check this thread out... and be sure to read all the links included in it.
http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/fo...ad.php?t=27041

That should answer just about all of your questions.

Ha ha ha Ha ha ha Ha ha ha Ha ha ha Ha ha ha Ha ha ha Ha ha ha Ha ha ha Ha ha ha Ha ha ha Ha ha ha Ha ha ha Ha ha ha ad infinitum. Usual deadline is yesterday.

What initially interested you in the occupation?
Been artistic since I was little, graphic design seemed a logical way to make a decent and steady living out of my talents.

What type of education/training did you need?
There's no specific degree you need to enter the field, though a bachelor's degree is usually a good thing. Nothing beats on-the-job experience, especially when it comes to properly preparing your files for press. I myself got a bachelor's in an unrelated field and went back for an associate's in GD later on.

Any specific responsibilities of the occupation?
Aside from 'making pretty things that communicate a specific message,' you are responsible for meeting deadlines, coming up with creative ideas that meet your clients' budgets, ensuring your files will work when they get to the printer...

Any disadvantages of the occupation?
Just like with any profession, you have to deal with people who don't have a realistic clue about what it is that you do, how you do it and why they should pay you so much to do it.

Do any government laws/regulations positively and/or negatively effect your career or business?
Umm, not really.

Any advice that you would give concerning your career?
Learn everything that you can about the tools you'll be using and figure out what gets your creative juices flowing. You'll need them.

I start looking around at other examples of graphic design or fine art (in magazines, online), or do more research about the company/product I'm designing for. Sometimes I also put it away for a while and come back to it with a refreshed mind and new perspective.

Do you have many time constraints or do you take however much time is needed to complete a task?
Most often there is a deadline, and it's soon. I do have a few a few clients who (gasp!) plan ahead and give me the material I need well in advance and I can brainstorm and take my time...

How do you put yourself ahead of the competition?
I personally don't try to outdo other designers. I'm more of a team player than I am competitive. I try to concentrate on giving the client the best piece I can give them.

Would you rather collaborate with others or work alone?
Depends on the project, but I think I work well in either situation.

Does your job seem repetitive or is there always something new to learn/do?
Both. I've done more business cards and invoices and postcards than I care to mention. But there's always something different and interesting just around the corner.

Would you rather create ideas straight from the computer/with programs or start off "free handed?"
Everyone is different, I personally tend to go for the computer first, but that's not to say I never hash out a design on paper to at least get a general layout.

What is your ideal work environment? Can you work from home? Is your current work environment very busy/hectic, etc?
I haven't worked in enough situations to really know what I prefer. My studio prefers I work at the office. I could work at home if I had to, but work has Macs, I have a PC. All the same software, but all different fonts that don't necessarily like to work on the other platform. It really is feast or famine at my office. There are days when I have nothing better to do than hang out in this forum and surf the internet, there are also stretches that last for weeks where I don't leave work until at least 8:00.