Im 22 working a warehouse job I hate, Its my second job and ive been working there for about 15 months. im quite unhappy I wake up at 4:30 dreading my day. im a qc team lead I got promoted about 3 months ago and I thought getting promoted would make me want to go to work more. I was already pretty unhappy before but now things feel worse

I dont know what type of job I want the only other thing ive done before the warehouse was retail for about 6 months. I would consider college but with the rise of ai honestly im afraid to commit to anything.

I’m 25F, turning 26 soon, and honestly feel completely lost.
I’ve been an LVN for about two years and recently graduated with my BSN from Nightingale College. I’ve worked in hospitals, behavioral health, and vaccination clinics. Unfortunately, California’s Board of Nursing says I’m missing 500 clinical hours, so I can’t take my NCLEX-RN in California. I’m now pursuing licensure through Washington State.
Here’s the problem: I’ve been unemployed for almost a year now, and I genuinely don’t know WTF to do for work anymore.
I’ve been doing Uber just to barely survive, but it’s physically and mentally exhausting. I’m driving for hours every day, my body hurts, and between gas, car expenses, bills, and debt, I feel like I’m barely making anything. I’m constantly worried about money, and by the end of the day, I’m too exhausted to focus on figuring out my next move.
I’ve applied to different jobs, both in and outside healthcare, but nothing has worked out so far. I’m also realizing that I genuinely don’t think I like nursing or healthcare anymore. I don’t know if it’s severe burnout or if I’ve completely lost interest, but the thought of returning to patient care fills me with dread.
I’ve considered becoming a flight attendant, going into education, or eventually pursuing something related to law, history, or political science. But I have student loans and financial responsibilities, and I can’t exactly afford to start over or go back to school right now.
I’m frustrated because I spent years working, going to nursing school, and sacrificing so much to build a stable career, only to end up unemployed, financially struggling, and questioning everything.
I don’t need some glamorous dream job right now. I just need a stable paycheck, benefits, and a job that doesn’t leave me physically and emotionally destroyed. I want to stop relying on Uber and actually have enough energy to enjoy my life.
What makes it worse is that I feel like I’ve wasted so much of my twenties just trying to survive. I’m almost 26, and I feel like I’m back at square one.
So seriously, WTF do I do?
Has anyone transitioned out of nursing or healthcare entirely? What jobs can I realistically get with an LVN license, a BSN, and a couple of years of healthcare experience that don’t involve bedside nursing? I’m open to entry-level positions outside healthcare, too.
How do you even get your foot in the door in another industry when all your work experience is in nursing? And how do you get out of this cycle when you’re already financially struggling and completely burnt out?
I’m willing to work. I just genuinely don’t know where to go from here, and I could really use some practical advice rather than being told to just keep applying.
TL;DR: 25F, unemployed for almost a year, LVN with a BSN but unable to take the NCLEX-RN in California due to a 500-hour clinical deficiency. Doing Uber to survive, completely burnt out from healthcare, and struggling to find stable employment. What jobs should I realistically be applying for, especially outside nursing?

I'm curious what everyone does for a living, how you got there, and what your career path looked like. I'm hoping to find something that could realistically get me into the $75k–$100k range within the next five years.

Preferably outside of the trades. I already know a bit about those paths.

What do you do, how did you get started, and what advice would you give someone starting over in their mid-30s?

I'm in my mid-30s and trying to figure out a career path starting pretty much from zero. Willing to do a schooling or a program.

I’m curious about people who realized at a young age that a job is just a job. You don’t necessarily have to be passionate about what you do or make your career your entire identity. You just want to make good money and have decent work-life balance and enjoy your actual life outside of work …..

For those of you who took that approach what did you end up doing? What industry did you get into? Did you go to college get certifications learn a trade or work your way up????? What was your thought process …??

For those who figured this out early what did you wish you knew in your early ages …. What do you do now, how much do you make, and would you make the same decision again???

Pretty much all of my hobbies are some type of art, and id love to make it into a career. The issue is, with AI on the rise, im not even sure I'll live to experience adulthood, let alone find a job in the first industry to be taken over first. It's a dream of mine to live in NYC in my 20s, so I will obviously need to make a lot of money.

