Hi Mark, I'm new here and an illustrator/designer/artist who just graduated after going back to school to earn a BFA in commercial illustration. I'm at a similar stage where I'm getting ready to start my practice while looking forward to working half time at a company with good values. I've recently worked as a Studio Assistant in a small Graphic Design practice. The work was 100% done by student graphic designers.

I don't know if you have that background but the majority of the work focused on developing Identity systems, brand development/research. There was also a huge need for people who mastered the Adobe Creative suite left and right, top to bottom.

I also noticed that Indeed and glass door.com had a ton of graphic design job advertisement. Perusing them might give you some ideas as to the general direction of the skills set that might be required in the next 3-5 yrs.

Hope this helps!