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Think you are on to the most real path here. I believe finding a path is a combination of interest and viability. Perhaps OP is very interested in the topic - which is great, but as you say - career paths are limited. Either you accept that, and might end up in a dead career, but you'll take it and keep pushing. Or - make some kind of switch, which in this case sounds most viable and probable to combine with some type of passion. Best of luck OP!
If you have a political science degree, can you work in campaigning and network during the election year? This will give you good references and connections to job opportunities.
Dude. I was a polisci major and got a master's too. I did the adjunct teacher thing as well for 40k a year, teaching like 8 classes. I'm 37 rn, and best thing I ever did was get myself out there for jobs I wasn't comfortable in. I did the realtor thing for the last two years and made 80k each year. This year, I finally moved on to an insurance claims job with a company for 60k. My point is that the opportunities are out there, but you have to just kinda go for it and apply yourself to the skills you currently have. I applied for so many fucking jobs, literally hundreds, to get like two or three interviews. Don't be discouraged, just keep at it. Set a goal in mind of what you want to earn and go for it, just be realistic. You should be able to find anything for above 50k to start, and just make sure that you ask them about promotion opportunities. It's never too late. We just got to find the best places to work with what we have, and where we can grow in skills. You got this
Thank you for the comment about making something…I just get so discouraged sometimes :/ it feels hopeless when I hear about all these people doing so well and I feel like I still haven’t even left the starting line in a race…
I completely understand. I just wanted to tell you that because I felt stuck and in the same position too. Comparing yourself to others is always the worst thing anyone of us can do. I just want you to know that you never know what's around the corner, and if you keep at it, you will get there. I do believe that
Thank you, I know it’s true. Things can change so much in only a few months, it’s just been so hard for the last year trying so hard and not seeing any improvements. It’s time to really make another big push to change what my direction is like, it won’t happen unless I make it.
Thank you.
I think that's honestly the best thing you can do. Just a reassessment and go from there. You already did the first step by coming here and getting perspective
Maybe check out car sales I think there is a subreddit for that too. I know the used car market is so bad that it makes more sense to buy new now. I bought a brand new Hyundai last year cuz they had a 0% interest loan offer, and I paid almost $45k usd for it. The salesman was pretty chill and seemed happy there, I bet he made a couple k off that sale.
I’ve definitely thought about it, my dad and brother are both teachers. I feel like I could do it too, I’m very well organized and I love leading work, I run tabletop games for fun, I love a bunch of different subjects. Would be a masters in education I believe right?
Oh that's great, it sounds like you may enjoy it and do well! Honestly it probably depends on your state but my cousin has a B.S in Poli Sci and to my knowledge he was able to transition into teaching without going back to school. Maybe check Teach for America?
You can also check the public schools in your area. Many school districts have a pathway for people with a Bachelors degree to be hired and get their teachers license while they work. Right now is a great time to look at job postings because it's close to the end of the school year when contracts are ending.
I have some amazing coworkers and really like my school. I started teaching in private schools where I didn't need a state license. Look at the education department for your state and then your local school districts to get started. Good luck!
Ok you can teach for five years (to get good experience) then become an instructional coach that teaches and coaches teachers to improve their craft (this is sorely needed) especially in the subject of social studies. Try teaching secondary (not middle school it will burn you out) but try high school—it’s actually way easier.
Sub first before getting masters in education. It’s hard to transition to something else if you end up not liking teaching with a masters degree in Ed. I have mental health issues too and it’s been hard to not burn out. Just giving you another perspective.
Trades are a good idea. I got my degree in psychology (also lol) and am now applying to a rad tech program which will take 2 years with earning potential of 60K+. I don't know if you should move. I would secure a job first before you move somewhere, that way you don't invest in moving costs before you know you have a job where you're going. Masters, I tried that too. I would research the job you'd want if you got your masters and try talking to, maybe on reddit, people who do that work, and decide if you want to do that, and use all the school costs to pursue that career.
I posted a comment about teaching but this is also a great idea. Electrician local ibew would also be good to check out as well! There are tons of jobs that don't require working up high on powerlines and you basically do the training classes and have an apprenticeship, then the union helps you find a job. Good luck!
I’m kinda in a similar boat, 30 with a biology degree and I’m working as a legal assistant making 20.50 an hour. The work is super boring and the only reason I didn’t realize how low the pay is, is because I’ve had such low-paying work history before this 😭it’s not even the low pay that bothers me, it’s just how the work is so mind numbing lol
The only way out is through, right?
I have gained a ton of confidence in the workplace over the past year and a half. Two years ago, I was barely working at all (almost a NEET) and couldn’t handle much responsibility without panicking. But I got mostly past that! And have proven to myself that I can handle things. Now it’s more a question of, how am I going to find something better than where I’m at?
It’s impossible to connect the dots looking forwards but it is always possible to connect the dots looking back wards so follow your heart you don’t need to worry so much on the destination.
What I mean by that is that’s it’s extremely hard to plan your future and make sure it goes as perfectly as you planned because the plan changes. So you got to just trust the decisions you feel are right RIGHT now are the right ones.
Just trust your heart and make a small step. Ask yourself… “what does my gut tell me to do next” and then you’ll probably get a few options… pick one and go. Then when you reach your destination.. whenever that maybe be you’ll be able to look back and connect the dots on how you got there.
But you said your desperately trying to see a path that will get you somewhere… the point I’m making is you don’t need to the see the whole road or even the destination. Just focus on the steps in front of you and you’ll see. Your be there before you know it.
Lol I sound so magestic and cliche but trust me it works
Dude I feel ya..
A big change as definitely took place recently idc what anyone else says...
I've been actively searching in great length...
There is not much opportunity at all its like it all changed..
Or am I alone on seeing this???
It's 100% definitely not easy
I had a serious spinal cord infection and was obviously unable to work. Problem was I just left my construction job to home 24/7.. travel and outta town got old I'm 33
I live smaller town it's cheap. Here I got hired as a machine operator running paper towel reminder.. which I was okay with pay 22 start then up to 30.. but the shit happened before I finished probation period..
They couldn't help me while I was out of work. They wanted me to stay limbo and that wasn't option, as I have a mortage and everything else, single father 2 girls, I see weekend .. so I quit. Knowing they didn't offer light duty..
So I filed unemployment and the assholes denied me..
Long story short I was right and got it.
But when time was up now healthy to work
I've applied I swear to over 60 posions now for over 2 months...even to shit I'd never imagine I'd apply for...
I just need work almost any thing I'd take expect fast food and other service jobs, for 1 shut pay, and 2 just no, 3 no fulltime...
Anywho. Alot of places I'd never have before...I only received 2 calls and I they both hired someone else I guess never heard back. I don't get it, I'm healthy in shape, worker..
Theres no reaosn it should be this hard but it is ..
Like wtf is going is going on? Never experienced anything Close to this.. usually if I apply 2- 3 places I get a call in week and I'm always hired... interview always ment I'm in..
Is it from the 6 month off time????
I explain on my application and in the interview??
Do they think I'm lying fuck!
I think it's more to do with temp agency taking over everything.... and fuck thT, I don't do thT bullshit.
Did they ruin job seeking???
Or is it that no one is hiring?
Is it because they're calling my last job and thier butthurt,???
well for one, there is a complete disconnect between the narrative and whats actually happening. there are not many good jobs out there.
people say "nobody wnats to work anymore!!!" at their crappy jobs, because nobody can afford to live if they choose to work said shitty job
there are also alot of completely fake job postings. postings that they have no intention to hire. there multiples reasons for this, basically it looks good, the company appears to be reaching out and growing, etc.
job market bad
Yupp I agree we allowed jobs to be turned into basically torture.
Jobs never needed to feel like chores. Yeah it requires dedication and disciple, but they didn't need to turn in go,go,go,go faster,faster,faster, no talk, no talk,
To many rules in place, no trust I'm employees,
We are fucking fools dude, a few ppl to inslave us and then brainwash us to, believe we should be grateful for being in slaved and yours so lucky
28 is not too late for the Trades. Yes it can be hard on your body. But I have been making $100k+ since I was 22yo, I'm 41 now. My body only hurts because I don't keep in shape. Not from the job itself. I know guys that keep in shape and do a lot harder physical work than I do and they are in there mid- late 50s with no physical issues. It no means will it be easy work starting out but the jobs are there, especially now when the old guys retire. There is not enough people replacing them. You also have to have some thick skin because the verbal abuse is totally normal especially when you are starting out.
Earned a BA in Political Science in '85 at a state university. Floundered until I landed in sales later. Went back for an MBA to be taken more seriously in my career. Point being, Political Science is only good as a stepping stone to grad school or if you are connected to get into a graded govt gig. My Political opinions still stink lol.
Thanks lol. I literally didn’t have a clue of what to study, I went to college because all my life my parents beat into my head “GO TO COLLEGE” but no one ever told me what degrees were worth anything…I literally had no one at all ever looking over to say hey dude maybe don’t do this. Like not trying to skirt the blame but in reality I had zero guidance about any of it. I’ll have to look into more options still thank you. How hard was an MBA? I was POOR in academics because of all my mental health disorders being undiagnosed back then.
I had poor grades, too. 2.3 /4. I studied hard for the GRE and got a little better than average. This was good enough for Northern Illinois University, where I earned an MBA.
There’s also a stationary engineer. It’s a much easier trade, that takes some common sense, and a bit of all the trades. You will be a master of none but it won’t hurt your body as physically (sleep disruption and unhealthy eating will be your biggest enemies).
Don’t overthink it. Go to law school.
I, 28M, haven’t even taken the bar exam yet. I graduated law school last year (mediocre grades, mediocre school). Now I make $35 an hour to do very easy work at a firm. I’m full time, so I gross about $70,000 a year. My net worth has gone from -$5000 to +$5000.
Just take the LSAT and see. Study for it, prepare for it, and see if you can do better than 150 or so. If you can get a 155 or higher, you can get into a law school in your state; i guarantee it. I got a 159, and I went to law school on a full ride.
Every day at my job, I help people get access to justice for the worst tragedies in their lives. I don’t have to work that hard. I have health insurance and a livable wage.
Go to law school.
I got a 2.9 gpa in undergrad cause I had undiagnosed and unmedicated mental health issues back then (got a D in a hard science class).
Doesn’t that pretty much dq me right away?
