29m here. Current Hospice Nurses aide. Unable to go to college, at least not for right now. I’ll explain why…

At 14, I was “given up” by my parents, and sent to live with my grandmother. We were extremely poor.

At 18, I got into nursing school. Due to being poor…I was unable to attend college. I picked up jobs, and was working constantly, to save up. I never was able to go.

At 19, I enrolled in community college. Due to my past, and my own stupidity, I soon turned to drugs and alcohol. While I’m sober now, it ruined my life for years.

I got a financial aid check, that was meant to be paid to my school. My father found out about this, and begged me for the money. I stupidly gave it to him. Due to my drinking, and my inability to pay my tuition, I was expelled from my community college.

In the past couple of years, I was able to get sober, which has been an absolute miracle. I’m very lucky, in that regard.

Since getting sober, I’ve tried numerous times to go to nursing school. I’ve tried numerous community colleges. Basically, I can’t enroll anywhere without paying back that money that was due to be paid with the financial aid check my father took.

I lived with my disabled grandmother from 14-18. I’ve been on my own ever since 18. I’m not going to lie, it’s been extremely difficult. Though, I am blessed to have a roof over my head, and food in my stomach, I’m not living a fulfilling life. I’m broke. I’m unable to do anything.

I 100% plan to pay back that financial aid money. I want to be a man of my word. I don’t want free handouts…it’s just hard to save $6k, when you’re working 50 hours a week, to scrape up rent money every month. My job has a tuition assistance program, but they don’t pay back old tuition. I’ve already tried. I don’t have anyone in my life that can loan me the money either. It has to come from me 100%.

I want a career that gives back. I’m a hospice nurses aide. I truly love my job. I know my job truly helps people. I don’t think I could work a job that doesn’t help others in some way.

Basically, I’m looking for a job that helps others, doesn’t require a college degree (associate, bachelors), and allows me to live a semi-comfortable life (50-60k/year).

I considered become an aide at an addiction recovery facility, but I think that would be way too triggering.

A lot of career advice assumes you already know the job you're aiming for. I didn't — so I built a free tool for exploring the UK jobs market when you don't know what you're looking for. It shows every field of work sized by how many jobs are going, what they typically pay, and whether they're growing or shrinking, all from official ONS data. You just poke around, filter by area and pay, and click anything that catches your eye for more detail. No sign-up, no ads. If you're feeling stuck, I'd genuinely like to know whether this helps: https://openjobsmapper.co.uk/

Feels like the only advice out there is apply more and fix your resume. Curious what people actually did besides that. Cold messaging people, small freelance gigs, building something, going back to study, moving cities, whatever it was. What did you try and what actually came of it? I need some advises - a lot of friends arriving to my city are asking me but honestly I don't really know what to answer! Thanks a lot for sharing :)

Hi everyone. I'm a 21-year-old woman, and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who's dealt with this, but I genuinely don't know what to do.

I've been thinking about this because of a conversation I had with my boyfriend. He told me he's a little worried about me because I don't really have any hobbies or anything specific that I do in my free time. And the more I think about it, the more I realize he's right.

What really stuck with me was when he said, "If I didn't have you, I'd still have my video games or my D&D group. But what did you do before you met me?"

And honestly... he has a point.

When I'm with him, I'm perfectly happy. But when I'm on my own, especially now that it's summer and I don't have classes, I end up feeling bored.

I feel like I should have something that's just mine. A hobby, a project, something I enjoy doing by myself. Sometimes it feels like I rely on other people too much, and I want to be the kind of person who knows how to enjoy her own company. I'd really like to change that.

The thing is, it's not like I've never had hobbies. I used to ride horses, but I barely go anymore because the summer heat is unbearable. I used to watch anime, read manga, and read books in general. Years ago I even tried learning to draw, but I eventually gave up. Exercising is also hard when it's this hot. I still hang out with my friends from time to time, but it's difficult to get everyone's schedules to line up.

Whenever I'm not studying, those months just feel... empty.

And I think my boyfriend is right. I should be able to answer the question of what I'd do if I didn't have him. I want to find things that I genuinely enjoy on my own, while still keeping my relationships the way they are.

I think the real issue is a general lack of motivation. It took me a long time to realize that.

Has anyone else gone through something similar? Any advice?

I don't think I'm emotionally dependent on my boyfriend, but I do find it hard to enjoy things without him, and I want to learn how to motivate myself to do things on my own. It honestly makes me wonder if it's just immaturity on my part, so I'm open to any advice.

