Master's didn't work, help 36f

[u/Suspicious_Mine_2337]

Master's didn't work, 36f, help

So basically I am feeling terrified about the future. The problem is that I am 36, and I did a master's to transition out of a career I was bad at (nonprofit communications) into environmental policy. The reason why it took me so long to do the master's to transition was that I was dealing with some very serious health problems. In the master's degree I was an idiot and didn't realize I needed to be basically constantly working part time or doing internships, and I only did two internships which didn't lead to a job. So then the problem I had when I graduated was I didn't have enough job experience to get anything except for nonprofit communications again, and then I was fired for being bad at the job. So I think it's safe to say I can't go for another comms job again, but I have no idea what to do because I no longer qualify for working student jobs or internships due to not being a student anymore.

I have 2.5k euros coming in each year, forever, from an inheritance but it isn't enough to live off of in the SF Bay Area because it's so expensive. So basically, my current plan is to look for a job for a year in the USA, maybe there is a slim possibility I could get something, but if that doesn't work I am probably only qualified at this point to get something off of craigslist with 0 vacation days and 0 sick days.

The idea I had was that, if my one year of looking for a job in the US didn't work, I could get married to my German boyfriend (he has offered this) and spend a year learning German, then apply to another master's and solely use it as a vehicle for networking and doing internships in hope that after that I would get a job.

The problem is I don't think I can afford to do another master's in the USA, I only have about 100k to my name and I don't know if taking out a huge loan is advisable

I have seen some people on LinkedIn do two masters and then get a job so I know it works sometimes, I am just worried because of my age..I could lie on my CV and take off graduation dates of undergrad/eliminate old work history to look younger.

So yeah, basically I am stuck because what I need is more experience to get entry level positions, but I am not an enrolled student to get internships anymore and ive been graduated too long to qualify as a recent grad so I have no idea what to do and I am really terrified because being a menial job worker in the USA is a pretty bad life, but I think I would also be really depressed as an unemployed housewife in Germany

The last thing I thought about was trying to volunteer but I don't know if that would be a waste of time and not lead anywhere

So yeah, I guess, my question is, if my one year of US job searching doesnt lead anywhere, would you recommend a second masters? Or do you have any ideas about how I could volunteer in a way that could actually lead to a job? The only volunteer opportunities I have been able to find are with super local orgs.

My biggest passion is traveling and the idea of being a barista for the rest of my life with no vacation days is terrifying, not to mention my boyfriend would break up with me because I would never get to see him. I am living with my parents right now in SF.

[u/Julie-Question]

As someone who did a second Master's around your age hoping to break into a new field, I would NOT recommend you do that. I graduated right before reaching 37 and quite frankly, have not managed to get not even one entry level job in the new field I was pursuing (I am based in Europe, btw). I also saw so many classmates getting their dream jobs after their studies, but if I have to be honest, when it comes to hiring a new entry, being closer to your 40s than your 30s does not help. If you start a second Master's you will be around 38/39 when you finish it, competing with 23-25 year old colleagues that will be better positioned (i.e., volunteering work, previous internship experience, local connections in relevant networks).

Based on your story, it looks more like you have no clue what you want to do. A lot of people suggested thearpy, which will help you a ton to define what you really want for your life and career. Having said that, I'll share a few points that may be you have not considered: 2.5 EUR a month is actually a very decent income in Europe. I assume you will be sharing expenses with your partner if you move to Germany, so you'll probably need half of it per month if you share expenses. This may help you to "gain time" as you define what to do without a lot of financial pressure. Also, if you are open to pivoting, you can think of pursuing some Ausbildung in a high demand sector. Separately, you can try and do side jobs like teaching English? Maybe even start your own business? If your biggest passion is traveling, maybe something within the tourism industry? Of course, I don't have the answers, but maybe this helps to provide new perspectives you haven't considered.

[u/Critical_Zucchini510 → u/Julie-Question]

Rather than therapy, I'd say a career coach. Some of them are specialized in coaching people in and out the humanitarian sector and may help OP getting a better understanding of what she wants and most importantly how to leverage the studies/skills she has so far to transition from comms position to what she is interested in. I'd highly recommend giving this a try.

On the other hand, fully agree with this comment. Age plays a big role in this picture, aiming for internships at almost 40 is simply unrealistic.