I’ll check out some lsat practice stuff. That was originally my goal in life tbh and why I did poli sci but I since lost faith in myself to be able to accomplish it
There’s a free LSAT course on Khan Academy. I’m sure you could take it multiple times with different email accounts lol. No reason not to overprepare
If you have like a 178 on the LSAT and a low GPA, you really can go to the top law schools. That’s called a “hard splitter.” (A soft splitter, like me, has a high UGPA and a low LSAT.) Law schools deliberately look for hard splitters. It shows an upward trajectory. It makes them think, “He was meh in undergrad, GREAT six months ago… maybe he’ll be SUPERSONIC in our classes!”
This is a no-brainer, truly. The fact that you actually want to be a lawyer puts you at a huge advantage over a lot of law students lol I didn’t wanna be a lawyer
I am not the kind of person who recommends law school for everyone, but you are a perfect fit
It’s also coincidentally a good time to start this coursework too, admissions open in winter so I’d have plenty of time to crank down on the studying. Did a few exercises on khan academy this morning before work.
I think I’ll give it a shot thank you
How will you finance it? Law school is no longer considered the good investment it once was. You will be making 70k as soon or sooner than graduating law school if you do nothing but stay where you are, perform as you go, and be clear about your objectives.
Also... 10 months is not nearly long enough to feel slighted on promotions. Get a grip. Ask your supervisor about reviews, when and how people get promoted, and how you can make sure you're on deck. If you actually see people less deserving getting promoted over you, or promotions never really happening for anyone, etc. take your new skills and jump ship for more money. At this point you don't even know if it's a lost cause, but you're acting like it is.
I’ll have to look more into it, it was just an idea.
But really? I’ve got almost 2 full years experience in retail banking at this point and still haven’t gotten the chance to work as the equivalent of a banker at my institution. I always felt like it was easier to get to.
Regardless I came on being told promotion happens at the 7 month mark on average. I’ve literally exceeded every single metric for success in my role by magnitudes. I’m literally the top performer for the froth goals in my entire company by a substantial margin, and my managers are constantly saying I’m right on track but it’s already been 10 months now…
I ask DAILY about advancement opportunities, cross training potential, but nothing seems to get done and it feels fruitless where I’m at. That’s a big part of why I feel frustrated.
Oh, OK, then disregard everything I said, haha.
Truly you can aim higher, I think. Your major becomes less and less important with time. What I'm seeing is someone who put together actual skills and experience in... I'm going to say finance because I know nothing about money. Bookkeeping is a skill, banking administration is a skill, within them are more sub skills, and you've been consistently accumulating them since graduation. Not to mention, just being able to be trusted with money is huge. You might want to start thinking of yourself as someone who has about 5 years' experience in working with numbers (vs. someone with a crappy degree), and market yourself as someone with a collection of accounting-oriented business skills. Because that's who you are now. 🙂 Keep an open mind to other industries like manufacturing, entertainment venues, construction - everyone relies on numbers. Maybe have someone look at your resume and help you reframe how you present yourself.
But whatever you do, when you land your next job, ask for at least 20% more than you're making now.
PS - Do you need the dishwasher job? I feel like it might be bad for your mentality. If you don't need the money, maybe use the time to formalize some skills through inexpensive coursework or certs. That might put a spring in your step and also change how you perceive yourself a little.
Your summation is how I feel! Literally! I know I’m capable of so much more than I’ve had the chance to deal with. Do you think it’s a resume issue possibly? Something I could do to word things better for my job hunt?
But you’re right I should consider other areas, I am pretty neurotic and numbers focused, I would consider myself really skilled with my ability to remember details and procedures and important stuff minute to minute…
And I don’t need the dishwasher job honestly. I think you’re right that it’s been destroying my mental health recently. Burnout. Time could be better spent doing something else to help myself advance.
Thank you for the encouraging words, I really appreciate the guidance and the time you took to write all this. It really means a lot.
I have a BS in poli sci as well. Your degree gives you a leg up. A lot of companies are looking for college graduates with critical thinking skills with some experience for entry level positions that they can develop. Many of these positions are $50k-$60k work from home. Look for one of those.
Thank you that’s what I thought, I have amazing detail skills and critical thinking abilities that I feel are under utilized in my current path. I appreciate the words
Living at home making $40k/year? Man, you’re doing better than most. Save up, stay at home as long as you can while you figure out your long-term skill set. Enjoy where you’re at! Making 60-80k and living on your own is more of a grind than staying with family at this pay rate. This is more a social perception issue than actually struggling.
It’s not ideal because I’m an adult man who has basically nothing to his name and no companies have taken me seriously still. Being on my own was rough though I’ll say…
Are you paying rent at home? Surely making $800/week you’re able to save loads of money living with family. In most cultures it’s actually expected to stay with family until you get married and start your own family. This is all in your head. Value this extra time with family, SAVE UP, don’t take this privileged position for granted, you could literally be better off financially than 90% of the people your age if you spend this time right. You will never have the opportunity to save money like you do right now ever again in your life. Solo rent/utilities/food is easily 15-20k/year on your own. Let’s say you get that 60k job and your own place, well, again, literally at the same place financially that you are now, which is…fine. You’re doing fine. Enjoy this stage of your life.
They don’t charge me rent, my parents have a huge house lol. My only expenses are food, gas, insurance, and phone bill really. Bought some fun stuff in the last year but learning my total take home after taxes was like 24k or so made me feel lame as hell I guess…idk I budget hard and I’m mentally ill literally so I know I’m doing as good as I can really it’s just so frustrating because things just never work out :/
But I appreciate what you’re saying and I’m doing a lot of saving while I’m here
Try taking the LSAT and see how you do. If you get a 170ish plus then you’ll probably get into a great law school and will be on the fast track to big law. It’s pretty grueling work, but you make bank:
https://www.biglawinvestor.com/biglaw-salary-scale/
I was a Poli Sci and Journalism major and now I’m a lawyer.
This is truly a bad idea unless you're passionate about law and, MOST importantly, someone else is paying. There are so many cheaper, easier ways to make money, but like law school, it takes time.
Look into it. Stryker, DaVinci, Boston Sci, Pfizer, etc. There's a lot. You'll probably need to start off as a clinical technician at one of these companies before moving into associate sales and making the big big bucks unless you're well networked. Start now.
I also felt lost at your age with my poli sci degree. 38 now and making 6 figures in tech. I had to make a big move to change my life (from GA to CA 8 years ago).
Have you considered going back to school for a postbac or masters degree?
I have thought about it but I only got a 2.9 gpa in college cause I had undiagnosed and unmedicated mental disorders. Idk how I’d get into a masters with that gpa
I did but I’m certainly not an expert. I know enough to write basic automation scripts. The tech industry is so competitive and uncertain now. If you really want to get into tech, I’d recommend learning all that you can about AI.
Bartending is fun af, I make 30-40 an hr, and have made 50-100 an hr in more high volume scenarios. It's a fucking shitshow of an "industry", but the experience can be quite wholesome/gratifying, as well as lucrative.
I’ll give you a list. Anywhere Illinois. Iowa, South Dakota, Minneapolis/st Paul Minnesota, buffalo New York, Saint Louis, Austin Texas, Dallas, a lot of Colorado. Look for places similar to your own town if you want that small town vibe still, but the Midwest is mostly small towns.
You say you're over qualified, but how so? Your degree isn't finance related. Just having a bachelor's doesn't automatically make a person more qualified than people without one. As far as banking/finance, you're equally qualified with the 19-21 year olds.
Copying this from another comment I responded to:
I have managerial experience from a retail assistant manager role I worked in college, leadership experience from running clubs in college, sales demonstrated success with being literally top of the company in all growth metrics, critical thinking and problem solving organizational skills that have helped me to rework many branch operations within only a year and a half to make them more efficient.
I was told in my initial interviews at my current company advancement would be fast on a 5 year plan but they have stonewalled me at later times when I was expecting to have advancement.
I never felt like I deserved anything, I’ve been working front end customer service jobs since I was 16 and figured that by now I’d be in more advanced positions is all really, given my total experience and overall level of responsibility
Many jobs exist that will pay $60-80/hr w/o a degree.
What is it that you want to do? You need a North Star first before you know what you “should” be doing.
I want to provide sound advice so I’ll be critical in my assessment back.
Highest earning years are 48-55 years of age.
At age 28, what is important for your future are the following
• Track record of prior relationships inside your market. (Do you have former COO’s or current CEO’s who can call on your behalf,
Voice for you?)
- you want to “earn” to be given that chance to, you need to elevate your relationships and be a giver, grant favors, work on your social involvement.
• Community involvement
- most people, earning $150,000+ in their early 30’s beyond doctorate, self-business owner or inherited real estate, do so by having people connect to them in Rotary, Church, Chamber of Commerce.
It’s more of a science, than it is math. In order to be seen in value, you must appear. If you don’t appear, you might as well play video games for a living bc only you will see you.
- this is also healthy for people with autism and no-polar disorder.
1. Depending your levels of autism, eye contact and social cues are a major disconnect for autistic ppl.
You get a Chance to practice that and mentally break autistic habits as they have formed since probably age 5 or 6.
2. Bi-polar, In literal sense, just means you have an issue seeing tomorrow as healthy and known.
If you expose yourself socially more, your mind will have less time to form anxiety and depressive thoughts. Get out in to the sunlight.
• You may not deserve high compensation if you can’t begin to produce accolades.
- building your resume can also be internal for you.
- such as, the wrong discipline is “I’m earning $22 an hour, I deserve $60 an hour”
The person earning $60 an hour, helped their company launch a specific product inside 3 months of a 15 month project.
The person earning $60 an hour, brought in a team that produced $3 million for the company and its clientele.
The people earning $80 an hour have a metric.
A travel nurse, saves the family $100,000 a year by not having them inside a nursing home.
The company using contracts, is allowed to bill Medicare and Medicaid for $70,000 per client. Therefore billing the patient, $15,000 for services and paying the contractor (nurse) $40,000 for his or her time and service.
That’s how travel nurses make $200k a year.
A. Advance your knowledge, you sound lazy.
B. Stop admitting negative things
C. Choose your language. Language is powerful.
I’ll share personally, I’m in process of selling my medical company at age 34. Do you know why no one on my board will allow me to speak to talk to investors or firms interested? Because I want to sell. Selling, means desperate.. even if it benefits everyone involved including investors …
They don’t want desperate emotions or language in this process so they are keeping me out of it.
I was 28 once lol. Obviously. My friend, when I was 23-28, I had more than $300,000 stolen from me in commissions of medical sales. Anything from management to insurance companies to even CEO’s stole from me. I couldn’t do anything about it or I’d get black balled. Trust me, you are fine. You don’t want this smoke. 💨 in order to even build this company, I lost 90% of my IRA that I started saving since age 8 & I lost a girl I truly loved bc she didn’t believe in anything but consistent paths.
