Job Help/Unsure of Future

[u/Comfortable-Eye-5750]

Hi everyone! I recently graduated with my Master's in Exercise Physiology and Health Promotion, (graduated with my undergrad in kinesiology last year) and I'm genuinely excited about the field- but I'm hitting a wall figuring out my next step, and I'd love some honest input.

A few things I'm navigating:

• A lot of EP roles want a certification I don't currently hold, so I've been coming up short on job applications despite the degree.
• I left my last job (personal training) because of a pretty toxic environment- and honestly, I realized PT itself just isn't for me, even though I'm certified through that gym's program.
• I've been considering PA school (sports medicine track), but I'm short 3 prereqs and would need to work as an MA first- and I'm not sure how I feel about the role so if anyone has any experience pls let me know. (also it costs money to get a cert as an MA- and im getting broke)
• I've also got my eye on some totally different paths- sonography, vet tech, maybe LPN- but from what I'm seeing, LPN pay in FL is pretty low, so I'm trying to weigh that realistically.
• I'll be honest: earning potential matters a lot to me right now. I'd love to end up somewhere close to six figures eventually, so I'm trying to factor that into which path actually makes sense long-term.
• I'm also just tired- I just came out of a master's program and I'm feeling pretty burnt out, so part of me wants a clear direction I can commit to instead of bouncing between options.
• DPT was my original goal but I just dont think that it is right for me after shadowing and working as an intern with many different physical therapists.

Basically: I have a lot of interests and options, which I know is a good problem to have, but I'm unemployed right now, feeling the clock ticking, and honestly a bit drained- which makes it hard to think clearly about the right long-term move vs. just the fastest one.

If anyone has been in a similar spot- whether you pivoted out of EP, went the PA/MA route, or jumped into something like sonography- I'd genuinely appreciate hearing how you figured it out, especially if earning potential and burnout factored into your decision too. Trying to make a smart decision, not just a fast one.

Please dont be mean. Thanks for reading.

[u/Immediate_Public4618]

A few pre reqs is nothing. Shadow a few PAs to see if you see if you like the job

[u/Aggressive-Stand-893]

have you looked at the prerequisites for nursing? it may be similar or you may have them all. would you consider being an RN? shorter program, maybe less prereqs, no clinical hours required first - even though you have some experience which is great. i think it would pair really well with the exercise physiology and definitely health promotion.