People feel stuck in careers they dislike for financial reasons
27 posts across 7 communities in the last 30 days; 56% from r/careeradvice.
“I’ve been struggling in what to do for a career. For some context I dropped out of college during the pandemic I didn’t like it before the pandemic and I felt like I was doing it to make my dad happy but not doing it for me ontop of everything eventually going online. I recently…”
“I can’t get a normal job let alone a job that I enjoy. I’m 27 years old, still living at home, stuck at a job that I hate and causes me both physical and mental pain. I’ve mostly come to terms that college was a broken promise to my generation and that it does not guarantee any…”
“I’m 30M and lately I’ve been questioning my entire career. I have a stable corporate job, decent income, savings, and objectively I know I’m in a privileged position. The problem is that I’ve reached a point where I don’t really enjoy what I do anymore. The last few months have…”
Multiple users describe feeling trapped in unfulfilling corporate or creative careers due to financial obligations, such as supporting family members or needing a stable income. They express frustration and uncertainty about how to transition to more desired paths.
SOURCES (60)
“I’m a 28M that’s having a bit of a mid-life crisis and feeling lost in life. I’m currently working as a dog groomer and while the job can be a lot of fun, the pay is quite solid, and I really like my co-workers. I’ve…”
“Reposting because the last one didn’t get the traction I was looking for. I’m a girl in my early thirties, and I think I’m having a bit of a career crisis 🥺😪 I’ve spent over a decade working in journalism, editorial and digital media. I have worked at one of the world’s biggest tech companies, leading a team and doing work I was genuinely proud of. I built a career for myself without a degree, and for a long time, I didn’t feel like I needed one. My experience spoke for itself, and i was doing”
“I’m a 40/m that’s been in and out of jobs my entire life trying to find security, stability and a high income path that won’t completely break my body. Been considering linemen, electrician, carpentry paths. What are your recommendations? I live in Westchester NY submitted by /u/LEARNING2INVEST360 [link] [comments]”
“Hi so I’ve been grooming a long time and it’s all I’ve known as far as work but I’m in my 30s now and I want to potentially have a kid. I’ve had my own business for 8 years and as hard as I try I’ve never been able to make enough to really feel financially stable. The ebb and flow plus having to pivot and restart my business definitely didn’t help but I’m just tired. I’ve implemented a weight limit for new big dogs. Ive raised prices and still I just feel like I could be doing something else wit”
“thank you!! i think its time to start looking for what i enjoy. When i started my career i loved what i was doing alot because i was learning but now after 15 years am so bored of what i do and dont feel the passion anymore. [re: Certs required advice]”
“I am 24, i have a bachelor's degree in biology, and I am completely lost. I want to pursue a creative job (acting ideally), but I am looking for a "real" job in case I am unable to break into the industry. I don't have any other passion besides theatre/acting. I attended grad school at t10 school for public health, and am decently smart and a hard worker. Any advice/pathways would be wonderful. I feel pretty helpless despite having given several fields (service, social media ma”
“I'm really sorry and I know this subject has been discussed thousands of times and is probably completely oversaturated but I’m still going to ask cause I am desperate af. How does someone in their 40s completely change careers? I’m in IT and customer service (first line) and have spent the last 4 years doing calls, emails and all the usual IT customer service BS. I want to get the hell out of this shithole and move into something completely different such as environmental job, agriculture o”
“I'm really sorry and I know this subject has been discussed thousands of times and is probably completely oversaturated but I’m still going to ask cause I am desperate af. How does someone in their 40s completely change careers? I’m in IT and customer service (first line) and have spent the last 4 years doing calls, emails and all the usual IT customer service BS. I want to get the hell out of this shithole and move into something completely different such as environmental job, agriculture o”
“I grew up playing guitar and music with friends. I thought I wanted to pursue it. I picked up photography some as a hobby as well in my 20s. However by my mid 20s I was working very low wage jobs and decided if I didn't love my job I might as well make money... So I went to school for IT. In the mid 2010s IT was hot and it was regarded a great field to go into. I felt that I was technically inclined enough and that I did find some interest in it. I thought it was be nice to have a job that m”
“I’ve been struggling in what to do for a career. For some context I dropped out of college during the pandemic I didn’t like it before the pandemic and I felt like I was doing it to make my dad happy but not doing it for me ontop of everything eventually going online. I recently was trying to decide whether I should do trade school or go back to college to become a therapist since I’m tired of working these dead end 9-5 jobs just to barely survive or feel fulfilled in my life. The thing is I hat”
“I can’t get a normal job let alone a job that I enjoy. I’m 27 years old, still living at home, stuck at a job that I hate and causes me both physical and mental pain. I’ve mostly come to terms that college was a broken promise to my generation and that it does not guarantee any sort of job security. I recently applied for a lab job that only required a high school diploma and some lab experience. I wanted to use it to get some experience working with more animals. I have a B.S. in Genetics and y”