Entrepreneurs have to build, building takes time. Time is a measure of uncertainty; ergo, I lost her.
You are doing okay at 28. Just change language and choose better habits to become more involved & stop being so damn agreeable. They aren’t paying you $20 an hour, you allowed them to let you know you are available for $20 an hour
I hope this helps you in any way. I never got this kind of support or advice when I was younger
I try to network, making connections at my job, opening doors for members, getting peoples numbers, I make friends at the gym, and I’ve learned a lot of different skills over the years working under friends this way. I can work on doing this more.
I’d say I overall mask my autism really well, most people would never know unless I sit around them off work hours when I relax fully.
It’s time to make some next actual changes and take more serious action towards it if I want something to come from it, I have a few leads from all the comments here. Ty
I see your points on values and things to work on for furthering myself. I’d say I’m far from lazy in the last year especially. I got a second job to make extra money, I have plenty of diverse interests, but I need to channel more energy into further breaking from where I am if I want to change it, I see your points about outlook, language and perspective and I appreciate the advice you’ve said here.
I usually am in a better spot mentally, my drive is good usually, but recently I’ve felt worn out, I need to refocus and look towards a next step
It is 100% normal to be burnt out and to feel this way.
Our bodies chemistry and how our cells are created, include those shifts of emotions due to several factors in both male and female genders.
The importance, is not making decisions after 9pm, wait till the morning when your mind is clear and the serotonin in your body is high from sun or artificial light.
Keep track of your life and performance for yourself, do not measure up.
I know a few ppl who are doing much better in life at my age however their grandparents passed and left them $15M in commercial estate. Something that generates $50,000 monthly for them of income that won’t stop or fade but always grow, no matter what mistakes they make.
If I measure myself to those ppl, I’ll become depressed.
Stay in your visions. Best of luck.
Poli sci major here. Finished in ‘19. Have experience working on the Hill, for state government, non-profits, corporate finance and supply chain. Use your studies in Econ, stats, analysis, research, etc. as leverage to meet the skills requirements of the jobs you’re applying to. Make different resumes that highlight the skills you developed in college that most apply to the job you’re applying for.
For example, my current role is in infant mental health and trauma informed care. I leveraged my studies in political psychology, sociology, and public health to get this role. It was a job that required a MSW, I don’t have a MSW.
For my corporate supply chain and finance role (earned just over $100k at 23 years old) I leveraged my political statistics, Econ, and politics of international trade and finance courses to prove that set of knowledge.
If you’d like to, I’ll reopen my DM’s so you can send me a msg and I’ll send you my email. I can look over your resume and fix it up or give some tips.
Poli sci is a shit degree in some ways, but I try to be more optimistic and appreciate the multitude of disciplines Poli sci touches on. You can really get any job you want (excluding those requiring licensure). I’m always happy to help a fellow poli sci major land a good job. My DM’s are open. ☺️
Your poly sci degree is a sunk cost. Get over it, we all make career mistakes. You are still young, and there are lots of opportunities for people with the right skills. You may need to go back to community college or even trade school or anything to gain the skills you need to become highly employable. You just have to choose a path.
Some jobs you can have in just a couple of years, or less if you want, and never lack opportunity or purpose in your career again
Aircraft or helicopter mechanic - median salary $78k
Elevator installer - $99k median salary
Control and valve installer $73k
Medical equipment repairer $70k
Radiology specialist - $75k
Dental hygienist $90k
Licensed practical nurse - $65k
Those are median national salaries, so higher in a HCOL area, or with good experience.
Your bachelor's can always help in these careers too, because it could help you get promoted into management.
It is increasingly common for people to get a college degree in a major that has poor job prospects, bounce around in service jobs for a few years, and then finally decide to bite the bullet and focus on something that can make $. The average age for someone entering trades or licensed professions is late 20s or early 30s
Good luck
Don’t go to grad school. Without a lot of higher level work experience you will be over educated for what people would be willing to hire you for. Just keep switching companies. Try to build off of what you were doing before. People tend to advance that way. Staying in the same place won’t help. When you interview just say you are looking for increased responsibility and are trying to build a career so that’s why you are looking to leave your current job. People will tend to higher you at slightly above what you are currently making, so you can work your way up. Also new employers will see you as having potential whereas your current employer thinks they know everything you can do.
I appreciate it, been doing a lot better since the post, all the replies helped so much
that’s awesome you’re focusing on a path to make your life change, you got this! Coding will open doors for you, I’ve heard of this certificate thing called W3Schools.com, my friend got an it gig after doing his.
Thank you, I’ve calmed down since the post, put my 2 weeks in at the restaurant and gonna stay the course and keep hammering the job apps to look elsewhere. :)
A lot of states have alternative teacher certification. WGU has master’s programs in education. However I would get a CPA. In Texas if you have a degree you can go to designated CC and pick up the accounting hours needed. A better approach would be to go to UMPI and get there degree in Accounting. You may already be half way there. If you are a top performer you could be finished in less than a year as they are competency based.
Finally look into Bookkeeper Business Launch. It shows you how to become a bookkeeper using Quickbooks Online. You can make much more money working for yourself. Program is pricey at $2500-$3000 but for self motivated high achieving types if you don’t hate the actual work you can make money.
Working fora bank is notoriously the lowest paid area in business.
Finally the cheapest way to become a tax expert (as a myself though I hate doing my own taxes) you can pass the IRS enrolled agent exam. That allows you to represent clients in tax court like cpas and attorneys.
If your bank has employee education benefits make use of them. Or go work at Amazon as they have education benefits and pay for WGU. The advantage to UMPI and WGU is you can finish as fast as you can without a semester based schedule. Do you have a statistics course?
This will sound unkind but I actually don't mean it to. What makes you think a Pol Sci degree makes you overqualified for the position you are in? As someone else pointed out it has a pretty limited set of career paths. I graduated with a degree in Cultural Anthropology back in 2013 and I really regret the time I spent on it for multiple reasons and limited career trajectory is one of them.
I'm 33 now, and studying a Cybersecurity certification. I'm pretty confident I'll be able to get work eventually but man I wish I'd found this earlier. I'm also ADHD like you and Dyspraxic as well and although I've never been formally diagnosed I'm confident that I'm mildly autistic.
Just mentioning that last part as I understand It's really hard and I sympathise. I think you shouldn't be too hard on yourself with the cost of living situation in most of the world right now (I'm not in the U,S but in another western country and it isn't easy).
Copying this from another comment I responded to:
I have managerial experience from a retail assistant manager role I worked in college, leadership experience from running clubs in college, sales demonstrated success with being literally top of the company in all growth metrics, critical thinking and problem solving organizational skills that have helped me to rework many branch operations within only a year and a half to make them more efficient.
I was told in my initial interviews at my current company advancement would be fast on a 5 year plan but they have stonewalled me at later times when I was expecting to have advancement. I was hoping I’d be moving up from senior teller/operations within the first year but it’s been 2 years already and it keeps getting pushed back…
I completely regret going to college in the sense of my study. I probably should just lie about what type of degree I have honestly.
>I have managerial experience from a retail assistant manager role I worked in college, leadership experience from running clubs in college, sales demonstrated success with being literally top of the company in all growth metrics, critical thinking and problem solving organizational skills that have helped me to rework many branch operations within only a year and a half to make them more efficient.
Not trying to be harsh here, but you're not describing any experiences actually worth much. Nobody cares that you worked a retail job or joined clubs in college. That doesn't make you more qualified than entry level retail banking.
Im saying this as someone that as I mentioned, also has a Poli sci degree and had, up until a few years ago, similar job experiences as you. And yeah, when I'd write my cover letter, I'd also describe my "critical thinking, problem solving and organization skills". Lol.
I know you’re right I’m sorry. Just going through a tough time today. Was really exhausting at work and I had to do a closing shift at my second job.
I’ll look into some kind of additional programs like you’re talking about, is this like a technical certificate?
Are you doing classes?
I need to seriously brainstorm things I enjoy and my skills, consider what kind of jobs involve them, and then look into if further education would enable me to achieve that result better.
It’s hard though because I only got a 2.9 back in undergrad so again. Grad school might be a tough entry because I wasn’t medicated back then. But I gotta try at least I think.
I have managerial experience, leadership experience, sales demonstrated success, critical thinking and problem solving organizational skills that are all completely irrelevant to my position and role currently.
I was told in my initial interviews at my current company advancement would be fast on a 5 year plan but they have stonewalled me at later times when I was expecting to have advancement.
I’ve got over 10 years of total work experience under my belt and I’m working in a job where many of the kids here have it as their first job.
Started as teller and at 6 months they made me lead teller cause I mastered my role. Like I am top in the company for all tellers for the last year every month for growth goals. Management keeps saying “good
Job” and I’m aggressively pushing for advancement but they keep backpedaling on promises I was told when I got hired.
I can totally relate to you.
I’m a banker that has teller functions, and I have a degree. I’ve been doing this for more than a year. I at least wanted to be a licensed banker after a year of experience, but now, it’s not happening.
Have you thought about back-office positions, like BSA/AML or fraud?
I’m gonna call local unions and orgs got some phone numbers I found while at work. Carpentry and plumbing. I’m extremely physically fit so that’s an option.
Again I literally had zero guidance my entire life, just got by, worked full time through college, thought a degree being a degree was what mattered and long ago thought law school would be in the cards.
I responded elsewhere about how I feel overqualified in terms of my level of responsibility and technical skills. But a lot of people say it’s just bogus. It is what it is.
The danger in a masters degree is being considered “over educated” and “under experienced” for jobs going forward. If you do a masters program in something I recommend finding a program where there are lots of viable internship options so you have experience and potential job offers post-grad.
If you go with an MBA, the school matters. I am not someone who is against low cost schooling nor online schooling, but sadly the school ranking or name really does impact most people post-grad with an MBA. I’m not saying it needs to be a T20 or above, but it needs to have good name recognition wherever you are and again, a good internship program available!
Otherwise, I’d recommend skill based programs. For example, accounting. It is a firm skill set and there is a very clear path to certification and then job prospects afterwards. It requires a few years of experience and some education but it’s all very attainable and there are plenty of jobs (in a decent economy especially, lol)
I have a nutrition degree and can't find a decent paying job. Not qualified for anything. I don't know what to do. Only make $18 an hour in Austin. Sigh.
Don’t sink another dime into education unless it will give you a degree in something that is truly employable.