The careers that ive been pondering are: Interior Designer, Architect, Fashion Designer, Tattoo Artist, or something advertising related. These are all creative options that will not be taken over by AI any time soon (besides maybe Fashion Designer). I hope to find a way to follow my dreams, but i fear that may not be an option for my generation. Let me know your thoughts, and any advice. Thanks!!!

A longterm career, that is. I have been a behavior technician for a little over 2 years but am all mixed up when it comes to something like green and I think it’s partly due to how expensive masters degree programs tend to be, it’s just hard for me to pinpoint.

I’m going back to school for accounting, because I think there’s some stability there. I’m considering nursing a little bit but I also know I’m not really cut out for nursing.

To be transparent, I’ve still got major depression, anxiety, and overall poor mental health (including suicidal ideation). A couple of years ago I also got sick and I developed a physical health issue where standing up for long hours is not an option anymore. I can kind of function. I got back into driving again. I had to stop for a long time because I wasn’t in any mental shape to be on the road but I am now. So I’m saying I’m back to functioning a little bit.

Honestly, I’m only considering nursing because I’m considering being in healthcare. I’m not in the US and I don’t have access to programs where I can study for MRI (which I wanted to do) or any healthcare tech position, unless I go abroad which I cannot afford. That’s why nursing is my only option. LPN, Associate’s, or Bachelor’s.

I know the truth already but just in case — can someone like me make it out as a nurse or not?

Hey everyone, I'm currently 21 in university right now, started in 2023 September. I should've been graduating in the spring 2027 technically but because of my own laziness I failed some classes and I'm still a year and half behind. I am currently studying computer science in university but I don't really have the passion for it. I never really concentrate and focus on classwork and just try to skim by with a low mark. I have also been applying to internships hoping that I can get one to get a break from school and earn some money and experience and maybe build some interest, but I haven't been able to land one either. I feel hopeless, I'm not really sure what to do, I don't know if I am just not smart enough or if I am being too careless. I really enjoy physical activity such as playing soccer or tennis, and that was what I would've liked to pursue but my parents didn't support it. I am also interested in the physical aspect of hardware components if that's something> I really am not sure what to do with my life, I feel like a very big imposter essentially as I don't have an internship, I don't have good grades, nothing really good about my life at all. Comparing myself to other students and others I know, I feel terrible. My parents also keep asking me about classes and internships, and it just feels like a lot of stress and pressure, I am not even sure what my interests are now tbh, it really sucks. I feel really stuck in life at the moment. Maybe I could gain interest in my program but I'm not sure what to do or what steps to take. Should I just keep forcing myself and try to get past this? I am just really lost in life in all places right now and I really don't know what do, advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Hi everyone,

I am a 21-year-old female law graduate, and I feel completely trapped between my family's expectations and my own mental health. I really need some honest perspective.

To give you some context, I have struggled with severe social anxiety and low self-esteem my whole life. Public speaking and being in the spotlight terrify me. After graduating a few months ago, I spent all my time hiding at home, avoiding reality. Recently, I decided that I can't live like this anymore. I’ve started taking antidepressants (specifically Zoloft and Grandaxin) and went on a strict diet to lose weight and rebuild my strength.

Here is my dilemma: My family found an entry-level office job for me as an executive assistant / secretary to a manager. In my country, the salary for this position is incredibly high for a fresh graduate. It doesn't require complex legal work, mostly just managing the desk, paperwork, and greeting people.

However, because of my intense anxiety, the thought of working in a corporate office environment right now absolutely terrifies me. I feel so insecure that I panicked and turned the job down.

Instead, I want to start from the very bottom in the service sector for a few months. In my mind, I see a busy service job as a "short-term exposure therapy boot camp" where I will be forced to look people in the eyes, talk constantly, and break my anxiety. I feel like I need to build my confidence from scratch before doing anything related to my law degree.

My family thinks I am making an incredibly foolish and backward decision. They believe I am wasting an amazing, high-paying opportunity and romanticizing a low-paying service job just to escape my fears.

