Well, Forced hit it right on the head. If I were you, do what I did.
I came out of school, and went right to a dealership. Any dealer, it doesn't matter. Just pick out a brand you want to work on, or specialize in, or just learn about. They'll start you on small stuff with great pay, and bennies ,too boot. They guys at most dealerships are top notch,and a lot of them enjoy sharing experience, and skills. Not to mention, If you're stumped, or screw up, there are 20 guys to help solve a problem, or re-fix something. I once accidentally left a shop rag under an intake manifold on a pretty new lincoln at a Lincoln/Mercury dealer. The job took all day, and when I finished the rag, got sucked into the engine, and shredded. I went to another project, and took a harping for the next few weeks/months....well ok, I still get ragged on when I show up there seven years later. But the mechanic who came to the rescue took it all apart, and re-fixed it, and the car was done in just a few more hours. This guy could have done it in his sleep. My suggestion is you forget your own shop, and your co-workers, and get your foot in the door of the dealership of choice. I would start now. They'll still keep you working. The more they see you can do, the better jobs they'll give you to do. You'll likely be started on L.O.F. or something but it won't be long 'til they give your real jobs. You'll also have their rep.and advertisement, and score sidework. When the lady at the bank sees your dealership checks come in she'll ask you to fix her car on the side, instead of her having to go pay the dealer, top dollar. See what I'm getting at? Get a job, your tools, and good luck