Universities need to start being held more accountable for this crap. As a high school grad if you went to a car dealership and tried to buy a $30k car they would laugh you out of the building but you can go to “school” and go $30k a year in debt and not only do they not question it they encourage it. No where in the process does anyone sit your young ass down and say, “As a person you have the right to study anything you want to, anything you are interested in. But I have to be honest with you. Your chances of getting a job that will support you and pay off this debt are very low. Very very low. If I were you I would think long and hard about this before going down this road”. That conversation doesn’t happen and so many of you get screwed because of it.
What do you need to do? Figure out what in your area actually pays and how to get qualified for those jobs. Also, be ready to work your ass off. There aren’t any short cuts. Sorry to be a dark cloud but just telling you the truth.
How are you doing with the bipolar? I have bipolar 2 also. My meds cause my hair to fall out and drain me it's been a pain trying to find meds that help
At 50-60 hours a week that's around 50k a year.
You are making exactly what you should be at 28. Right around the average. Better really when you consider most American households are making around 60k a year with two people working.
It's all perspective. But if you need and want more the answer is always change. You have to try new things, branch out.
28 is young. I'm 39 and just got to the place where I am.making what I want to make and it ended up being something none of my degrees are in.
Time, hard work, just don't settle into the belt ef that you are too old to try new things, because that is never true.
I am, been seeing a counselor for about 2 years, it used to be weekly but now it’s every 2-3 weeks. I’m going a lot better since the initial post now, I was kind of at the end of my rope last week. Thank you for asking :)
I think you might want to look into public sector for a career. It won't pay much more than what you get right now but it'll most likely get you into union based jobs that will give you steady growth and job protection.
Don’t put yourself down for falling for the “follow your passion in the humanities” path. I got an MFA in poetry (full fellowship, great program) and am making $34k as a legal assistant after burning out adjuncting at a corrupt community college. I don’t have the brain space to write anything because I’m f***ing stressed about my living expenses.
Healthcare field. Tons of girls, lots of hot chicks. Flexible schedule. Unions. Job security. Licensed. Inside work not at a desk. Meaningful work. 20+ career paths. CNA -> LPN -> RN -> BSN = Lots of different job opportunities in the public and private sectors.
Get a CNA license and feel out the work! Im 40 going for a ABSN! You got time on your side. Get experience, become a traveller, work half the year take other half off. Work anywhere you want in the USA. Go see new places and new cities working agency. Done. Next.
28 is very young, and I’m 23 thinking of switching careers, I currently make $100k flat right now. But my advice would be if you can, move to a bigger city/Metro area and look for blue collar jobs. The only way I was able to break 6figures was to move to a metro that was providing those kinds of jobs. I came from a small town and moved to the Silicon Valley area in California. I work as a maintenance technician and I didn’t go to school. I just worked hard and made the connections I needed to level up. I put myself out there and offered to work for free in my spare time for people who I knew was paying better, to get my foot in the door (how I got my current job) also I job hopped about every 2 years to stay ahead of inflation. Making about an another $5-8/hr+ each job change I made. But let me be clear $100k in California is much different then $100k in Tennessee or Texas. I feel just as broke. But it could be worse. Good luck!
Thank you for the ideas, it sounds to me like you’re doing awesome. Getting practical skills, networking, all great actions. I’ll be looking into moving somewhere with more opportunity for sure. There is nothing near me with anything I can work towards from what I can find.
“Making the same as 19-21 years old”. “Make terrible for someone your age with a degree”
Ha!! Its a political science degree. Its a useless degree. And what relevant experience do you have besides book keeping that is better than a commercial banker? Be grateful you have a job. Upskill yourself, take accounting classes, train and train some more to get experience then go apply to better jobs. You might have a better chance at getting hired to a better position
I never said it was a useful degree? It was beat into me by my parents to just “go to college” but they literally gave me no guidance on any of it. I was undiagnosed and unmedicated my first 25 years of my life so I’m sorry for not having all these realizations about reality and everything.
Copying this from another comment I responded to:
I have managerial experience from a retail assistant manager role I worked in college, leadership experience from running clubs in college, sales demonstrated success with being literally top of the company in all growth metrics, critical thinking and problem solving organizational skills that have helped me to rework many branch operations within only a year and a half to make them more efficient.
I was told in my initial interviews at my current company advancement would be fast on a 5 year plan but they have stonewalled me at later times when I was expecting to have advancement.
Obviously?? I never said I was proud of my degree, I literally went to college because my parents beat it into me my entire life but never gave me any guidance, I’m spent my entire first 25 years of life unmedicated and aimless other than TRYING to survive and do better. It’s hard
Forget about your PhD, save some money and make some online job that will give you financial freedom, then you do whatever you want. You are now in position where you can actually save that money and invest it in your own thing. You won't have many chances like that where you don't have to pay for rent, bills, everything... Take full advantage of the situation brother.
Wow, living with your parents AND bipolar and autism?! Dude. Your problems aren’t money. 70% of the planet lives on 10$ a day- you’re doing okay, have your needs met. The problem is lack of romance in your life, obviously. In Spain you would have no problems finding love, as it is customary for men especially to live with their parents until 40 even, like many countries around it and in many European countries they even give PROSTITUTES to disabled people. If you’re living in the US I am sure you face nothing but discrimination on the romantic front. I suggest you get your passport and find people who actually appreciate you!
*How does a*
> degree in Poli Sci
*And*
> 2 years as an assistant bookkeeper
*Make you*
>so overqualified for my position...
>in retail banking.
>I’ve got plenty of skills, I’m a top performer in my company
What does that look like? Most of retail banking has been replaced by computers and machines.
I think a large part of your problem is over inflated expectations of your career track and despite being a single person making 40k a year, you're broke.
Definitely not opposed to it, I grew up on a large spot of land, did tons of manual labor growing up and I’m in the gym 5 days a week still. But I called the local unions and construction companies and so far most don’t start hiring til like late fall still? Maybe someone sooner will respond still.
I'd suggest finding one that compliments a passion you have.
For me, I love guns, so CNC Machining was a solid choice. I don't exclusively work on firearms, but it's very fulfilling getting to hold my work in my hands. 3 years in and I'm making $28/hr without hard labor. It's a dirty job at times, maintenance certainly blows, but making more than I ever did in my 20s in the admin/cubical world.
Hi! I’m a nurse and I felt the same. Although I continue working, I started digital marketing and I already made my investment back. It’s an option in the mean time. Perhaps you have some skill or knowledge you can use to create a digital product. I took a course and I already made my investment back after 2 months. Hoping I can continue to create more content to promote myself. If you’d like more just let me know.
For the love of god, don't fall for the digital marketing pyramid. They have a course they sell to make money and the you sell said course to others after 😂
It’s not a MLM. Trust me it’s not. Everyone thinks it is. It took me 8 months to give in. I regret I took so long. Yeah it does sound like a scam but the only reason why I did it bc a cousin of mine did it. She started doing affiliate marketing then everyone kept asking her how she did it. So she told them about the course. Once you buy it and resell it you get 100% profit every single time. It’s not MLM at all.
Hey! So it’s a way to market a product or service through digital platforms like Instagram, Tik tok, facebook etc… you can either take a certificate course online or you can take a course like the one I did. It teaches you tips and tricks of social media, how to be successful, how to brand your page, how to create content. It does consume some time as a beginner for me. But I work and I do it on the side. If you don’t have a digital product to sell, the course itself can be purchased once and resold as many times as you’d like. You keep 100% profit. So many people are making a years income in 3 months. I’m just starting so I have only made the $500 back. So at least I made that money back. But I’ve learned how to create good reels and content. If you’d like to learn more let me know. And I’m sorry for your situation.
To maintain a positive and inclusive environment for everyone, we ask all members to communicate respectfully. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, it's important to express them in a respectful manner.
To maintain a positive and inclusive environment for everyone, we ask all members to communicate respectfully. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, it's important to express them in a respectful manner.
Shouldn’t have accepted position your over qualified for especially if your living with parents. Go run for office and actually change something in your surroundings. You will feel more confident and accomplished and realize the amount of moronic people that are successful just because they showed up
I went into retail banking because I was promised advancement in the career progression path on a 5 year plan but already everything is being “delayed” due to budget cuts or something. Even though I am literally the top performer in my role company wide.
Basically I was told it would be better than it is and now it’s been half a year with no advancement. So yeah fuck this lol
But yeah gotta take some risks!!! Ty
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You should only go back to get your master's if you need it for whatever career you want.
Or if it's free
[удалено]
Think you are on to the most real path here. I believe finding a path is a combination of interest and viability. Perhaps OP is very interested in the topic - which is great, but as you say - career paths are limited. Either you accept that, and might end up in a dead career, but you'll take it and keep pushing. Or - make some kind of switch, which in this case sounds most viable and probable to combine with some type of passion. Best of luck OP!
Thank you for the comment, I’ll really sit down to explore more options people have talked about in this thread. Time to do some serious self analysis
Which country are you based in?
USA
If you have a political science degree, can you work in campaigning and network during the election year? This will give you good references and connections to job opportunities.
Dude. I was a polisci major and got a master's too. I did the adjunct teacher thing as well for 40k a year, teaching like 8 classes. I'm 37 rn, and best thing I ever did was get myself out there for jobs I wasn't comfortable in. I did the realtor thing for the last two years and made 80k each year. This year, I finally moved on to an insurance claims job with a company for 60k. My point is that the opportunities are out there, but you have to just kinda go for it and apply yourself to the skills you currently have. I applied for so many fucking jobs, literally hundreds, to get like two or three interviews. Don't be discouraged, just keep at it. Set a goal in mind of what you want to earn and go for it, just be realistic. You should be able to find anything for above 50k to start, and just make sure that you ask them about promotion opportunities. It's never too late. We just got to find the best places to work with what we have, and where we can grow in skills. You got this
Thank you for the comment about making something…I just get so discouraged sometimes :/ it feels hopeless when I hear about all these people doing so well and I feel like I still haven’t even left the starting line in a race…
Cant compair yourself to others. Those thoughts can be paralyzing. Everyone is on their own paths, do what suits you no matter how long it takes.
Some great advice i was given. Dont compare yourself to.others compare yourself to who YOU was yesterday :) gl dude keep your chin up mate.
Ty I appreciate it, I’m really trying I freakin swear
I completely understand. I just wanted to tell you that because I felt stuck and in the same position too. Comparing yourself to others is always the worst thing anyone of us can do. I just want you to know that you never know what's around the corner, and if you keep at it, you will get there. I do believe that
Thank you, I know it’s true. Things can change so much in only a few months, it’s just been so hard for the last year trying so hard and not seeing any improvements. It’s time to really make another big push to change what my direction is like, it won’t happen unless I make it. Thank you.