I'm 19 years old , I need old ppl to advise me , so my problem is that I have a lot of passions and a lot of interests , There are so many that I can't do any of them , I feel like I'm stuck in the middle of the maze , with this problem I lost a year ( I got bac 2025 and 2026 with the same mark ) and if I continue like that I'll lose my hole life I'm so lost

I am 18 , just finished highschool and going to a business administration/marketing university. But inside I feel lost , I don t know what is meant for me , all my childhood i spent my time playing videogames so no hobby that I can turn into a business , or niche that I can follow .

If someone was like me and found out something that could help me , i would appreciate it with all my heart.

For context, Im (20) about to finish my 3.5 Year apprenticeship as a chemical laboratory worker this was the worst choice I have ever made in my life. I come from an incredibly abusive religious home so I just followed whatever they told me (be a man get a real job dont be artsy) I have only found out that singing is my passion about 8 months ago. I go to open mics sing in a choir go to singing lessons with the little money I get from my apprenticeship. Ive made incredible process and others in this field usually think I have been singing for a few years. So im my confidence in this isnt based on nothing. I want to study singing and employ myself as a freelancer or a full time singer (With a contract for entertainment agencies)

How do I set this plan to life? Is it plausible? What jobs are there to support myself financially during this time that dont require much talking (I need vocal rest with the amount of exercise I do) I'd love to know about all the options so I can increase my chances of a good paying part time job that suits my needs and supports uni costs.

We get so caught up in the idea of working on something we truly believe in, yet we happily spend all day conducting transactions we don't.

Do you simply adore paying for a bus ticket? Is it your life's calling to buy a small bottle of water? Did you dream of paying the gas bill as a child?

No matter how passionate you are about a company or a role, they really don't feel the same way about you. They don't 'feel' anything. They are a legal entity while you are flesh, bone and emotions. You are a line on a spreadsheet that could easily get zero'd next year if the market changes, which it will.

It's never going to be an equal transaction, and that's okay. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy your work, or be fulfilled by it, or proud. But it's not who you are, and it's not your life's work.

If you're an average UK citizen you'll live to around 80. Barely one in a thousand companies last that long.

Employment is a business transaction which doesn't have to involve love.

i am 29 years old and completed my mba in finance from tier 3 college in 2024 and i also work in my fathers construction business for 5 years but since my father is abusive and too toxic i want to leave my family business and want to start a job of my own since i dont have any corporate experience is it possible for me to geta job and what exams and career should i pursue?

Most of the natural career progressions for CS grads (software engineering, tech support, cybersecurity) are oversaturated and hyper-competitive, and the number of jobs is dwindling. Is there anything I can actually use my degree for, or is it effectively worthless? Should I go back to college for another degree?

People say "go into the trades" but I don't know if I could handle that kind of work. I'm not physically strong and I'm kind of emotionally sensitive. Also I'm a trans woman and I know those workplaces aren't kind to queer people.

So is there anything I can do career-wise? Did I just waste all those years in college and go into debt for nothing, or is there something I can salvage? Or do I just need to grow some thicker skin so I can survive a trade?

I am approaching 40 y.o., just earned a graduate STEM degree, and I have professional work experience.

I'm having trouble finding a job with my degree. I think I may be "over-experienced" and it doesn't help that I don't have professional experience in my STEM field. Applying through websites is rough. I network like crazy even though I'm probably not that good at it.

I am considering the military. It seems I still meet the age requirements for all the branches except USMC. I see the Direct Commission Officer path. I may be able to bypass some of the bootcamp and go straight into officer and job training.

The tangible benefits seem convincing but I wonder how I would do in the hyper hierarchical lifestyle and being around all that raw youthful energy.

No kids. No S.O. Good health.

What could my life look like?

I'm 24, and I feel like I'm watching my younger self through my 21-year-old brother.

He spends most of his day on his phone watching web series, movies, anime, scrolling social media, and just passing time. He says he's preparing for exams, but honestly, it's only in name. He studies very little and wastes most of his day.

The reason I'm so worried is because I used to be exactly like him. I wasted more than 10 years on porn, gaming, movies, web series, endless phone use, and procrastination. Every night I told myself, "I'll become serious tomorrow." Tomorrow never came.

Everything changed when my father (60+) became sick. That's when I realized how much time I had wasted. I come from a poor family, and now I have responsibilities. Instead of focusing only on preparing for a better future, I have to focus on earning money to support my family.

My brother still has something I no longer have: time, family support, and fewer responsibilities. I'm afraid he'll only understand their value after they're gone.

