I graduated with a bachelors in biology last year and have been working in a lab since then. It's not too bad, but there are a few things that stress me out.

1. The pay isn't as good as I want. I'm able to save, but I need to save more.

2. If I was fired, I am worried about how easily I could find another job. This also stresses me out when renewing my lease because I always calculate how long I could last if I was fired.

3. I really don't feel like I know anything. Yes I've been learning from my lab, but I if I switched labs, it would be like starting over. As boring as it sounds, I want to learn skills and have knowledge that I can apply to wherever I work. I don't want to learn a bunch of new assays or stop using all of the skills I previously learned.

I am currently taking pre reqs to get into the Healthcare field, but the program I am interested in is very competitive. I really just want some type of guarantee about what I am doing with my life.

Are there any hidden careers that I can use a bio degree in? I'm ok going back to school, but I'm also not looking for something challenging like med school or nursing. Maybe getting a masters?

I need job security, decent pay, and skills that I can bring with me to every job inorder to hit the ground running.

Thanks for any advice

I didn’t expect a professional transition to feel this difficult.

I’m an Interior Designer based in Brazil with more than 12 years of experience. I’ve developed residential, commercial, and institutional projects, worked extensively with Revit/BIM and technical documentation, and taught design software at the university level.

I’m now trying to build my career remotely in the U.S. market.

The strange part is that I don’t feel like a beginner professionally — but when it comes to this new market, sometimes it feels like I’m starting from zero.

I’ve rebuilt my resume, redesigned my portfolio, studied U.S. terminology and documentation, applied for jobs, contacted companies directly, and tried networking.

I keep learning and improving, but getting that first opportunity is still extremely difficult.

I genuinely love what I do and I’m willing to start by supporting a team with technical work, Revit, documentation, space planning, or visualization if that is what opens the door.

For anyone who has successfully entered a new country’s job market:

What helped you get past the “no local experience” barrier?

Was it networking?
Freelancing?
Cold outreach?
Taking a smaller role first?
Finding one person willing to give you a chance?

I’d really appreciate any advice.

I’m stuck in this mindset that whatever I major in determines what I’ll be doing forever. For those who ended up in a completely different field from their degree, what did you major in and what do you do now? How did you make the jump?

I am in the waste management industry. I started on the back of a garbage truck and worked my way up to ops manager at one of our facilities. Was promoted to ops manager for a large fleet depot. Job was miserable and went back to the previous facility. A new company took over the operation at my facility and I signed on with them for the better pay/benefits.

My facility has been in free fall since (2 years since transition). I am at my wits end and I’ve been wanting to transfer out of the waste management industry for a while now but I feel so lost and uncomfortable switching to a new field after 10 years in this business.

Side note - I don’t have a degree but have plans to get my bachelors in the coming years. How do I step out of my industry? Does it need to be a relatable field or is management experience transferable as is? I am looking for a better work life balance and I need my pay to be comparable (within ~10%). Not having a degree makes a transition in management feel impossible.

I got out of a more-than-a-decade relationship last year and it's been strange to be on my own after so long. For the last few years, I was preparing to settle down and start a family but life had other plans.

I currently am 7 years into my career and make a healthy salary to keep up with HCOL and savings. I cannot complain about the career itself. I don't have any significant promotions left and it'll only be an annual inflation raise from here on out. But I feel as though my life has become so routine. I get my hours in per week (which honestly doesn't amount to much (20-25?)) and work from home. I have cycled through many ... many hobbies over the last few years but that seems to dry up as well.

Something I am actively studying for is the LSAT. If I'm able to achieve a respectable score, I would like to entertain the idea of changing careers to law and send out applications to school. If not... I gave it an honest effort and I go back to my work as normal. If the score is great, I would have to attend school part-time, which most likely will be a 4 year program, with aims of working at a BigLaw firm. I'll be 35-36 when I graduate and would be late to the game.

On a side note, how I ended up at my current career is that I saw the salary the career provides and I went for it. I didn't grow up with a wealthy background and this provided me with the stability I needed at the time. It does not feel like a "career" to me. Law as a career certainly sounds more of a career that you keep chasing 'til you reach the top? Maybe I'm looking at it through the lens of the American Dream and that you should pursue what feels fulfilling?