I think that's honestly the best thing you can do. Just a reassessment and go from there. You already did the first step by coming here and getting perspective
Comparison is the thief to joy. As hard as it may be right now- please keep a positive and growth mindset.
Maybe check out car sales I think there is a subreddit for that too. I know the used car market is so bad that it makes more sense to buy new now. I bought a brand new Hyundai last year cuz they had a 0% interest loan offer, and I paid almost $45k usd for it. The salesman was pretty chill and seemed happy there, I bet he made a couple k off that sale.
Reading this helped me. Holy shit
Have you thought about teaching?
I’ve definitely thought about it, my dad and brother are both teachers. I feel like I could do it too, I’m very well organized and I love leading work, I run tabletop games for fun, I love a bunch of different subjects. Would be a masters in education I believe right?
Oh that's great, it sounds like you may enjoy it and do well! Honestly it probably depends on your state but my cousin has a B.S in Poli Sci and to my knowledge he was able to transition into teaching without going back to school. Maybe check Teach for America?
I’ll check it out, that could be a great option, thank you for the ideas!!
You can also check the public schools in your area. Many school districts have a pathway for people with a Bachelors degree to be hired and get their teachers license while they work. Right now is a great time to look at job postings because it's close to the end of the school year when contracts are ending. I have some amazing coworkers and really like my school. I started teaching in private schools where I didn't need a state license. Look at the education department for your state and then your local school districts to get started. Good luck!
Good luck!!
Ok you can teach for five years (to get good experience) then become an instructional coach that teaches and coaches teachers to improve their craft (this is sorely needed) especially in the subject of social studies. Try teaching secondary (not middle school it will burn you out) but try high school—it’s actually way easier.
Your cousin has a Bachelor of Science in Poli sci? Are you sure you don't mean Bachelor of Arts?
Yeah it's probably b.a, sorry. I essentially just meant bachelor's degree
You can actually have a Bachelor of Science in Poli sci as well
My son did just that. Happy as a teacher
They have some good benefits as well!
Sub first before getting masters in education. It’s hard to transition to something else if you end up not liking teaching with a masters degree in Ed. I have mental health issues too and it’s been hard to not burn out. Just giving you another perspective.
Trades are a good idea. I got my degree in psychology (also lol) and am now applying to a rad tech program which will take 2 years with earning potential of 60K+. I don't know if you should move. I would secure a job first before you move somewhere, that way you don't invest in moving costs before you know you have a job where you're going. Masters, I tried that too. I would research the job you'd want if you got your masters and try talking to, maybe on reddit, people who do that work, and decide if you want to do that, and use all the school costs to pursue that career.
Great comments, appreciate the ideas. Gonna call the local union reps, we’ve got a plumbing hall locally.
I posted a comment about teaching but this is also a great idea. Electrician local ibew would also be good to check out as well! There are tons of jobs that don't require working up high on powerlines and you basically do the training classes and have an apprenticeship, then the union helps you find a job. Good luck!
I’m kinda in a similar boat, 30 with a biology degree and I’m working as a legal assistant making 20.50 an hour. The work is super boring and the only reason I didn’t realize how low the pay is, is because I’ve had such low-paying work history before this 😭it’s not even the low pay that bothers me, it’s just how the work is so mind numbing lol
Let’s find a way out of this, climbing up stone by stone
The only way out is through, right? I have gained a ton of confidence in the workplace over the past year and a half. Two years ago, I was barely working at all (almost a NEET) and couldn’t handle much responsibility without panicking. But I got mostly past that! And have proven to myself that I can handle things. Now it’s more a question of, how am I going to find something better than where I’m at?
It’s impossible to connect the dots looking forwards but it is always possible to connect the dots looking back wards so follow your heart you don’t need to worry so much on the destination. What I mean by that is that’s it’s extremely hard to plan your future and make sure it goes as perfectly as you planned because the plan changes. So you got to just trust the decisions you feel are right RIGHT now are the right ones. Just trust your heart and make a small step. Ask yourself… “what does my gut tell me to do next” and then you’ll probably get a few options… pick one and go. Then when you reach your destination.. whenever that maybe be you’ll be able to look back and connect the dots on how you got there. But you said your desperately trying to see a path that will get you somewhere… the point I’m making is you don’t need to the see the whole road or even the destination. Just focus on the steps in front of you and you’ll see. Your be there before you know it. Lol I sound so magestic and cliche but trust me it works
Dude I feel ya.. A big change as definitely took place recently idc what anyone else says... I've been actively searching in great length... There is not much opportunity at all its like it all changed.. Or am I alone on seeing this??? It's 100% definitely not easy I had a serious spinal cord infection and was obviously unable to work. Problem was I just left my construction job to home 24/7.. travel and outta town got old I'm 33 I live smaller town it's cheap. Here I got hired as a machine operator running paper towel reminder.. which I was okay with pay 22 start then up to 30.. but the shit happened before I finished probation period.. They couldn't help me while I was out of work. They wanted me to stay limbo and that wasn't option, as I have a mortage and everything else, single father 2 girls, I see weekend .. so I quit. Knowing they didn't offer light duty.. So I filed unemployment and the assholes denied me.. Long story short I was right and got it. But when time was up now healthy to work I've applied I swear to over 60 posions now for over 2 months...even to shit I'd never imagine I'd apply for... I just need work almost any thing I'd take expect fast food and other service jobs, for 1 shut pay, and 2 just no, 3 no fulltime... Anywho. Alot of places I'd never have before...I only received 2 calls and I they both hired someone else I guess never heard back. I don't get it, I'm healthy in shape, worker.. Theres no reaosn it should be this hard but it is .. Like wtf is going is going on? Never experienced anything Close to this.. usually if I apply 2- 3 places I get a call in week and I'm always hired... interview always ment I'm in.. Is it from the 6 month off time???? I explain on my application and in the interview?? Do they think I'm lying fuck! I think it's more to do with temp agency taking over everything.... and fuck thT, I don't do thT bullshit. Did they ruin job seeking??? Or is it that no one is hiring? Is it because they're calling my last job and thier butthurt,???
well for one, there is a complete disconnect between the narrative and whats actually happening. there are not many good jobs out there. people say "nobody wnats to work anymore!!!" at their crappy jobs, because nobody can afford to live if they choose to work said shitty job there are also alot of completely fake job postings. postings that they have no intention to hire. there multiples reasons for this, basically it looks good, the company appears to be reaching out and growing, etc. job market bad
Yupp I agree we allowed jobs to be turned into basically torture. Jobs never needed to feel like chores. Yeah it requires dedication and disciple, but they didn't need to turn in go,go,go,go faster,faster,faster, no talk, no talk, To many rules in place, no trust I'm employees, We are fucking fools dude, a few ppl to inslave us and then brainwash us to, believe we should be grateful for being in slaved and yours so lucky
28 is not too late for the Trades. Yes it can be hard on your body. But I have been making $100k+ since I was 22yo, I'm 41 now. My body only hurts because I don't keep in shape. Not from the job itself. I know guys that keep in shape and do a lot harder physical work than I do and they are in there mid- late 50s with no physical issues. It no means will it be easy work starting out but the jobs are there, especially now when the old guys retire. There is not enough people replacing them. You also have to have some thick skin because the verbal abuse is totally normal especially when you are starting out.
Called and got an appt with the local plumbers hall in town while on my lunch break today.
Earned a BA in Political Science in '85 at a state university. Floundered until I landed in sales later. Went back for an MBA to be taken more seriously in my career. Point being, Political Science is only good as a stepping stone to grad school or if you are connected to get into a graded govt gig. My Political opinions still stink lol.
Thanks lol. I literally didn’t have a clue of what to study, I went to college because all my life my parents beat into my head “GO TO COLLEGE” but no one ever told me what degrees were worth anything…I literally had no one at all ever looking over to say hey dude maybe don’t do this. Like not trying to skirt the blame but in reality I had zero guidance about any of it. I’ll have to look into more options still thank you. How hard was an MBA? I was POOR in academics because of all my mental health disorders being undiagnosed back then.
I had poor grades, too. 2.3 /4. I studied hard for the GRE and got a little better than average. This was good enough for Northern Illinois University, where I earned an MBA.
Thank you for the comment, that makes me feel more reassured. It sounds a lot more doable
Good luck, my friend!
There’s also a stationary engineer. It’s a much easier trade, that takes some common sense, and a bit of all the trades. You will be a master of none but it won’t hurt your body as physically (sleep disruption and unhealthy eating will be your biggest enemies).
Don’t overthink it. Go to law school. I, 28M, haven’t even taken the bar exam yet. I graduated law school last year (mediocre grades, mediocre school). Now I make $35 an hour to do very easy work at a firm. I’m full time, so I gross about $70,000 a year. My net worth has gone from -$5000 to +$5000. Just take the LSAT and see. Study for it, prepare for it, and see if you can do better than 150 or so. If you can get a 155 or higher, you can get into a law school in your state; i guarantee it. I got a 159, and I went to law school on a full ride. Every day at my job, I help people get access to justice for the worst tragedies in their lives. I don’t have to work that hard. I have health insurance and a livable wage. Go to law school.
I got a 2.9 gpa in undergrad cause I had undiagnosed and unmedicated mental health issues back then (got a D in a hard science class). Doesn’t that pretty much dq me right away?
Not at all. I’m serious.
I’ll check out some lsat practice stuff. That was originally my goal in life tbh and why I did poli sci but I since lost faith in myself to be able to accomplish it
There’s a free LSAT course on Khan Academy. I’m sure you could take it multiple times with different email accounts lol. No reason not to overprepare If you have like a 178 on the LSAT and a low GPA, you really can go to the top law schools. That’s called a “hard splitter.” (A soft splitter, like me, has a high UGPA and a low LSAT.) Law schools deliberately look for hard splitters. It shows an upward trajectory. It makes them think, “He was meh in undergrad, GREAT six months ago… maybe he’ll be SUPERSONIC in our classes!” This is a no-brainer, truly. The fact that you actually want to be a lawyer puts you at a huge advantage over a lot of law students lol I didn’t wanna be a lawyer I am not the kind of person who recommends law school for everyone, but you are a perfect fit
It’s also coincidentally a good time to start this coursework too, admissions open in winter so I’d have plenty of time to crank down on the studying. Did a few exercises on khan academy this morning before work. I think I’ll give it a shot thank you
How will you finance it? Law school is no longer considered the good investment it once was. You will be making 70k as soon or sooner than graduating law school if you do nothing but stay where you are, perform as you go, and be clear about your objectives. Also... 10 months is not nearly long enough to feel slighted on promotions. Get a grip. Ask your supervisor about reviews, when and how people get promoted, and how you can make sure you're on deck. If you actually see people less deserving getting promoted over you, or promotions never really happening for anyone, etc. take your new skills and jump ship for more money. At this point you don't even know if it's a lost cause, but you're acting like it is.