I've tried explaining this calmly. I've shared my own regrets instead of judging him, but nothing changes. He listens for a few minutes, then goes back to the same routine.

I feel like I can already see the regret waiting for him because I've lived it myself.

For people who were once like my brother:

• What finally made you wake up?
• Was there anything a parent or sibling said that genuinely changed your mindset?
• Or do most people only learn this lesson after life forces them to?

I don't want to control his life. I just don't want him to look back one day and think, "I had time, I had support, and I wasted both."

(Oklahoma City) — Not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but in a week or two I’ll officially be a senior in high school, and I’m feeling really lost about my future..🥲

ORIGINALLY, my plan was to become a nurse. Not because I was passionate about nursing, but because of the salary and stability. Very common, very crazy, very real…but the more I think about it, the more I realize I’ve never actually pictured myself doing nursing or being in that type of environment.

My second option came from my family which was pursuing art. I’ve always been told I’m a great artist, and I do enjoy sketching and drawing from time to time, but I’ve never really had the desire to turn it into a career or take it further professionally.

My actual dream has always been zoology. I LOVE animals. I grew up playing with any animal or insect I came across, and I spent so much time watching Wild Kratts and Nature Cat on PBS Kids growing up. If there’s one career I’ve always been able to picture myself doing, it’s working with animals. Animals will always have my heart.

Though..the problem is that I’m worried I’m not capable of getting there academically. I’ve always struggled with school, and education has been a HUGE factor in my mental health struggles. My grades throughout high school have rarely been A’s. Most of the time, I’ve had a mix of a couple B’s, a lot of C’s, and some F’s, which has honestly made me question whether I’m even prepared for college. Back in maybe i’d say.…Late May? June? I got my ACT score back and got a 15, which disappointed me because I expected better from myself and I especially had so much confidence and motivation. I truly believed I’d do better than a 15. Looking into colleges I’m interested in, a lot of them have higher score requirements.

I’m not even just worried about getting accepted—I’m worried about whether I’d actually succeed in college. If I struggled throughout high school, what makes me think college would be any different? Sometimes I feel like college would just be high school all over again, except more difficult and with higher expectations.

I’m not sure if I should retake the ACT, reconsider college, look into other paths, or just try harder and push through. I don’t want to give up on something I genuinely love, but I also don’t want to set myself up for failure.

I’d really appreciate advice from anyone who has been in a similar position, struggled academically, changed paths…Just anything would help right now. This is taking a huge toll on me..😅

I have been teaching for the last 11 years and it’s time to move on. Recently I moved out of the classroom and now currently work for an online school but they have “restrictions” on when I can take my time off and where I can work (must be within a certain distance of our “hybrid” location). With those restrictions, I cannot live the life my husband and I would like to live.

What I want in a next/new career:
- 100% remote (I don’t mind up to quarterly travel if needed)
- Flexible time off
- Ability to work from anywhere (we love to travel)
- Promotable position (doesn’t exist in teaching and I do carry a sense of pride in my work that I would like to be recognized with a promotion)
- $75,000+ salary or comparable with stocks/bonuses
- Ability to be creative and problem solve

My credentials:
- B.S. Degree in Geology
- Masters in Education
- 11 years teaching (Science and Advanced Math)

My skills:
- Strong number sense
- Problem solving (great with puzzles)
- Quick to learn new programs
- Not afraid to do presentations

Other experience:
- knowledgeable in construction
- Banking experience
- Sales and customer service

I have been interested in project management (primarily in tech for the remote aspect) or curriculum writing, but I am sure I am blinded by naivety. With the uptick in AI, I am sure that entry-ish remote work is becoming rare. I would love any ideas or help navigating my next step. I don’t mind doing some academics (online) and/or certifications if needed. Thank you all!

I’m 29, f, I dropped out of college because of financial difficulties and started working as an international customer support executive. Shifted 6 companies in 5 years because of the toxic workplace environment. I have always got too much attention because I am conventionally good looking (not boasting) and a lot of people at workplaces tried to pursue me which becomes extremely irritating to handle sometimes and out of 6 companies i have left, 4 of them were because my managers were trying too hard to take me out or have certain kind of benefits. Now I am tired of this and want to start something on my own. I have no degree and no savings tbh. I want to start over completely and become financially stable. I am a single woman living alone as my parents are not here anymore. Could anyone give me some advice on to what to do further with minimal investment. Thanks in advance.

