What did Claude Monet do before he devoted his life to painting?

From 1861 to 1862 Claude Monet served in the Military and was stationed in Algiers, Algeria , but he was discharged for health reasons. Returning to Paris, Monet studied with Charles Gleyre. Through Gleyre, Monet met many other artists, Including Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley and Frederic Bazille; The four of them became Friends. He also received advice and support from Johann Barthold Jongkind, a lanscape painter who proved to be an important influence to the young artist.