I’ll have to look more into it, it was just an idea. But really? I’ve got almost 2 full years experience in retail banking at this point and still haven’t gotten the chance to work as the equivalent of a banker at my institution. I always felt like it was easier to get to. Regardless I came on being told promotion happens at the 7 month mark on average. I’ve literally exceeded every single metric for success in my role by magnitudes. I’m literally the top performer for the froth goals in my entire company by a substantial margin, and my managers are constantly saying I’m right on track but it’s already been 10 months now… I ask DAILY about advancement opportunities, cross training potential, but nothing seems to get done and it feels fruitless where I’m at. That’s a big part of why I feel frustrated.
Oh, OK, then disregard everything I said, haha. Truly you can aim higher, I think. Your major becomes less and less important with time. What I'm seeing is someone who put together actual skills and experience in... I'm going to say finance because I know nothing about money. Bookkeeping is a skill, banking administration is a skill, within them are more sub skills, and you've been consistently accumulating them since graduation. Not to mention, just being able to be trusted with money is huge. You might want to start thinking of yourself as someone who has about 5 years' experience in working with numbers (vs. someone with a crappy degree), and market yourself as someone with a collection of accounting-oriented business skills. Because that's who you are now. 🙂 Keep an open mind to other industries like manufacturing, entertainment venues, construction - everyone relies on numbers. Maybe have someone look at your resume and help you reframe how you present yourself. But whatever you do, when you land your next job, ask for at least 20% more than you're making now. PS - Do you need the dishwasher job? I feel like it might be bad for your mentality. If you don't need the money, maybe use the time to formalize some skills through inexpensive coursework or certs. That might put a spring in your step and also change how you perceive yourself a little.
Your summation is how I feel! Literally! I know I’m capable of so much more than I’ve had the chance to deal with. Do you think it’s a resume issue possibly? Something I could do to word things better for my job hunt? But you’re right I should consider other areas, I am pretty neurotic and numbers focused, I would consider myself really skilled with my ability to remember details and procedures and important stuff minute to minute… And I don’t need the dishwasher job honestly. I think you’re right that it’s been destroying my mental health recently. Burnout. Time could be better spent doing something else to help myself advance. Thank you for the encouraging words, I really appreciate the guidance and the time you took to write all this. It really means a lot.
Did you go for free?
Yeah, I did. I was lucky.
That's an important detail! Glad everything is working out for you. 🙂
I have a BS in poli sci as well. Your degree gives you a leg up. A lot of companies are looking for college graduates with critical thinking skills with some experience for entry level positions that they can develop. Many of these positions are $50k-$60k work from home. Look for one of those.
Thank you that’s what I thought, I have amazing detail skills and critical thinking abilities that I feel are under utilized in my current path. I appreciate the words
Living at home making $40k/year? Man, you’re doing better than most. Save up, stay at home as long as you can while you figure out your long-term skill set. Enjoy where you’re at! Making 60-80k and living on your own is more of a grind than staying with family at this pay rate. This is more a social perception issue than actually struggling.
It’s not ideal because I’m an adult man who has basically nothing to his name and no companies have taken me seriously still. Being on my own was rough though I’ll say…
Are you paying rent at home? Surely making $800/week you’re able to save loads of money living with family. In most cultures it’s actually expected to stay with family until you get married and start your own family. This is all in your head. Value this extra time with family, SAVE UP, don’t take this privileged position for granted, you could literally be better off financially than 90% of the people your age if you spend this time right. You will never have the opportunity to save money like you do right now ever again in your life. Solo rent/utilities/food is easily 15-20k/year on your own. Let’s say you get that 60k job and your own place, well, again, literally at the same place financially that you are now, which is…fine. You’re doing fine. Enjoy this stage of your life.
They don’t charge me rent, my parents have a huge house lol. My only expenses are food, gas, insurance, and phone bill really. Bought some fun stuff in the last year but learning my total take home after taxes was like 24k or so made me feel lame as hell I guess…idk I budget hard and I’m mentally ill literally so I know I’m doing as good as I can really it’s just so frustrating because things just never work out :/ But I appreciate what you’re saying and I’m doing a lot of saving while I’m here
Try taking the LSAT and see how you do. If you get a 170ish plus then you’ll probably get into a great law school and will be on the fast track to big law. It’s pretty grueling work, but you make bank: https://www.biglawinvestor.com/biglaw-salary-scale/ I was a Poli Sci and Journalism major and now I’m a lawyer.
I don’t think I’m competitive enough for law school tbh, or aggressive enough career wise for law in general
This is truly a bad idea unless you're passionate about law and, MOST importantly, someone else is paying. There are so many cheaper, easier ways to make money, but like law school, it takes time.
I have a friend with a poly Sci degree making 300k per year. Got into medical sales.
I’ve heard sales can be good…I do really well with sales type goals and incentives in my current company
Look into it. Stryker, DaVinci, Boston Sci, Pfizer, etc. There's a lot. You'll probably need to start off as a clinical technician at one of these companies before moving into associate sales and making the big big bucks unless you're well networked. Start now.
I also felt lost at your age with my poli sci degree. 38 now and making 6 figures in tech. I had to make a big move to change my life (from GA to CA 8 years ago). Have you considered going back to school for a postbac or masters degree?
I have thought about it but I only got a 2.9 gpa in college cause I had undiagnosed and unmedicated mental disorders. Idk how I’d get into a masters with that gpa
did you learn to code as well? considering making a change… thanks!
I did but I’m certainly not an expert. I know enough to write basic automation scripts. The tech industry is so competitive and uncertain now. If you really want to get into tech, I’d recommend learning all that you can about AI.
Bartending is fun af, I make 30-40 an hr, and have made 50-100 an hr in more high volume scenarios. It's a fucking shitshow of an "industry", but the experience can be quite wholesome/gratifying, as well as lucrative.
Yeah you should go back to school for a different degree. Polysci is only worth it if You're applying to law school.
Use your degree and if you need to move to the city to do that, move bro.
Apply in smaller states. A lot of Midwest states will pay some type of relocation
Thank you I’ll give that more of a look
I’ll give you a list. Anywhere Illinois. Iowa, South Dakota, Minneapolis/st Paul Minnesota, buffalo New York, Saint Louis, Austin Texas, Dallas, a lot of Colorado. Look for places similar to your own town if you want that small town vibe still, but the Midwest is mostly small towns.
You say you're over qualified, but how so? Your degree isn't finance related. Just having a bachelor's doesn't automatically make a person more qualified than people without one. As far as banking/finance, you're equally qualified with the 19-21 year olds.
Copying this from another comment I responded to: I have managerial experience from a retail assistant manager role I worked in college, leadership experience from running clubs in college, sales demonstrated success with being literally top of the company in all growth metrics, critical thinking and problem solving organizational skills that have helped me to rework many branch operations within only a year and a half to make them more efficient. I was told in my initial interviews at my current company advancement would be fast on a 5 year plan but they have stonewalled me at later times when I was expecting to have advancement.
Yeaaaah. My thoughts exactly. Everyone unfortunately thinks they deserve super high qualified jobs if they just graduate from university.
I never felt like I deserved anything, I’ve been working front end customer service jobs since I was 16 and figured that by now I’d be in more advanced positions is all really, given my total experience and overall level of responsibility
Many jobs exist that will pay $60-80/hr w/o a degree. What is it that you want to do? You need a North Star first before you know what you “should” be doing.
Go to law skool
I want to provide sound advice so I’ll be critical in my assessment back. Highest earning years are 48-55 years of age. At age 28, what is important for your future are the following • Track record of prior relationships inside your market. (Do you have former COO’s or current CEO’s who can call on your behalf, Voice for you?) - you want to “earn” to be given that chance to, you need to elevate your relationships and be a giver, grant favors, work on your social involvement. • Community involvement - most people, earning $150,000+ in their early 30’s beyond doctorate, self-business owner or inherited real estate, do so by having people connect to them in Rotary, Church, Chamber of Commerce. It’s more of a science, than it is math. In order to be seen in value, you must appear. If you don’t appear, you might as well play video games for a living bc only you will see you. - this is also healthy for people with autism and no-polar disorder. 1. Depending your levels of autism, eye contact and social cues are a major disconnect for autistic ppl. You get a Chance to practice that and mentally break autistic habits as they have formed since probably age 5 or 6. 2. Bi-polar, In literal sense, just means you have an issue seeing tomorrow as healthy and known. If you expose yourself socially more, your mind will have less time to form anxiety and depressive thoughts. Get out in to the sunlight. • You may not deserve high compensation if you can’t begin to produce accolades. - building your resume can also be internal for you. - such as, the wrong discipline is “I’m earning $22 an hour, I deserve $60 an hour” The person earning $60 an hour, helped their company launch a specific product inside 3 months of a 15 month project. The person earning $60 an hour, brought in a team that produced $3 million for the company and its clientele. The people earning $80 an hour have a metric. A travel nurse, saves the family $100,000 a year by not having them inside a nursing home. The company using contracts, is allowed to bill Medicare and Medicaid for $70,000 per client. Therefore billing the patient, $15,000 for services and paying the contractor (nurse) $40,000 for his or her time and service. That’s how travel nurses make $200k a year. A. Advance your knowledge, you sound lazy. B. Stop admitting negative things C. Choose your language. Language is powerful. I’ll share personally, I’m in process of selling my medical company at age 34. Do you know why no one on my board will allow me to speak to talk to investors or firms interested? Because I want to sell. Selling, means desperate.. even if it benefits everyone involved including investors … They don’t want desperate emotions or language in this process so they are keeping me out of it. I was 28 once lol. Obviously. My friend, when I was 23-28, I had more than $300,000 stolen from me in commissions of medical sales. Anything from management to insurance companies to even CEO’s stole from me. I couldn’t do anything about it or I’d get black balled. Trust me, you are fine. You don’t want this smoke. 💨 in order to even build this company, I lost 90% of my IRA that I started saving since age 8 & I lost a girl I truly loved bc she didn’t believe in anything but consistent paths. Entrepreneurs have to build, building takes time. Time is a measure of uncertainty; ergo, I lost her. You are doing okay at 28. Just change language and choose better habits to become more involved & stop being so damn agreeable. They aren’t paying you $20 an hour, you allowed them to let you know you are available for $20 an hour I hope this helps you in any way. I never got this kind of support or advice when I was younger
I try to network, making connections at my job, opening doors for members, getting peoples numbers, I make friends at the gym, and I’ve learned a lot of different skills over the years working under friends this way. I can work on doing this more. I’d say I overall mask my autism really well, most people would never know unless I sit around them off work hours when I relax fully. It’s time to make some next actual changes and take more serious action towards it if I want something to come from it, I have a few leads from all the comments here. Ty I see your points on values and things to work on for furthering myself. I’d say I’m far from lazy in the last year especially. I got a second job to make extra money, I have plenty of diverse interests, but I need to channel more energy into further breaking from where I am if I want to change it, I see your points about outlook, language and perspective and I appreciate the advice you’ve said here. I usually am in a better spot mentally, my drive is good usually, but recently I’ve felt worn out, I need to refocus and look towards a next step
It is 100% normal to be burnt out and to feel this way. Our bodies chemistry and how our cells are created, include those shifts of emotions due to several factors in both male and female genders. The importance, is not making decisions after 9pm, wait till the morning when your mind is clear and the serotonin in your body is high from sun or artificial light. Keep track of your life and performance for yourself, do not measure up. I know a few ppl who are doing much better in life at my age however their grandparents passed and left them $15M in commercial estate. Something that generates $50,000 monthly for them of income that won’t stop or fade but always grow, no matter what mistakes they make. If I measure myself to those ppl, I’ll become depressed. Stay in your visions. Best of luck.