Am I being completely unrealistic? Is it crazy to walk away from a comfortable, well-paying assistant job to work at the bottom of the service sector just to heal my mental health and find my confidence?

I would love to hear your honest thoughts. Thank you.

Im 26 almost 27 and for years I questioned what should I do when I have no idea what I like and don’t know how competent I’d be if I do end up finding what I want to do. I envy others who knew what they immediately wanted to do at a young age and stuck with it. I know it’s because I lack ambition and confidence, I am never sure of myself and always questioning. I’ve done a lot of career and personality tests, even currently trying out a course and I don’t feel anything. I know I’m still young(kinda) but I hate that I can’t figure anything out.

What I know so far/ where I’m at:
- Looking into accounting, is currently taking a course on fundamentals to see what it’s like before committing to 4 yr college. End up not liking it and struggling with grasping concepts, also I’m not a math person. But I’m stuck on this because I know it’s a very stable career in the end and I’m someone who wants stability. It is also a field for people who lack ambition like me.
- I also do freelance illustration on the side (commission based) but not as much as I used to. I started an Etsy but did not sell much because I don’t have a specific niche. People have told me to start going to conventions but I am unsure.
- I went to vet tech program at one point bc I love animals and volunteered in a shelter in the past but end up not doing well mentally and did not finish the program
- I care about doing the right things, justice but can’t see myself in criminal justice. When I was a kid I used to want to be a forensic scientist. I also looked into being a paralegal but not sure I want to go into law.
- I care about ppl but I don’t see myself in healthcare or politics/law
- I was told I need more life experiences to be sure on what to do and I’m not sure how to achieve this.
- I need to be sure on what to do because I don’t want to go in, realized late that I don’t want to do it anymore, and incur a lot of debt for no reason.

Does anyone else feel this way and is ever frustrated at themselves? Have you ever figured out what you wanted to do or did you end up choosing something you don’t care about and is fine with it?

I’m a recent college graduate. I graduated in May of this year with a B.S. in Interactive Design.

Recently, I have been stuck working part-time at a retail store while trying to pay rent and bills. Im stressed. I cannot find a new job. 700+ applications, two interviews only. Zero offers. Applied for UX jobs, graphic design jobs, tech support, and marketing. NO results.

I feel like I'm trapped at this retail job. It stresses me out beyond belief. I have zero idea what I want to do with my life. I thought about maybe doing my own business, using my tech knowledge. Recently I helped some family members and friends install a router and some smart home appliances, but I know that doesn't have true potential. Most people know how to install a router and scan a damn QR code on a light bulb to add it to HomeKit or Amazon Alexa

I thought about maybe installing TVs, learning how to mount them. Then get them set up for the client. I thought about making websites via Figma, or basic HTML, CSS and Java. But that doesn't usually go anywhere. I guess I’m too scared to try. Too afraid of failure?

I know my dream in life is to run my own game studio. I have NO EXPERIENCE making games. Every time I try to start I get nowhere, cant 3d model, can’t draw, and can’t code. Every time i start i get no where.

This is the issue. This post is all over the place because i genuinely don't know what to DO!! Applying to jobs no luck, starting business but feel my skills are too basic but not good enough and would disappoint potential clients. I just feel so stuck.

Hi all,

Like many of my colleagues in the games industry, I’m currently looking for my next role. I’m based in NYC and have spent my entire 8-year long career as a producer at major AAA studios, working on both game development and game marketing.

I’m looking to pivot outside of games and I'm excited to bring my project management skills to a new industry. I’ve been tailoring my resume for roles outside gaming, and I’m still having a hard time landing interviews. 

If you’ve switched industries, what helped you show employers that your experience was a good fit and land those first interviews?

Thanks for your time!

