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You make $65,000 (USD 🤢) in a dead end career... (piefed.social)

submitted 19 hours ago* (last edited 5 hours ago) by Tooks@piefed.social to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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You make $65,000 (USD 🤢) in a dead end career doing nothing but showing up sometimes. Guaranteed employment without change in intensity or salary until retirement in 15 years at age 62. You receive 3 weeks paid vacation, reasonably priced medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k matched at 2.5%, and virtually unlimited sick days as long as you don't call out too often (>3x month). You are given 6 college credits per semester to use at the local university. You're currently working on a PhD.

You live comfortably and have 1 year's salary saved. Zero dependents.

Do you ride it out, or do you seek a career change before it's too late.

I know, infinite unknown variables, but what would you do regardless?

UPDATE: I'm slightly taken aback by how many of you actually took the time out of your day/evening to reply to my personal crisis. I've think I've replied to everyone, which, in doing so, made this morning surprisingly sunnier. So thanks for that.

Adding some thing I've shared in replies. I'm a homeowner with zero debt aside from a very affordable mortgage. Purchased my car outright new in 2024, had household concerns addressed over past five years (new roof, HVAC systems, sump pump, water heater, shed, remodeled bathrooms), have three degrees, and a lifetime of piss poor fortune.

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[-] meco03211@lemmy.world 10 points 17 hours ago

Your potential doesn't need to be limited to work. You can exhibit that in a multitude of ways with no connection to a job.

[-] Tooks@piefed.social 2 points 7 hours ago

Having a job was my parents only aspiration for me. They thought college was a waste of time, and that I would be better off finding a job in retail, working my way up the ladder into management like my father, and live with self-inflicted misery for the rest of my life.

I've been employed since 12 years old. I'd only been without a job for roughly 18 months back in the early 00s when I was furloughed from a customer service role at a bank. I was given a nice retention and severance bonus, so I took that money and started an associates degree. Finished it in under two years, picked up a part-time gig, transferred credits, worked and earned my bachelors.

I equate success to maintaining a job. Just the way I was wired, I suppose. I would much rather find success in something not involving money, but I can't separate the idea of success from money. Capitalism.

[-] meco03211@lemmy.world 1 points 6 hours ago

That still doesn't need to be tied to a 9-5 job. Some advice I'd once heard was to get at least 3 hobbies. One that helps you stay in shape, one that is just pure fun, and one that can earn you some money. Find potential in a hobby that can earn you money.

this post was submitted on 06 Aug 2026

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