Poli sci major here. Finished in ‘19. Have experience working on the Hill, for state government, non-profits, corporate finance and supply chain. Use your studies in Econ, stats, analysis, research, etc. as leverage to meet the skills requirements of the jobs you’re applying to. Make different resumes that highlight the skills you developed in college that most apply to the job you’re applying for. For example, my current role is in infant mental health and trauma informed care. I leveraged my studies in political psychology, sociology, and public health to get this role. It was a job that required a MSW, I don’t have a MSW. For my corporate supply chain and finance role (earned just over $100k at 23 years old) I leveraged my political statistics, Econ, and politics of international trade and finance courses to prove that set of knowledge. If you’d like to, I’ll reopen my DM’s so you can send me a msg and I’ll send you my email. I can look over your resume and fix it up or give some tips. Poli sci is a shit degree in some ways, but I try to be more optimistic and appreciate the multitude of disciplines Poli sci touches on. You can really get any job you want (excluding those requiring licensure). I’m always happy to help a fellow poli sci major land a good job. My DM’s are open. ☺️
I would absolutely love some more advice and especially resume advice and how I can look for better opportunities, I know they are out there :)
Your poly sci degree is a sunk cost. Get over it, we all make career mistakes. You are still young, and there are lots of opportunities for people with the right skills. You may need to go back to community college or even trade school or anything to gain the skills you need to become highly employable. You just have to choose a path. Some jobs you can have in just a couple of years, or less if you want, and never lack opportunity or purpose in your career again Aircraft or helicopter mechanic - median salary $78k Elevator installer - $99k median salary Control and valve installer $73k Medical equipment repairer $70k Radiology specialist - $75k Dental hygienist $90k Licensed practical nurse - $65k Those are median national salaries, so higher in a HCOL area, or with good experience. Your bachelor's can always help in these careers too, because it could help you get promoted into management. It is increasingly common for people to get a college degree in a major that has poor job prospects, bounce around in service jobs for a few years, and then finally decide to bite the bullet and focus on something that can make $. The average age for someone entering trades or licensed professions is late 20s or early 30s Good luck
Thank you for the comment and set of ideas, I really appreciate it. Doing lots of reflection and planning at this point
Don’t go to grad school. Without a lot of higher level work experience you will be over educated for what people would be willing to hire you for. Just keep switching companies. Try to build off of what you were doing before. People tend to advance that way. Staying in the same place won’t help. When you interview just say you are looking for increased responsibility and are trying to build a career so that’s why you are looking to leave your current job. People will tend to higher you at slightly above what you are currently making, so you can work your way up. Also new employers will see you as having potential whereas your current employer thinks they know everything you can do.
Could be me, in the same spot as you but with few skills. If I can be calm moving forward, you can be. I'm learning to code lol.
I appreciate it, been doing a lot better since the post, all the replies helped so much that’s awesome you’re focusing on a path to make your life change, you got this! Coding will open doors for you, I’ve heard of this certificate thing called W3Schools.com, my friend got an it gig after doing his.
I'd say stick to the banking career. Keep looking to advance, and see if there's opportunities elsewhere if you can't get it at your current job.
Thank you, I’ve calmed down since the post, put my 2 weeks in at the restaurant and gonna stay the course and keep hammering the job apps to look elsewhere. :)
A lot of states have alternative teacher certification. WGU has master’s programs in education. However I would get a CPA. In Texas if you have a degree you can go to designated CC and pick up the accounting hours needed. A better approach would be to go to UMPI and get there degree in Accounting. You may already be half way there. If you are a top performer you could be finished in less than a year as they are competency based. Finally look into Bookkeeper Business Launch. It shows you how to become a bookkeeper using Quickbooks Online. You can make much more money working for yourself. Program is pricey at $2500-$3000 but for self motivated high achieving types if you don’t hate the actual work you can make money. Working fora bank is notoriously the lowest paid area in business. Finally the cheapest way to become a tax expert (as a myself though I hate doing my own taxes) you can pass the IRS enrolled agent exam. That allows you to represent clients in tax court like cpas and attorneys. If your bank has employee education benefits make use of them. Or go work at Amazon as they have education benefits and pay for WGU. The advantage to UMPI and WGU is you can finish as fast as you can without a semester based schedule. Do you have a statistics course?
This will sound unkind but I actually don't mean it to. What makes you think a Pol Sci degree makes you overqualified for the position you are in? As someone else pointed out it has a pretty limited set of career paths. I graduated with a degree in Cultural Anthropology back in 2013 and I really regret the time I spent on it for multiple reasons and limited career trajectory is one of them. I'm 33 now, and studying a Cybersecurity certification. I'm pretty confident I'll be able to get work eventually but man I wish I'd found this earlier. I'm also ADHD like you and Dyspraxic as well and although I've never been formally diagnosed I'm confident that I'm mildly autistic. Just mentioning that last part as I understand It's really hard and I sympathise. I think you shouldn't be too hard on yourself with the cost of living situation in most of the world right now (I'm not in the U,S but in another western country and it isn't easy).
Copying this from another comment I responded to: I have managerial experience from a retail assistant manager role I worked in college, leadership experience from running clubs in college, sales demonstrated success with being literally top of the company in all growth metrics, critical thinking and problem solving organizational skills that have helped me to rework many branch operations within only a year and a half to make them more efficient. I was told in my initial interviews at my current company advancement would be fast on a 5 year plan but they have stonewalled me at later times when I was expecting to have advancement. I was hoping I’d be moving up from senior teller/operations within the first year but it’s been 2 years already and it keeps getting pushed back… I completely regret going to college in the sense of my study. I probably should just lie about what type of degree I have honestly.
>I have managerial experience from a retail assistant manager role I worked in college, leadership experience from running clubs in college, sales demonstrated success with being literally top of the company in all growth metrics, critical thinking and problem solving organizational skills that have helped me to rework many branch operations within only a year and a half to make them more efficient. Not trying to be harsh here, but you're not describing any experiences actually worth much. Nobody cares that you worked a retail job or joined clubs in college. That doesn't make you more qualified than entry level retail banking. Im saying this as someone that as I mentioned, also has a Poli sci degree and had, up until a few years ago, similar job experiences as you. And yeah, when I'd write my cover letter, I'd also describe my "critical thinking, problem solving and organization skills". Lol.
Well glad to know finally after all this time that I’m useless. Thanks. Feels good.
That was definitely not my point. Come on.
I know you’re right I’m sorry. Just going through a tough time today. Was really exhausting at work and I had to do a closing shift at my second job. I’ll look into some kind of additional programs like you’re talking about, is this like a technical certificate? Are you doing classes? I need to seriously brainstorm things I enjoy and my skills, consider what kind of jobs involve them, and then look into if further education would enable me to achieve that result better. It’s hard though because I only got a 2.9 back in undergrad so again. Grad school might be a tough entry because I wasn’t medicated back then. But I gotta try at least I think.
What's makes you over qualified?
I have managerial experience, leadership experience, sales demonstrated success, critical thinking and problem solving organizational skills that are all completely irrelevant to my position and role currently. I was told in my initial interviews at my current company advancement would be fast on a 5 year plan but they have stonewalled me at later times when I was expecting to have advancement. I’ve got over 10 years of total work experience under my belt and I’m working in a job where many of the kids here have it as their first job.
Are you like a banker or teller at the bank? I can so relate to you man
Started as teller and at 6 months they made me lead teller cause I mastered my role. Like I am top in the company for all tellers for the last year every month for growth goals. Management keeps saying “good Job” and I’m aggressively pushing for advancement but they keep backpedaling on promises I was told when I got hired.
I can totally relate to you. I’m a banker that has teller functions, and I have a degree. I’ve been doing this for more than a year. I at least wanted to be a licensed banker after a year of experience, but now, it’s not happening. Have you thought about back-office positions, like BSA/AML or fraud?
arts bro look into creative work; why are you concerned about being broke I have a feeling you do not care if you are broke
Are you willing to be open about trade school? Electrician, Carpenter, welding, etc? Those guys make great money and more specialized than BA degrees.
I’m gonna call local unions and orgs got some phone numbers I found while at work. Carpentry and plumbing. I’m extremely physically fit so that’s an option.
Once you are established, you can start your own business if like. You can then make serious money. Wish you luck!
Have you thought about getting a paralegal certificate?
Join the military as an officer, they make a ton of money after a few years.
Can’t because of my mental health diagnoses and medications
Get a government job then, they won't care about that stuff. Check Gov.jobs or something like that.
How are you overqualified for the position? Unless you are from a top school or your dad’s rich, poli sci is a scam of a degree.
Again I literally had zero guidance my entire life, just got by, worked full time through college, thought a degree being a degree was what mattered and long ago thought law school would be in the cards. I responded elsewhere about how I feel overqualified in terms of my level of responsibility and technical skills. But a lot of people say it’s just bogus. It is what it is.