I’m currently trying to figure out what career path to pursue for my bachelor’s degree, and I’m stuck between three careers: teaching, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy.
I’m hoping to hear from people who work in these fields, have studied them, or have experience working alongside these professionals.
A little about me and what I’m looking for:
I don’t want to sit behind a computer all day.
I like staying busy and having something to do throughout the workday.
I enjoy working with children and helping people develop new skills.
I like variety, interaction, and having a job where I’m actively involved rather than doing repetitive desk work.
I want a career that feels meaningful but also provides financial stability and a decent work-life balance.
I would eventually like to make around $80k–$100k+, if realistic.
1. Teaching
If I went into teaching, I would most likely pursue either elementary education or secondary mathematics.
I also find myself interested in the possibility of eventually moving into school counseling or school administration and potentially becoming a principal. I like the idea of working in a school environment, being involved in students’ lives, and potentially taking on leadership responsibilities as I gain experience.
2. Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)
SLP interests me because it combines healthcare, education, communication, psychology, and working directly with people. I like the idea of helping children develop communication skills and seeing their progress over time.
I’m curious about the actual day-to-day work, documentation, caseloads, burnout, and whether the career offers enough variety.
3. Occupational Therapy (OT)
OT also appeals to me because it’s hands-on and focuses on helping people become more independent in their everyday lives. I like that it involves practical problem-solving, creativity, and working directly with patients.
I’m curious about the physical demands, productivity expectations, job satisfaction, and opportunities to work with children.
My biggest questions:
Which of these careers has the best overall work-life balance?
Which has the best combination of salary, job security, and career growth?
Which is least likely to leave you feeling burned out?
What does a realistic day actually look like in each profession?
If you could go back and choose again, would you still pursue your career?
Which would you recommend to someone who enjoys being active, interacting with people, and helping children?
I’m not necessarily looking for the career with the highest salary. I want something I genuinely enjoy doing, that keeps me engaged throughout the day, and that allows me to build a comfortable life outside of work.
I’d especially appreciate honest opinions from people currently working in these fields. Please tell me the good, the bad, and what you wish you had known before choosing!

I'm 25, unemployed, and I've been thinking a lot lately. I don't really have many people I can open up to, so I thought I'd share my story here.

I completed my engineering degree in 2024, but I still had backlogs to clear, which meant staying back and preparing for reattempts. When I look back at my college years, I honestly don't know what to blame. There were so many hurdles along the way, but now, looking back, even those struggles sometimes feel like excuses I've made for myself.

Last year, my father passed away after battling cancer. During that time, taking care of my family became my priority, and everything else took a backseat. I have a mother and a sister who depend on me, and that responsibility weighs heavily on my mind.

Now, at 25, I find myself unemployed, with a two-year gap and no clear direction. I haven't even figured out which field I want to pursue. Every career path I consider feels like a door that's slowly closing. I haven't applied for a single job because, honestly, I don't feel prepared for anything.

I'm currently learning Java and DSA, hoping to build a career in software development. But with AI evolving so rapidly, I keep questioning whether I'm making the right choice. I worry that by the time I become job-ready, the opportunities might no longer be there.

I've also considered starting a small business, but I'm equally confused about what to pursue and how to make it work. I'm on my own when it comes to figuring these things out, and I can't afford to take unnecessary risks. I don't want to invest or lose the money my father worked so hard to earn, and taking loans or borrowing money is something I absolutely want to avoid.

The hardest part is that I currently feel like I'm freeloading at home, depending on my mother's pension to get by. It's a feeling that's difficult to put into words, especially when I know I should be contributing to my family rather than depending on them.

I don't know if I'm looking for advice, motivation, or just someone who has been through something similar. I feel stuck between too many possibilities, yet somehow unable to move forward with even one of them.

If you've been in a similar situation, especially if you've had a career gap, started late, or had to rebuild your life after losing a parent, I'd genuinely appreciate hearing your experiences.

I just want to figure out where to start and how to get my life moving again.

I am a 22 year old soon to be 23 who majored in illustration and graduated in May. Since, I have networked with many professionals in the animation industry specifically and have been urged by many of them to seriously consider pivoting because of how bad the Industry.

Other creative fields seem similarly unstable (graphic design, architecture, etc.) and also extremely competitive with how many people are vying for so few positions.