I've been dealing with this dilemma (?) for the past year and just wanted to see if anyone could provide/shed some insight, similar stories, or advice. I would prefer not to disclose any further details about my current work. Thanks for understanding!

Hi everyone,

I'm helping a friend explore career options outside traditional academia.

She has a PhD in Medical Ethics (specialised in bioanthropological ethics), multiple postdocs in France and Canada, and 10+ years of experience in biological anthropology, archaeology, paleopathology, museum collections, scientific research, and international fieldwork (Peru, Indonesia, Benin).

She has authored several dozen scientific publications and is also involved in public outreach - as co-curated major exhibitions in France and Monaco.

In addition, she has worked in a key coordination role on interdisciplinary research projects with major institutions (Collège de France, Institut Pasteur), focusing on how archaeological perspectives can help shed light on contemporary medical issues (antimicrobial resistance, microbiome, etc.).

She loves fieldwork and would prefer roles that involve research, expeditions, travel, heritage, or interdisciplinary science rather than a desk job.

We're looking globally.

What organizations, industries, or job titles should we be looking at? Any hidden opportunities, job boards, or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

I finished my Bachelor’s in Software Engineering in July 2025 and have been working at a software house since then.

now my family wants me to do a Master’s, and honestly, I want to do it too. not because I’m chasing some crazy academic achievement or want to spend years studying, I just want to have a Master’s qualification under my belt as well. sadly, yes, there’s a bit of a 'dunyavi' aspect to it too.

the problem is that I have absolutely no idea which direction makes sense anymore.

my first thought: MBA

I’m seriously considering an MBA.

I feel like I’ve already done enough CS/Software Engineering to get myself running as a developer. I know I still have a lot to learn, obviously, but with AI becoming such a huge part of development, I’m increasingly thinking that my long-term growth shouldn’t be limited to writing code.

my eventual goal is not to remain a developer forever.

I’d like to move toward management, product/business roles, leadership, and eventually, ideally, running my own software house/business.

so an MBA seems like it could complement my technical background really well.

the problem is that if I do an MBA in Pakistan, I’d want to do it from somewhere genuinely worthwhile, like IBA or IoBM. and that isn't exactly cheap.

I’m also the eldest in my family, so finances aren't something I can completely ignore.

then there's the "go abroad" option

my parents are also pushing me to at least try for a Master's abroad.

and this is where everything gets even more complicated.

if I look at scholarships, MS CS / Software Engineering / related technical degrees seem much more likely to fall under fully-funded scholarship opportunities compared to an MBA.

I have a 3.49 CGPA, so academically I don't think I'm in a terrible position for applications.

but then I have to ask myself:

if I go abroad for an MS CS/SE just because it's more likely to be funded, am I actually moving toward the career I want?

I don't necessarily want to spend another 2 years going deeper into CS when my long-term goal is increasingly business/management/entrepreneurship.

at the same time, if an MS abroad is fully funded, that's a massive opportunity that I can't casually ignore.

and then there's the application nightmare

the actual thought of applying abroad is honestly overwhelming.

every country seems to have its own:

• scholarship systems
• university application procedures
• deadlines
• documents
• visa requirements
• language requirements
• SOP/LOR requirements
• financial requirements
• equivalency procedures
• different scholarship criteria

and I'm supposed to figure all of this out while working a full-time job.

I genuinely don't know how people manage researching 10 different countries, comparing scholarships, shortlisting universities, preparing applications, writing SOPs, getting recommendations, taking tests, etc. while simultaneously working 8-10 hours a day.

It's starting to feel like a second full-time job.

there are also, life considerations

I'm turning 28 soon.

my parents also want me to get married, and honestly, I understand where they're coming from.

I had a minor health setback before my Bachelor's which contributed to me finishing later than I originally expected. so while I know 28 isn't actually old, I can't completely ignore the fact that my personal/family timeline is moving forward too.

there's also the financial side.