“Hi guys! I’m 29 and I’ve been in Banking and Financial Services for the last 10 years and I’m ready for a change. I no longer enjoy being yelled and cursed at about peoples money, their lack of comprehension of investing/money, the overworked and underpaid etccc. I’ve always wanted to be in the healthcare industry, but not like a nurse or anything, but more so on the administrative side of it all. Any recommendations for some entry level positions I should look out for? Where to start? Is gettin”
What would you do next? submitted by /u/dankly_fresh23 [link] [comments]
“I've been at my job for a long time and lately I've been thinking about doing something of my own. But quitting a stable job at this age feels like a pretty big gamble. I don't really want to spend the next 15–20 years doing the same thing either. I'm thinking about starting something small on the side first and seeing where it goes. Has anyone here done this in their 40s? What did you start with? submitted by /u/Fast-Map3467 [link] [comments]”
“I’m just starting my career, but honestly, I’m pretty confused about what direction I should take. I’m a school dropout because of financial problems in my family, so I don’t really have the traditional path of getting a degree, applying for jobs, and building a career. I have to figure things out on my own and start making money early. My long term goal is to build my own business, so I started looking for skills that could help me make money now and also help me later. I started with digital m”
“I’m 30M and lately I’ve been questioning my entire career. I have a stable corporate job, decent income, savings, and objectively I know I’m in a privileged position. The problem is that I’ve reached a point where I don’t really enjoy what I do anymore. The last few months have been especially stressful, and some mistakes and difficult situations at work have made me question whether I’m even good at my career. But I’ve also started asking myself something that feels more important: Even if I be”
“Hey y'all, I'd love some advice/wisdom from anyone who has any thoughts! I initially graduated from a top 5 global college and have been working in the music industry for the last few years, working across global marketing and commercial teams at a major label. I feel like I don't want to work in this industry forever but I have no idea what I want to do instead. I like working with people and project management, and I really love analysing numbers to make decisions and working with”
“I’m am looking for some career advice. I am starting over in my 30’s. I can go in any direction I wish, but I have to deal with some mental disabilities that include social anxiety and chronic mood swings among other things. I’m working with a vocational department with my state and I have to come up with a direction I’d like to go in. They will pay for schooling/certification other services to get me back in the workforce. I currently only have experience as a hairstylist but due to the social”
“Eastern PA. Trying to figure out what my options are for a career change once I can beat the cancer I'm currently fighting. Not trying to use it as a sob story, but it needs to be known that this is a huge reason why my finances are destroyed and my body now is even more wrecked. Currently I'm in Class B truck driving and equipment operation. Did this, warehousing and construction starting when I was like 17. Now I'm a lil low on cash, and I gots me a destroyed right abdominal pelvic”
“I’m at a crossroads in my life and I can’t decide if I should continue on the path I’ve been on for all of my life (even though it’s been an uphill battle nearly the whole way), or if it’s time for a change. I’ve always loved what I do, but I’m questioning if it’s a realistic pursuit. Anyone who has shifted gears in life, how did you know it was time and do you think you made the right call? submitted by /u/Ok_Drink8072 [link] [comments]”
“Looking back, what's one career decision that everyone thought was a bad idea, but ended up working out well for you? Maybe it was changing industries, taking a pay cut, leaving a stable job, moving cities, or turning down an opportunity. Curious to hear some real stories. submitted by /u/Careerwithayomide [link] [comments]”
“I feel stuck and don’t know where to begin. I want to work, rebuild my career, and become independent. Has anyone started over at 30? submitted by /u/Narrow-Internal-5444 [link] [comments]”
“I’m looking for some kind of guidance where I can review my options and paths toward breaking into a new career, I work full time as a tattoo artist and I hate it.. I don’t have any education or transferable skills so I don’t know where to start And before anyone ask what I’m interested in doing, I’m just interested in a job that pays by the hour and that I can do the rest of my life submitted by /u/DarthPlagueis1994 [link] [comments]”
“Thinking about a career change but I don't where to start. I'm 39 and I worked my ass off to get to where I am. In my career field, I am close to reaching the highest I can possibly reach. There are people far older than me and have dedicated their entire life to my field and never reached where I reach. And to get to where I am, I had to deal with a lot. Abusive customers, insane hours and work week, people trying to take advantage, toxic work cultures, unhealthy office politics, horrib”
“I decided to go to college for IT at 25 and I'm 33 now with 6 years of experience. In my early 20s I was really into music. Played a lot. I don't really anymore, but the creative spirit is still there. I like photography for instance. I'm still in tech support and now I'm trying to move forward in my career. I think when I was younger I thought I'd just do this tech thing for money and focus on my life outside of work. Yet 6 years have gone by and I haven't broken past $6”
“I just turned 40. I'm a stay at home mom, both of my kids are in school, and I've been thinking about pursuing an actual career. I've spent my whole professional and adult life working at a front desk, in either Healthcare or education. I haven't worked for 6 years to focus on my family, but I feel like it's time to get back out there. BUT I do not want to sit at a desk! I spent 15+ years sitting at a desk, and can't fathom doing it again. I want a fulfilling career where”