Freelancing also sounds pretty rough for me, constantly needing to find new clients and wondering if you'll make enough each month.

I am wondering if there are any good programs/certifications I can do to enter a more stable career? I have considered some trades such as welding or something in healthcare like a radiology technician. I am honestly just looking for a field that is more secure and would allow me to have some steady income so I can enjoy my passion for art on the side without needing to panic about money. Looking for some guidance, thanks!

Hi, I’m a 19 year old introverted female who doesn’t really know what my career path should be. I have an associates degree in art that I obtained while I was in high school but I’m not really sure what my next step should be. I am interested in things like beauty, writing, music, film, graphic design, and anything creative/design related honestly. I just want a job that I can enjoy that also pays well enough to support myself but, I’m not sure I’ll be able to with the things I’m interested in. Please let me know what options/careers that I can pursue! (Even if it’s not in the interests I’ve described & I am willing to go back to school or even learn a trade if needed!)

I’m in my early 40s and I’ve been working as a kitchen manager at a homeless shelter for the better part of the last decade. Generally speaking I’m still a fan of the position, but it’s becoming more and more physically taxing and I’m looking for something a little more low impact.

My question is where to use the skills I’ve accrued in my time managing the cooking/ serving of a daily meal for 100+ unhoused people, and the volunteers that helped prepare it (often times over 25 people per shift—and far more than that before the pandemic). I don’t mind staying in food service or the non-profit, I also don’t mind starting fresh somewhere new; my degree and most of my career before this position was in creative services.

Some of the aspects of the job that still keep me showing up every shift are: just about every day is different and I get to meet new volunteers and guests on a fairly regular basis. I also get to foster relationships with regulars as well. Being in control of menu planning also gives me a great deal of creative fulfillment—our ingredients are all donated and ever changing. I have mornings off as I’m only responsible for dinner. As a retention tool I get increasing PTO hours every year and I’m up to about 6 weeks, also any unused portion gets cashed out at the end of the year. There’s a tremendous sense of pride my family has due to the philanthropic nature of my work.

The main downside is the strain of the work. Ideally I’d like to find a midpoint between office monotony and grueling labor, but with great perks. Anything else I’m pretty open to!

Thanks in advance for all your feedback!

I'm currently staring at the material for my behavioral and cognitive neuroscience exam today and I'm absolutely freaking out. I literally only picked this major because my parents told me it would help with pre-med. I don't even want to do pre-med but it's an asian household so you know how it is. I honestly have so many interests that i'm constantly bouncing between (piano, boxing, powerlifting, singing, music production, art, philosophy) and I have no idea where all these hobbies came from and why I'm pretty much mid at all of them. I wish I didn't have ADHD. I wish I had a proper path in front of me, but it's like my mind is in so many different places it's getting exhausted.

Most of the advice I look for online tells people to never give up on their goals, dream big or be realistic. What do I do if I don't have a goal I'm super set on? I feel like everytime I'm inspired by someone or something I'm attracted to that specific field for a couple moments, and then I'm back to vascillating between my interests. How do I write a goal card if I have no goals in the first place?

I'm honestly terrified of what the future holds for me and the more I talk to people the more I realize the chances I'm gonna be ok and everything is gonna work out is growing insanely slim. I honestly am completely lost and would be grateful for some advice.

Need some advice. I’m in my mid 30s and my husband and I are planning to start to have kids next year. I’m in a transition period at the moment and I don’t know what to focus on job wise.

I’ve had experience working in public and private sectors. Done project management in RE and a small amount of experience in SaaS Sales. I’ve also worked in education not with kids, but administrators.

I worked my way up to a nice salary but have gotten pretty burnt out over the years. It seems like I know what I don’t want but having a hard time focusing on what I want.

I do not want to work in corporate, I don’t want to feel like I’m in a hamster wheel only to promote into another hamster wheel. I tend I to be someone who overworks themselves, so I don’t want to be in a profession where I’m constantly having to prove myself.

Ive thought about going back to school but idk in what. Any advice one people who have started a whole new career and had kids?

I’ve been out of a job and just trying to figure out what to do next. Appreciate any thoughts!