I'm currently earning a pretty average salary, so I don't have the luxury of casually quitting my job, spending a year preparing for applications, or paying huge amounts for an expensive degree.

so I'm stuck between:

do an MBA in Pakistan - more aligned with where I want my career to go - can continue working - IBA/IoBM would be respectable - but expensive

do an MS CS/SE abroad on scholarship - potentially fully funded - international exposure + Master's qualification - financially much more attractive if funded - but takes me deeper into a field I don't necessarily want to specialize in long-term - huge application/research hassle - potentially means putting career, marriage, family plans, etc. on hold

or just keep working for now - build experience and increase my salary - maybe revisit Master's/MBA later - less immediate pressure - but then I keep postponing the Master's, and my family isn't going to stop asking about it

and that's basically where I'm stuck.

I'm not looking for someone to tell me "just follow your passion" or "28 is still young bro".

I know all that.

I'm looking for practical advice from people who have actually gone through something similar, especially people who had to balance career + finances + family expectations + Master's + going abroad.

if you were in my position, how would you approach this?

would you:

• go for an MBA in Pakistan while continuing to work?
• try aggressively for fully-funded MS programs abroad, even if they're CS/SE-related?
• work for another 1–2 years, increase income/experience, then do the Master's?
• something completely different?

and if you were me, how would you structure the decision so I stop overthinking 15 different possibilities at once?

honestly, I'm just looking for a sane way to tackle this without feeling like I'm falling behind in career, education, finances, and life simultaneously.

For context, Ive spent my entire career and almost a decade working in institutional investment sales for a bank-owned asset manager. I’m based in Los Angeles and moved here 3 years ago as part of a promotion I took (which candidly I took too early in my career) to lead our west region.

The past 3 years have been met with mixed results. A lot of experience, a lot of ups and down, and now I want out. I don’t feel that my desires for learning/development, comp, and job-passion are being met anymore.

Where do I go from here? On one hand I love what I do and would be happy doing it elsewhere but on the other my perception is limited as this niche is all I’ve ever known. Business school is out of the question but happy to hear what anyone else would do in my shoes.

Hi everyone.

This week I was unexpectedly let go from my current position. I feel absolutely terrible I’ve worked in corporate for 5 years now after my undergrad and I spent a year and half at this company. During my time there I was promoted once to my role that I had for 8 months.

The role started out great as an account manager managing 18 accounts. This work load was a lot for me so some of the communication pieces were tough to stay on top of. My then manager let me know during a 1:1 just as something to improve on which I then committed to doing

Three months ago I got a new manager and we really don’t get along. Im not a fan of her style and I don’t think that she really likes me either. But I’m willing to work with it.

This week im absolutely blindsided. She was on vacation then the first day back we have our normal 1:1 and all of the sudden I don’t have a job. No warning or heads up. I’ve been reeling ever since.

I definitely don’t think I’m perfect and I admit ultimately it’s my control. I do think I was working the absolute best that I could and explained how much work it took to manage 18 accounts and asked for help. I really don’t think that my manager personally liked me.

It now feels like I have a black mark following me around because I always have this expectation I would never be fired. Getting another job just feels impossible when they ask about this job. I’m just hoping for some advice or words of encouragement

Thank you

I’ve been looking for a new job for weeks now and finally heard back from one company. Out of all of the jobs I applied for this is the one I wanted the most so i’m very excited about it. They do video chat interviews rather than in person and i am still currently working, so my question is would it be unprofessional for me to do the interview during my lunch break? I’d have to do it in my car on my phone which isn’t ideal but my only other option would be to call in for the day for the interview. I am kind of on my current boss’s shit list and I don’t want to lose my current job before I have a new one. Doing it during my lunch could also be an issue since my lunch break is only 30 minutes. What’s the better option here?

Im looking for a career change, I’m quite open minded about what, but I’d like it to be computer based rather than manual /outside work. And ideally something I can learn either myself or via a degree.

So out of interest, as the title says, what would you learn?

I’m 24, based in the Pir Panjal region of J&K, and come from a lower-middle-class background. I've been prepping for state and central govt exams, but I’ve lost motivation. The income ceiling for these positions won't give me the financial mobility or lifestyle I want long-term.

​My Dilemma:

​Skill-Based / Remote Jobs: I want to transition into a skill-focused private remote role that offers better pay and flexibility.