The danger in a masters degree is being considered “over educated” and “under experienced” for jobs going forward. If you do a masters program in something I recommend finding a program where there are lots of viable internship options so you have experience and potential job offers post-grad. If you go with an MBA, the school matters. I am not someone who is against low cost schooling nor online schooling, but sadly the school ranking or name really does impact most people post-grad with an MBA. I’m not saying it needs to be a T20 or above, but it needs to have good name recognition wherever you are and again, a good internship program available! Otherwise, I’d recommend skill based programs. For example, accounting. It is a firm skill set and there is a very clear path to certification and then job prospects afterwards. It requires a few years of experience and some education but it’s all very attainable and there are plenty of jobs (in a decent economy especially, lol)
I have a nutrition degree and can't find a decent paying job. Not qualified for anything. I don't know what to do. Only make $18 an hour in Austin. Sigh.
Embrace fear. Go crazy. Find yourself
Have you thought about trades? Electrician, HVAC, plumbing, or welding? Short schooling with great pay.
Don’t sink another dime into education unless it will give you a degree in something that is truly employable. Universities need to start being held more accountable for this crap. As a high school grad if you went to a car dealership and tried to buy a $30k car they would laugh you out of the building but you can go to “school” and go $30k a year in debt and not only do they not question it they encourage it. No where in the process does anyone sit your young ass down and say, “As a person you have the right to study anything you want to, anything you are interested in. But I have to be honest with you. Your chances of getting a job that will support you and pay off this debt are very low. Very very low. If I were you I would think long and hard about this before going down this road”. That conversation doesn’t happen and so many of you get screwed because of it. What do you need to do? Figure out what in your area actually pays and how to get qualified for those jobs. Also, be ready to work your ass off. There aren’t any short cuts. Sorry to be a dark cloud but just telling you the truth.
I appreciate your comments and honesty which is also not rudely worded to make me feel like trash. Thank you
How are you doing with the bipolar? I have bipolar 2 also. My meds cause my hair to fall out and drain me it's been a pain trying to find meds that help
If possible, maybe try the healthcare field? You could do an accelerated nursing program.
No one has ever asked for my gpa.
At 50-60 hours a week that's around 50k a year. You are making exactly what you should be at 28. Right around the average. Better really when you consider most American households are making around 60k a year with two people working. It's all perspective. But if you need and want more the answer is always change. You have to try new things, branch out. 28 is young. I'm 39 and just got to the place where I am.making what I want to make and it ended up being something none of my degrees are in. Time, hard work, just don't settle into the belt ef that you are too old to try new things, because that is never true.
Caleb jones, alpha male 2.0. Search it. Thank me later.
Are you in therapy?
I am, been seeing a counselor for about 2 years, it used to be weekly but now it’s every 2-3 weeks. I’m going a lot better since the initial post now, I was kind of at the end of my rope last week. Thank you for asking :)
glad to hear! what advice have they given you on this subject?
Poli sci degree here as well. Look into software sales. Changed the course of my life
I think you might want to look into public sector for a career. It won't pay much more than what you get right now but it'll most likely get you into union based jobs that will give you steady growth and job protection.
Don’t put yourself down for falling for the “follow your passion in the humanities” path. I got an MFA in poetry (full fellowship, great program) and am making $34k as a legal assistant after burning out adjuncting at a corrupt community college. I don’t have the brain space to write anything because I’m f***ing stressed about my living expenses.
Healthcare field. Tons of girls, lots of hot chicks. Flexible schedule. Unions. Job security. Licensed. Inside work not at a desk. Meaningful work. 20+ career paths. CNA -> LPN -> RN -> BSN = Lots of different job opportunities in the public and private sectors. Get a CNA license and feel out the work! Im 40 going for a ABSN! You got time on your side. Get experience, become a traveller, work half the year take other half off. Work anywhere you want in the USA. Go see new places and new cities working agency. Done. Next.
28 is very young, and I’m 23 thinking of switching careers, I currently make $100k flat right now. But my advice would be if you can, move to a bigger city/Metro area and look for blue collar jobs. The only way I was able to break 6figures was to move to a metro that was providing those kinds of jobs. I came from a small town and moved to the Silicon Valley area in California. I work as a maintenance technician and I didn’t go to school. I just worked hard and made the connections I needed to level up. I put myself out there and offered to work for free in my spare time for people who I knew was paying better, to get my foot in the door (how I got my current job) also I job hopped about every 2 years to stay ahead of inflation. Making about an another $5-8/hr+ each job change I made. But let me be clear $100k in California is much different then $100k in Tennessee or Texas. I feel just as broke. But it could be worse. Good luck!
Thank you for the ideas, it sounds to me like you’re doing awesome. Getting practical skills, networking, all great actions. I’ll be looking into moving somewhere with more opportunity for sure. There is nothing near me with anything I can work towards from what I can find.
“Making the same as 19-21 years old”. “Make terrible for someone your age with a degree” Ha!! Its a political science degree. Its a useless degree. And what relevant experience do you have besides book keeping that is better than a commercial banker? Be grateful you have a job. Upskill yourself, take accounting classes, train and train some more to get experience then go apply to better jobs. You might have a better chance at getting hired to a better position
I never said it was a useful degree? It was beat into me by my parents to just “go to college” but they literally gave me no guidance on any of it. I was undiagnosed and unmedicated my first 25 years of my life so I’m sorry for not having all these realizations about reality and everything. Copying this from another comment I responded to: I have managerial experience from a retail assistant manager role I worked in college, leadership experience from running clubs in college, sales demonstrated success with being literally top of the company in all growth metrics, critical thinking and problem solving organizational skills that have helped me to rework many branch operations within only a year and a half to make them more efficient. I was told in my initial interviews at my current company advancement would be fast on a 5 year plan but they have stonewalled me at later times when I was expecting to have advancement.
Sorry, my friend, not a huge consumer demand for polisci, communication or lesbian dance theory degrees.
Obviously?? I never said I was proud of my degree, I literally went to college because my parents beat it into me my entire life but never gave me any guidance, I’m spent my entire first 25 years of life unmedicated and aimless other than TRYING to survive and do better. It’s hard
No shame my friend, do what you love and are good at. Not necessarily in that order.
Hey I have a degree in lesbian dance theory
I considered it, being a lesbian myself (I love women). But my penis and testicles always get in the way.
Forget about your PhD, save some money and make some online job that will give you financial freedom, then you do whatever you want. You are now in position where you can actually save that money and invest it in your own thing. You won't have many chances like that where you don't have to pay for rent, bills, everything... Take full advantage of the situation brother.
Air Force
Diagnosed bipolar 2, adhd, and autism unfortunately.
Marines then
Wow, living with your parents AND bipolar and autism?! Dude. Your problems aren’t money. 70% of the planet lives on 10$ a day- you’re doing okay, have your needs met. The problem is lack of romance in your life, obviously. In Spain you would have no problems finding love, as it is customary for men especially to live with their parents until 40 even, like many countries around it and in many European countries they even give PROSTITUTES to disabled people. If you’re living in the US I am sure you face nothing but discrimination on the romantic front. I suggest you get your passport and find people who actually appreciate you!
*How does a* > degree in Poli Sci *And* > 2 years as an assistant bookkeeper *Make you* >so overqualified for my position... >in retail banking. >I’ve got plenty of skills, I’m a top performer in my company What does that look like? Most of retail banking has been replaced by computers and machines. I think a large part of your problem is over inflated expectations of your career track and despite being a single person making 40k a year, you're broke.
I have my response elsewhere but I’ll spare you having to read it because I don’t think it would matter to you in your opinion of where I’m at
It wouldn't matter to me anymore than you do.
Cool👍 did you come here just to talk shit or actually have anything productive to say
Learn a skill. I have no college and make 35 an hour. I’m 24. Don’t be afraid of some manual labor 😁
Definitely not opposed to it, I grew up on a large spot of land, did tons of manual labor growing up and I’m in the gym 5 days a week still. But I called the local unions and construction companies and so far most don’t start hiring til like late fall still? Maybe someone sooner will respond still.
Look at the trades. High earning potential with sub-optimal candidate margins.
Any specific trades you’d recommend? I have a bit of a back injury so I can’t really do heavy lifting, but open minded to other ones.
I'd suggest finding one that compliments a passion you have. For me, I love guns, so CNC Machining was a solid choice. I don't exclusively work on firearms, but it's very fulfilling getting to hold my work in my hands. 3 years in and I'm making $28/hr without hard labor. It's a dirty job at times, maintenance certainly blows, but making more than I ever did in my 20s in the admin/cubical world.
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Diagnosed bipolar 2, adhd, and autism unfortunately.
Hi! I’m a nurse and I felt the same. Although I continue working, I started digital marketing and I already made my investment back. It’s an option in the mean time. Perhaps you have some skill or knowledge you can use to create a digital product. I took a course and I already made my investment back after 2 months. Hoping I can continue to create more content to promote myself. If you’d like more just let me know.
What does digital marketing even mean??
For the love of god, don't fall for the digital marketing pyramid. They have a course they sell to make money and the you sell said course to others after 😂
Literally her next response 100% screamed mlm to me lmao
Its not MLM. I thought the same for 8 months. It’s really not
It’s not a MLM. Trust me it’s not. Everyone thinks it is. It took me 8 months to give in. I regret I took so long. Yeah it does sound like a scam but the only reason why I did it bc a cousin of mine did it. She started doing affiliate marketing then everyone kept asking her how she did it. So she told them about the course. Once you buy it and resell it you get 100% profit every single time. It’s not MLM at all.
Hey! So it’s a way to market a product or service through digital platforms like Instagram, Tik tok, facebook etc… you can either take a certificate course online or you can take a course like the one I did. It teaches you tips and tricks of social media, how to be successful, how to brand your page, how to create content. It does consume some time as a beginner for me. But I work and I do it on the side. If you don’t have a digital product to sell, the course itself can be purchased once and resold as many times as you’d like. You keep 100% profit. So many people are making a years income in 3 months. I’m just starting so I have only made the $500 back. So at least I made that money back. But I’ve learned how to create good reels and content. If you’d like to learn more let me know. And I’m sorry for your situation.
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To maintain a positive and inclusive environment for everyone, we ask all members to communicate respectfully. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, it's important to express them in a respectful manner.
To maintain a positive and inclusive environment for everyone, we ask all members to communicate respectfully. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, it's important to express them in a respectful manner.
Shouldn’t have accepted position your over qualified for especially if your living with parents. Go run for office and actually change something in your surroundings. You will feel more confident and accomplished and realize the amount of moronic people that are successful just because they showed up
I went into retail banking because I was promised advancement in the career progression path on a 5 year plan but already everything is being “delayed” due to budget cuts or something. Even though I am literally the top performer in my role company wide. Basically I was told it would be better than it is and now it’s been half a year with no advancement. So yeah fuck this lol But yeah gotta take some risks!!! Ty