, and what's your advice for newbies who want to get into the field?