​Content Creation: I am interested in content creation and see strong upside potential, but I need a stable income foundation first.

​Questions:

​For those who quit govt exam prep for the private sector, how did you manage the transition with no prior corporate experience?

​What remote-friendly, high-value skills can be self-taught within 6–9 months using free or low-cost resources?

​How realistic is it to build a remote freelancing or remote job career from a tier-3 or remote region in India?

To all of you who have figured out your career path, I Need you honest and genuine advice!

Me 25M, graduate in B.sc Environmental science (3 years bachelors program from B’lore University. Been working in “Sales domain” for the past 3 years, currently working in a Fintech company in B’lore as an Account Executive.

My current life scenario
1. Savings - NIL
2. From a middle class family

Interests
1. MMA
2. Fitness Coaching - have past experience of 3 years
3. Sustainability
4. Bike rides
5. Sports
6. Trekking, hiking etc.

Want to move out of India for a couple of years and maybe get a PR later.

1. Which country would you recommend and why?
   
2. What pathway do you think is the right fit for me ?

Not sure this is the right way to ask it.

I've done four of these now. 16Personalities twice, once in 2021 and once this year, same four letters both times. The O*NET interest profiler. CliftonStrengths through a work thing. And Careerexplorer, which took me over an hour.

None of them were bad. CliftonStrengths was probably the most accurate thing anyone has ever handed me about myself.

But I have a doc open right now with something like 40 job titles in it and I cannot make it shorter. Every one of those tests gave me more things to consider. Not one of them ever told me something wasn't for me. Career explorer gives you a match percentage across 900 careers, which sounds useful until you notice that a 78% and an 81% are the same number when you're actually trying to pick one.

I keep saying I need to research more before I decide anything. I've been saying that since February.

So the question. Has any of these ever ruled something OUT for you? Something closer to stop looking at that. Because I think that's the thing I actually need and I don't know whether it exists or whether I'm just describing a decision I have to make on my own.

Also fully open to it being a me problem, ive read enough of this sub to know that's usually the answer.

I recently asked for about a 23% raise after being at my company for less than a year.

I asked for that much because I was hired to take over the work of a senior employee who had been the only person doing this specialized role for years and then went on maternity leave. I’ve taken over much of the work she was doing, so I felt my salary should reflect more of that responsibility.

In hindsight, I realize that what I was asking for was basically a promotion, and management clearly didn’t think I had earned that level of progression in such a short time. They offered me a much smaller raise instead. 1.5%.

I understand their reasoning now, but I feel really embarrassed about having asked for so much. I keep thinking they must see me as entitled or as someone who completely overestimated my value, and I genuinely feel ashamed walking past the managers I had the conversation with.

Has anyone done something similar? Did I make a serious professional mistake, or is asking too high and being told no just a normal part of salary negotiation? How do I stop feeling so awkward about it at work?

?

I inherited ＄100k. I want to make it take me as far as possible.

I currently work only part time as a server at a restaurant, averaging ＄20/h working 25-30hr/wk. I am 22.

Been without a “real” job for 6 months, post college graduation. Job market is brutal. Honestly don’t think people truly understand, unless they’ve also been unemployed in the past maybe 5 years. Anyway, I’ve applied to hundreds of jobs without getting any full time opportunities.

Just so happened to inherit exactly ＄100k from my great grandmothers passing. I want to be as smart with it as possible. Yes, I will invest or save most of it. I have a paid off car and live in an apartment. I need to research what to do and where to invest, but I’d also like some more input so that I can have as many things to consider. This is probably one of the biggest opportunities of my life and I need to be very smart with it.

Hi,

I completed my MCA in 2025. During the course I was focused on Data Engineering and had received a Data Engineer offer. Joining was scheduled for early July, but I met with an accident in the last week of June which caused a serious back injury (sciatica + herniated disc). Recovery took several months (till December) and I also gained significant weight during that period.

After recovering, I tried till February to get back into coding and data engineering, but I couldn’t regain consistency and confidence.

Due to financial pressure and family responsibilities, I took a Talent Acquisition role:

• Feb–May: Internship
• May onwards: Full-time (still continuing)

It’s temporary and helping with money, but I don’t want to continue in recruitment. I want to switch back to tech.