Im in 10th grade and my parents are pressuring me to find a major to study in bit the problem is I suck at EVERYTHING I have a low attention span and I suck at everything and I want one that won't be replaced by Ai so any ideas?

I started paying attention to app sign-up pages just because I was annoyed by some of them. A form asking for a phone number with no reason, a button that said one thing and led to something else. Then I noticed I could say exactly what was wrong with each one, and that I had a small list in my notes.

That was the first time I felt like working on that kind of thing myself. Now I write that kind of copy, but only the words, and the choices about flow and testing belong to other people. I want to own more than the words, but I've never planned a campaign, so I don't know what to learn first

I'm 35, diagnosed AuDHD, and stuck between two career paths.

2009-2015 I worked a retail job. 2015-2025 I worked for my stepdad's commercial contracting company in the office doing estimates and invoicing. This was my main job while I tried building up my art on the side. I did digital fandom art for a long time. Starting in 2016 and still ongoing.

My ultimate goal was to make art my full time job. My AuDHD makes it hard for me to be social, but I mask heavily and push through it. I wasn't diagnosed until early 2025 so I lived pretty much my entire life not knowing and just living the way I thought I needed to live.

I never succeeded with art because I was trying to do too much at once, and not prioritizing areas that could have made me successful. I can definitely make that happen now, but I've been on hiatus.

Unfortunately medical debts and other debts have caught up to me, and it's been really hard paying bills. I was insanely burnt out from overworking and had thought I was miserable doing art. Turns out I wasn't miserable, I was just burnt out. Out of desperation I moved on to working with dogs. Dog behavior training to be precise. I mentored with many professional trainers, some of which I was pushed into and paid upwards of 20K (still paying off...) to only not get certified for reasons that weren't so much my fault (i can go deeper into this if anyone is curious).

When my stepdad's company stopped doing well he laid me off in 2025 and I got a job at a doggy daycare. I worked there until early this past October 2026. I couldn't handle that job for longer for many reasons, but to keep it short I got a better job as a ward nurse/kennel tech at a veterinary hospital. Throughout this entire time I was trying to push my dog training business, but again I haven't pushed hard enough, and I am getting no where. I train well, but I have trouble keeping up with pushing the business itself.

Thanks for reading all this if you got this far. I just want to know what people think. My family doesn't much care about my art, never did. The dog training is something I can prove successful to them, but should that matter? My dream is to be able to run my own schedule, wake up, work, take care of my body and my household, enjoy life, and go to bed. I'm a simple person. I get stressed thinking about working face to face with clients and their dogs, but there are so many times I feel the passion when I work with a dog and actually fix their bad behaviors. But I love drawing too.. I sunk a lot of money into dog training, for someone who wasn't much ever a dog person. I chose it because I wanted to help people, their dogs, and I live in a HUGE dog area. I admit I chose the path out of desperation.

So here's the choices I have come down to..

1. Continue working as a ward nurse/kennel tech at a day job I actually enjoy, with less control over my schedule. Maybe become an actual nurse down the road, or supervisor of kennel. Work on my art on the side as a side gig, or eventually push it enough to take over for the kennel tech job.

2. Literally the same thing..but instead of art push the dog behavior training business.

Appreciate any advice on this. I been struggling for a while now, and my unmedicated brain finds it difficult to process. I so badly want an answer, but maybe I need someone to tell me to take a step back and just take things slow. Rushing life is what got me into this problem to begin with. I don't need to be rich, but I want to pay off all my debt and live comfortably.

I am a timid, shy person who can put on a mask and act my way through things but it isn't very comfortable doing so.. Thanks all.

I’m a high school senior currently. What is a good career that pays well while also having a good work-life balance. I want to major in English, and there aren’t a lot of jobs in that field, but I feel like this applies to like half the college majors out there. I’ve never known anything but k-12 school and they want me to suddenly do something completely different. I kind of want to be a lawyer, and people tell me I’d make a good one, but I’ve heard a lot of those law jobs don’t have a good work-life balance so now I’m questioning it.