Home baker looking for advice on how to get baking professionally
Hello! I'm a 22 yr F, I have been baking at home since I was in middle school, but have really been doing it non-stop for the past couple of years. Anywhere from cakes to sourdough bread, I really enjoy it and I think it's seriously what I want to do career wise. My problem is that I have been working since I was 18 (at restaurants mostly serving but always working closely with the kitchen) and never went to college for culinary classes or baking courses or anything else for that matter. I cannot afford to do more than a small online baking class which I'm seriously considering. What I'm here for is to see if there are any bakers out there who can give me any advice on how to get into a baking position. I am very persistent when it comes to job hunting and have never had a problem getting jobs in places I want but this is a completely new field for me and I guess I'm feeling out of depth :/. I'd appreciate any advice or encouragement anyone has to give! Not sure if this matters but I'm based in the Southern California. Thanks so much!
Edit: I should clarify that I have been applying to many jobs in bakeries, however I'm sure we all know that right now it feels so rare to hear back from any job you apply to. I have applied to several and written a well thought out cover letter explaining my position and do plan on keeping that up! Thanks!