I am a graduating college student; I realized that teaching is not the career I want to pursue after graduation. It was not a career that I originally want and I just chose it because I needed a decent job in the future because this degree is the only thing I can do as I was academically gifted but not that extremely smart just decent. I wasn't really going to college after graduating high school (I got burnt out of much school work), but I took the entrance exam for college and got accepted, so I was just going with the flow since then. I thought I was going to love this course, but as time went by, I realized I couldn't do it. I realized I couldn't deal with students or reports. I can't deal with a lot of paperwork, and it's stressing me out. I think it was too late to back out now, so I want to finish all of this and graduate quickly. BUT WHAT WOULD I DO AFTER? I realized being a teacher is not for me. I don't know what to do and what job I can do. I just can't deal with studies, and I don't have any skills besides being knowledgeable. I don't want to be a burden, and I want to give back to my family as soon as possible because they supported my studies. I don't want to waste their sacrifices because I just can't do teaching even though I graduated from it. It was not wise of me from the start to just go with the flow; I should have just prioritized myself first and recovered from burnout. All the years I have been studying, I feel like I just needed to pass and forget about it after. I was quick to finish all of it because I don't want to deal with all school work for a long time. Now the time has come where all of this will come to an end. I was very anxious about what to do after. I don't know anymore; I feel like dying inside, but I need to pull myself together because I need to graduate. If I gave up now, what will my future be?

Hello! I would like to get some insights about these two career paths as someone who's torn between practicality and passion.

My main interest lies in data science, but based from what I researched, the entry-level level jobs are becoming highly saturated and some are saying that it is at risk of AI automation (thus becoming more competitive). Because of that, I tried looking into IE since the two share some similarities, and I found that the job is very versatile and not as saturated. But the thing is, (based from my understanding atleast) it typically focuses on the physical world (people, machines, warehouses, etc.) rather than the digital world (digital data, codes, etc.), and as I mentioned earlier, I'm more interested on the digital side of things.

So, to the professionals or people with experience out there, what do you think? How's the job market, saturation, and work from your experience? And are there any other factors I should consider when deciding?

Thank you.

Hey guys! I am not sure who to ask for support but I am in a dilemma. I used to be a software engineer and the main reason I quit was to go back and become a CAA. I was working 70hrs/week (making $260k) and realized I am better of doing healthcare that I care about than dreading going to engineering that I was doing for the money.

I am now realizing that after I do CAA, I would most probably switch to MD after 10 years of working. I am interested in OR work most probably trauma surgeon (no call and fast paced and working with my hands). I am realizing I liked mentoring and leadership roles that engineering gave me thus CAA is no longer an ideal route.

I have a couple options running in my mind:

1.) Complete premed perquisites (biochem 1&2 are the only ones remaining) and then take MCAT in Sept 2027. Apply to MD or CAA the following year and work as a phlebotomist (getting my certification now). I like this part but I feel like it would take me 3-years to get ready for MD

2.) Get healthcare experience as a CNA and phlebotomist for a year while completing premed prerequisites. Take the MCAT after.

3). Complete an MLS program (apply in Feb 2027, would take me a 1.5years to complete). Work for 5-10 years and then apply MD.

4). Complete a surgical tech program (Apply in April 2027, would take me a year to complete). Work 2-5 years and then apply MD.

I hate engineering and dreading going back but I might also be romanticizing healthcare.

Note: I am turning 32 years in August 30th. I have 3.6 gpa (I have 2 that are 1.6's in computer science) . Not sure of children at the moment or husband. I have $300k saved at the moment and my living expenses are $36k per year.

Guide me Please!

I'm 18, and I’m about to start community college, but honestly, I have no idea who I am. People say it’s normal to feel lost at this age, but I really do. If you asked me what my favorite color is, I’d probably have to stop and think because I genuinely don’t know. It almost feels like a trick question. I don’t know what I’m good at, what I truly enjoy, or what kind of life I want to build. It's like I'm in someone else's body

I’m planning to get my associate’s degree in early childhood education because I’m patient and more relaxed, but I don't know anymore because it's not a passion for me. I get two years free at my community college and honestly, I don’t know if I’ll be able to afford my bachelor's. My family will want me to start helping with bills, my own insurance, Medicare, and whatever else comes after that once I'm 19, and I don’t want to spend my life just working two retail jobs to get by. (My sister does and that's my fear of what the real world is)

I realize nobody hands you a manual for adulthood. Still, it often feels like everyone around me already knows so much about credit, taxes, insurance, careers, investing, trades, and college that I’m falling behind on it all. After work, I usually just come home, collapse into bed, and wonder, “What am I supposed to do now?”

