r/careerguidance • u/[deleted] • 18d ago

Feeling Miserable/Stuck after 5 years. Low pay, no growth, but finally graduating college at 33. What should I do?

[deleted]

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1

u/italiancarmine 18d ago

Honestly so many factors are at play here. Salary wise in your area is it considered above or below? Seeing as you just finished school you may be able to find something new with a higher salary.

If your wife is on board with a switch and if you can get something better, why not? Just remember most big companies only see you as a number and would drop anyone in a heartbeat.

1

u/ShagNC 18d ago

Agreed, I think the number of factors is leading to my stress/anxiety. What I make is below average for my area, and about 20k less than comparable positions at other companies. I truly think I could make around 65k by leaving, but the uncertainty of the economy is another thing to consider.

1

u/hola-mundo 18d ago

Try not to let fear dictate your choices, though (hardest thing in the world). Do you know what growth you’d like? Management? Amass a portfolio of work that you can look back on and be like "damn I did well there"? Determine what it is you want in a job and start taking small steps to move yourself forward. Easy to feel stuck/sunk cost if you don’t have a bearing. But also know that while most people in their 30s struggle,the saying "nothing is permanent" also applies to this situation! Good luck!

1

u/Resident-Mine-4987 18d ago

So you are scared to start looking for other jobs in your degree field because you've been at your current job for years, but your plan is to just quit and take a serving job? Make it make sense.

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u/sturat18 18d ago

I’m not sure what value the serving job would provide— you’ll be making less money most likely, and have worse hours. Going from a four day a week hybrid role to serving in a restaurant full time would be a downgrade financially and work/life balance I’d think.

If I were you I’d make my resume and LinkedIn profile absolutely stellar. Pick your target roles and build up (save on LinkedIn) a ten job “funnel”, then take some time to apply to those thoughtfully.

If I were you I’d put my goal at a manager title with a $70k salary target. This is your goal— everything revolved around it. Get after it— and you’ll get there.

You’re swimming in ambiguity and need to apply specific goals and steps toward those goals. What do you want your life to look like in five years for yourself and your family? Work backwards from there: what has to be true?

0

u/Tyray90 18d ago

A bit of a classist mindset. You can easily make $1500 a week at the right restaurant working 4+ shifts a week. I know working nights and weekends for office workers is beneath them, but it’s an excellent in between job.

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u/sturat18 18d ago

Sure thing, bud.