I'm 24, and got tricked into a job I thought would pan out.

Star wrote:

Billy56751 wrote:

I only have about $11,000 grand saved up

That's 11 million dollars.

Not bad

Hahahahahahahahaha you win the internet for the day.

Stopped saying you got tricked. Take ownership of your choice.

Billy56751 wrote:

That's why I'm trying to figure out what to do. By posting on here there's a collective of over 1000 years of knowledge in the work force. All that knowledge combined could really lead me in the right direction. Also, this is two days after being laid off, I'm just trying to jump right back on track.

One thing I have not seen recommended is to join the National Guard. One of my friends joined around 2001. She took too much advantage of the program, and has now gotten three associates degrees, 2 bachelors degrees and is still pursuing two others. (Really not sure how this is pulled off nor do I support it).

The point is that it is a small commitment that will pay for your college if you were interested in pursuing college. I echo others sentiment that I would only go to college if there is something you want to study and that field requires a college degree. (Something like accounting, medicine, engineering, etc.).

Reason being is, I was very good in HS and that continued in college (Honors Society, scholarships, academic awards) but I had to stop twice for 2 years to work and make money to continue. I was 27 when I graduated and I went into a job I hated that I was ill-suited for and I gutted it out for 8 years before taking something up that DID NOT require a degree. (Silver lining was I only had $6000 in loans when I graduated).

You would be starting out 6 yrs later than I did and likely need to take out loans. If you take out big loans and pursue something where you can work straight away (like nursing, computer science) you will likely be fine, if you don''t it will be a whole different misery than the one you are in now.

I had no one with experience to give me guidance, take some of the advice on here and learn, LEARN, LEARN about whatever you think you might want to do. Talk to other 24-30 yr olds that you have grown up with and ask them to be candid about what they are doing now, that may go a long way to shedding light on what you should be engaged in the next 2-4-10 years.

Dhhvjj wrote:

You can be almost anything. Doctor, lawyer, accountant, software engineer, PhD, whatever. There are a few industries that only select from Ivy League type schools, and you won’t get those, but otherwise anything is in play.

Think long term. You may have 40 working years ahead of you, it’s OK if this early part takes 4, 6, 8 years or whatever. You’ll get there. Just get it right, and go in eyes wide open - do your research.

Please enlighten us on what industries "only select from Ivy League type schools"?

Billy56751 wrote:

...$11,000 grand saved up ...

So you have $11 Million...?

well with the experience you got from that job you could find another maintenence job that pays good. I use to do maintenance in a turkey hatchery but didnt get paid half as good as you.

I know with many maintenence jobs you learn a bit of everything, maybe if you think you expertised in something specific you could emphasize on that, electrical, plumbing, welding..etc maybe check out a trade school and do maintenence or even custodial/sanitation somewhere part time

Hey Billy,

Just a little food for thought here. I'm going to state my case and reasoning for why it might be a good idea to attend college. Just a quick background, I'm 24, working a job that I love after doing 2 years of community college and then payed the same rate to do 2 years at a state college, I ran all 4 years of my college career. I wouldn't trade the knowledge, experience, and perspective on life that I have gained throughout those 4 years for anything, its more valuable to me than the money itself. If there is a financial friendly option where you can work through the 4 years of going to school, I would highly recommend it, get involved, pursue your interests, make some friends along the way. Check out community college, they often have great incentives and plans to do 2 years (your prerequisites) at their campus and then get your bachelors from wherever seems fit for you. Knowledge is power, I know its a simple quote, but it is very true and there is more value in knowledge than just earning an hourly wage. Check it out, way your options, but most importantly... Do what makes you happy and life will find a way.

Best,

Pat

It obviously depends where you would attend, but, as another poster said, becoming a psych/counselor takes roughly 7 years (4 years of undergrad and 3 years of graduate school) and probably 50-100k in loans. I'm sure there are advanced track programs (5ish years) - some good and some awful - but that isn't the route most take.

I'm in the field and I love it, but it's going to be a time commitment and money consumer. I was lucky enough that my parents allowed me to live at home (rent free) throughout this duration. I was able to save up quite a bit of money and qualified for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). I have roughly 100k in loans, but should only end up paying 10-20k before they disappear.

Just some info from someone in the field :) First step is reaching out for help and asking questions, and you're doing just that!

There are a wide range of professions (and pay!) in the mental health field.

- Mental Health or Substance Abuse Counselor (median pay $43k):

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm

- Clinical Social Worker (median pay $48k):

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm

- Marriage & Family Therapist (median pay $49k):

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/marriage-and-family-therapists.htm

- Psychologist (median pay $77k):

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm

- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (median pay $111k):

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm

- Psychiatrist (median pay $216k):

https://www.bls.gov/oes/2017/may/oes291066.htm

1/10

Should have gotten a real job not some handout from your uncle.

School? Ur too old

Army? Probably ur best bet

DUI? Should have stopped drinking?