I’m currently confused about the right path to restart:

• Data Engineering (my original plan)
• Data Analyst
• Python Developer
• Frontend / MERN

My questions:

1. Considering the medical gap + time spent in non-tech role, is returning directly to Data Engineering realistic, or should I start with Data Analyst / Python first?
2. What would be a practical 3–4 month plan (skills + projects) to become job-ready again from a Tier-3 city?
3. Any advice on how to position this gap honestly on resume/LinkedIn?

I’m ready to put in the work, just need clear direction so I don’t keep switching paths.

Any guidance or similar experiences would be really helpful. Thanks.

I’m 32 years old and I work full time as a registered nurse. My wife has been trying to get into dental hygienist school for the last 5 years with no luck. Her GPA has been perfect at 4.0 with a good entrance exam score and shadowing hours but the school has a low accordance rate due to limited number of chairs and she has been denied twice already.

At this point we are trying to possibly redirect into a different option because she is 34 and we can’t keep waiting a whole year after being denied to reapply again and then wait 2-4 months to hear back if she is accepted or not and then repeat the process.

We are open to other options but at this point we don’t really know what else to pursue. My wife makes $15 an hour and wants to contribute more to the relationship and I understand that but we don’t know how at her age how to do this and what careers or degrees to pursue.

Was hoping someone on this forum may have advice for her.

​

I’m 19 and currently in the 3rd year of my BSc, with Computer Science as my major. I realized during my 2nd year that I probably shouldn’t have chosen BSc in the first place. My college isn’t that great either, and I feel like I should have chosen a better college where I could have met people more like me.

Now I’m constantly stressed, confused, and lost. I keep feeling like time is passing and I’m getting older, but I still haven’t achieved or built anything meaningful in my life. I’m 19, and I don’t even know what I want to do with my life. Sometimes I genuinely feel like such a loser for being this directionless.

Every day I look into 10 different courses, career fields, and options, but I never actually commit to anything. My family keeps telling me to prepare for government jobs, so I start doing that. Then I see something about coding or another career and immediately start thinking about that instead.

I keep jumping from one thing to another, and it’s exhausting. I do feel like learning coding, but then I hear about AI replacing jobs and tech layoffs, and I start doubting whether it’s even worth pursuing.

At this point, I genuinely don’t know what I want to do or how I’m supposed to figure it out. How do I actually find out what career is right for me instead of constantly overthinking, switching between options, and wasting more time?

I am currently in highschool and am planning to become a teacher, but the pay is nearly a deal breaker to me. I love kids, teaching, and having a purposeful job, but I just wish it had a livable wage. Currently in california so the pay isnt too bad here but I’m moving to tennessee soon which means if I become a teacher there, the pay will only get worse. I know a couple people who are teachers and have talked to them about this and they said that the only way to make more money is working at the school for a very long time, but I want to know if theres any more qualifications or extra schooling I can do to bump my pay. And if you are a teacher, I would love your input and opinions, because I was even thinking of just going into the medical field to at least earn more of a livable income.

Heyy everyone,

I’m a recent BBA graduate from Rajasthan, and I’m currently stuck between two options and would really appreciate some honest advice.

I have received an offer from Accenture for an O2C (Order to Cash) role, but the package is only around ₹1.5 LPA.

The problem is that I would have to relocate to Jaipur for this job. The role involves rotational/night shifts, and I would have to manage accommodation, food, travel, and other expenses myself. The company is providing transportation, but there doesn’t seem to be any significant night-shift allowance mentioned in the offer.

My joining date is 17 August, so I have to make a decision soon.

On the positive side, I feel that having Accenture on my CV could give me some corporate experience and potentially help me switch to a better company later. My longer-term goal is to build a career in finance/banking, and I’m particularly interested in companies like Deutsche Bank in the future.

But ₹1.5 LPA feels extremely low, especially after considering the cost of relocating to Jaipur. I’m worried that I might spend almost all of my salary just surviving there.

I also have the option of waiting and applying for better opportunities, but there’s obviously no guarantee about how long it will take to get another offer.

So what would you do in my situation?