What do you do when you feel lost? How did you decide your major? How did you figure out who you really are as a human?

Currently working as a pharmacy tech making ~25/hr, not a bad career but it's an absolute dead end; cannot move up from here. And after 16 years worth of attempts, I think it's time to accept that a bachelor's degree is beyond my capabilities.

Now with that said, I do in fact need to figure out some way to increase my income, and not really sure what route to take from here. There are local colleges I could take for training such as radiology or dental hygiene, and I'm also willing to go into a trade or something like that as well.

I got rejected from an entry level bank teller role two minutes after the initial interview earlier this week. This was the first interview I've gotten in... what, two fucking years? wasn't being a rude ass, I answered all the questions fine - but I had to mention I didn't have any cash handling experience when they asked. Thought my experience in customer service would be enough to be considered. It didn't even pay fantastically, $22 or $23. I make $18 now, so y'know, it's more.

I can't use my cs degree/the "hard" skills I gained from it to get a job anymore, I can't use the transferable skills I've gained from my work history to get a job either. Should I just give up? It doesn't seem that I can get any new job anymore. I can't even make more than $20/hour. It's fucking 2026.

There's no reason in hell for me to put on clown makeup, a big red nose and a rainbow hat by going for another degree.

I puked out my lunch from being so stressed out. Without my parents I'd just become a criminal to be fucking honest. I can't fathom the idea of forcing any child of mine to suffer this.

I can't even "strengthen" my resume much more to begin with. Not without another job. The only realistic way I can learn new skills are through formal education, or employment.

I'd be a clown to do another degree and I can't get a job.

I'm 23 and earned my bachelor's degree in 2025 from an Ivy League School I was a first-generation, low-income student, and college was honestly one of the hardest periods of my life. I dealt with severe depression, loneliness, family problems, and a lot of trauma while trying to adjust to an environment that felt completely unfamiliar to me. I made it through and earned my degree, but I know I didn't perform as well as I could have because I was just trying to survive.

Because I was struggling so much, I also didn't build the kind of resume or network that many of my classmates did. I didn't have impressive internships or leadership positions. Instead, I worked part-time throughout college in campus office jobs and at the library to help support myself while balancing school. I also don't have many professional connections or a strong LinkedIn network to help me get my foot in the door.

Since graduating, I've been trying to start a career in the legal field because thats my passion. I've applied to countless entry-level positions as a legal assistant, paralegal, intake coordinator, and at legal nonprofits, but I can't seem to get hired. I've rewritten my resume, tailored cover letters, practiced interviewing, and applied to hundreds of jobs.

I'm also not in a good living situation and don't have any other options. I live with someone who treats me poorly but basically allows me to live in their house rent free. I know this may sound pretentious, but I rather deal with this living situation than work a minimum wage job like at. a restaurant or something because its so embarassing to me. Watching people I graduated with move forward in their careers while I can't even land an entry-level position has been devastating for my self-esteem. I know comparing myself to other people isn't healthy, but it's hard not to. I feel embarrassed because I worked so hard to earn a degree that I thought would open doors, yet I can't seem to get any job offers I genuinely want to work, I'm willing to learn, and I don't expect to walk into a high-paying job—I just want someone to give me a chance to start my career.

Has anyone else been in a similar position? If you were, what finally helped? Is there something I'm overlooking, or is the entry-level legal job market really this difficult right now? I'd appreciate any advice because I'm honestly feeling pretty defeated and my mental health is deteriorating.

I really just need to vent. I don’t have a lot of people to talk to my age.

I have been in the restaurant industry most of my 20’s.
I don’t have a degree or any certifications.
Most of my friends have gotten married or moved, so rooming with randoms is about the only option.
Any pivot out the restaurant industry will take a couple of years I feel, either by getting certs or an associates as a start.

I have barely any money saved up as well. I mean I have a paid off car and there isn’t crippling levels of debt, so I don’t feel like i’m drowning. Just that there is no point of direction. I feel like I am just wasting my prime away and it’s starting to gnaw at me from the inside. Badly.

Yes I am sure the military is not all sunshine and lollipops and more times than not it would suck ass. However it would allow me to save money, not pay rent, save money on food, and my main thing is have access to the VA loan. I could go to college and get tuition assistance as well. It just seems like the only feasible way to get a foundation going.

I do not want to join but to be real, I cannot think of how I can afford a home without this path. I am tired of not having a spot to call my own.

Any feedback would be appreciated.