Well if Gandalf can't do it, then its going to have to be Harry Potter then....(!)
Great post - completely sums up my feelings on the subject. The only real truth right now is that if one doesn't train, then one definitely doesn't get a job!
I know its a cliche, but here's a saying I particularly like:
"Those who believe they can, and those who believe they can't, are usually both correct"
Good luck to all - stick with it!