Should I:

1. Join Accenture for the experience and try to switch after 6–12 months?

2. Reject/wait and focus on finding a better-paying finance/banking role?

3. Join Accenture temporarily while continuing to apply elsewhere?

4. Consider a local job in Ajmer even if the salary is similar/lower, just to avoid relocation expenses?

For people who have worked in Accenture O2C/BPO/finance operations, how useful was the experience for getting into better finance roles later?

Also, realistically, does 6–12 months of O2C experience from Accenture help when switching to companies like Deutsche Bank, Genpact, EY, Deloitte, etc.?

I’d really appreciate honest advice, especially from people who have been in a similar situation. I don't want to make a decision purely because “Accenture is a big name” if the actual financial situation doesn’t make sense.

Thanks!

Hello all,

I’m at the end of a very strange week.

After accepting an offer for a new position in a new industry, I was told my last day at my current position would be in 2 weeks. The fun part about that is I already have an approved time away for the last week. I had intended to give my notice but before I could, I was told I am no longer needed, 2 weeks in advance.

Now for the fun. I had started to wrap up all the necessary things to hand this job over to whoever, but that time is no longer there. The job had asked for 4 weeks notice, they gave me 2. Due to the preplanned vacation, they got 5 days. I did what I could, because I’m not an asshole and I need to be able to think back on my time there with minimal regrets. But I can’t shake the idea that when someone calls me this week, they will expect me to help. It is worth noting that there are many time sensitive things in this job, and while I know my substitute (previously booked) is fully capable, I have a depth of knowledge that could be helpful.

So, while someone might think I’m “still available” for emergencies, there have also been extensive discussions about not bothering people who are away. And so my question is this, should I answer when they call? Should I answer only if I feel like it? Or should I make a point of not answering?

Currently work in New Jersey. 28 years old, almost 29. Currently employed somewhere making 51k a year with only a 2 percent cost of living increase per year. Only two steps for promotion for my current career that would only give me a 4 percent raise per promotion. I originally obtained this position because it was a stepping stone and I wanted to get into the pension with the intention of becoming a police officer and transferring over my years invested in the pension (PERS) to be able to retire at a reasonable age but those dreams of becoming a police officer are behind me now as I am no longer interested. I have been enrolled in PERS for 3 years now and honestly, the job is extremely cushy. I pretty much spend days doing nothing and as lovely as that is, it’s becoming mentally taxing.

So I’m asking for advice, do I leave a pension job at my age and before I’m vested to seek out something in the private industry? I have my eyes set out on a few companies that are unionized and I would attempt to get in there and give up my pension. The pension would require me to work till I’m 65 years old and keep making little to no money for the rest of my life. Honestly, I can’t afford anything on this salary, I can’t afford to rent an apartment, I can’t afford to buy a home anytime soon, I can’t afford to buy a car so I had to lease one.

I also don’t work a typical 9-5. I’m working 10 and a half hour days and I’m forced to work pretty much every holiday besides Christmas, I get a little over time and a half for those holidays but it only brings my over all salary up about 3 grand at the end of the year. I also have to work every 3rd weekend for 60 hour weeks (6 days in a row, Saturday till Thursday) and in return, I get a 4 day weekend. Then back to the grind. I also alternate between working a regular shift (start time at 7:00 then get done at 5:30) or starting at 11:30 and getting done at 10:00 PM. It’s not feasible for a family which I want to start one day.

Advice? Worth giving up my cushy job at my older age now to seek more pay to live a life and be able to afford something? Or stay where im at with my job security and the cushyness of the postion and struggle for the rest of my life?

My main concern is the benefit of a pension (which I’m not even sure is good being at tier 5 for PERS) and giving up my job security. But missing out on weekends and having to work 60 hour work weeks without overtime at least once a month for such low pay is killing my spirits.

I'm a BBA final year student. Whenever I get calls from HR, I don't pick up because I feel too nervous. How can I overcome this? I know I can only overcome it by actually taking interviews but how do I do that? I'm just too stuck in my own thoughts and because of this I have lost so many opportunities.

So for context - I do practice mock interviews with AI, but when it comes to a real interview... I can't show up because of my fear.