“I have been a hairdresser for 10 years but I have taken so many breaks/moves that i never really made a living, plus no healthcare, retirement, it gave me carpal tunnel, it’s horrible for your body etc. Now i’m working towards changing careers for when my kids are old enough to be in school, i’d like to be able to provide more for them. I like the flexibility of my schedule with hairdressing and how it allows me to be there for my kids and family. I have my AA in arts already and was thinking ab”
“FTM of a 13mo and a professional musician. I’ve been gigging on weekends and teaching at a music college during the week for 9 years now, making ~60k a year total for working 7 days a week almost year round. I live in MA (Greater Boston Area) and it is not cheap. I was ok making that while I was single and then while my husband and I were childless, but now I just don’t want to work 7 days a week almost all year for that much when I have to pay for childcare and the work I do is very physically,”
“FTM of a 13mo and a professional musician. I’ve been gigging on weekends and teaching at a music college during the week for 9 years now, making ~60k a year total for working 7 days a week almost year round. I live in MA (Greater Boston Area) and it is not cheap. I was ok making that while I was single and then while my husband and I were childless, but now I just don’t want to work 7 days a week almost all year for that much when I have to pay for childcare and the work I do is very physically,”
“I’m 27, I live at home whilst saving up for a house/life. I’m expecting that my current job is going to be made redundant after Christmas/early next year. Right now I have a comfortable but boring 7 on 7 off office job that pays ~40k. I have thought so much but really have no clue what to do. How did you decide what career to go down? I’m not wanting to pay uni course fees, but I’m willing to consider college courses, apprenticeships, anything that can lead to a well paying secure job that I don”
“I’m 39, and I recently made the decision to leave a six-figure corporate job after realizing that the career path I was on just wasn’t sustainable for me anymore. Now I’m in this weird place where, instead of immediately finding the same job at another company, I want to seriously ask myself: What do I actually want to do with the next 20+ years of my working life? My background is mostly in GIS, location analytics, real estate/development, and corporate environments. I’ve managed projects, work”
“Ive been a cleaner for a few years at a few diffrent places, i cant keep doing it my body is already failing me at 24 for minimum wage and only a handfull of work hours. How do i change careers to something like an entry office job or what skills do i learn to do at home on my computer and work from home? i have no idea of what to get into i have no university degree but do have my GCSE's and passed my college course but that isnt relevent to any job i could do. Has anyone else successfully”
“I’m 34 and have been in career that I loath, tech sales, for my entire career. My family is finally in a place where I can financially afford to change my career but it’s terrifying to think I might choose the wrong path again. Has anybody made this type of move? How did you choose the next path? How did it go? More context below if it helps. I grew up with an ingrained fear of going into debt and aversion to risk. Went to college and studied political science and economics planning to be a lawy”
“I’m 34 and have been in career that I loath, tech sales, for my entire career. My family is finally in a place where I can financially afford to change my career but it’s terrifying to think I might choose the wrong path again. Has anybody made this type of move? How did you choose the next path? How did it go? More context below if it helps. I grew up with an ingrained fear of going into debt and aversion to risk. Went to college and studied political science and economics planning to be a lawy”
“I’m trying to figure out what I’d study/change careers into. My priorities are: Good salary and potential to grow A profession that is likely to stay valuable for the next 10–20 years despite AI Something intellectually interesting, where I’m solving problems rather than doing repetitive work A career where investing several years in education would actually be worth it I already have a background in political science and professional experience, but I’m open to completely changing direction. I’”
“I (29f) am at a loss of what to do with my life career wise. For my early working years I worked at a pizza joint, worked my way to AGM, then once I had kids found that I could not keep working in food services as it is really not conducive to having a family life. So I started working various corporate/office jobs including CS, accounting management, and a brief stint in insurance. Those were…fine. Not exactly my cup of tea with corporate culture and it seeming to be the norm that you aren’t ne”
“I'm turning 26 soon and I'm not happy with my career and where I am in life. I'm wondering if anyone who's had a similar experience in their 20's was able to find success later on and if so- how were you able to get to that point? submitted by /u/Suitable-Jello [link] [comments]”
“Sometimes think about going in finance, insurance or accounting, but I've always been uncomfortable with money stuff. It's a similar idea to people going into psychology to understand themselves more. Is it crazy to do so? submitted by /u/Hurock [link] [comments]”
“So I find myself trying to decide on a career again after false starts and diversions because of a need for money and working filler jobs that end up not working out in the end. I'm just not sure where to go with things. I'm looking at Oakland Community College in the Detroit area and almost nothing is sticking out for me. I would look at accounting but a lot of what I do ends up being Claude-assisted in terms of worksheet structure. I've thought about automotive repairs but my confi”
“I'm 24 and feel like I've ended up in a bit of a hole career-wise. I'm trying to get out of it but could genuinely use some outside opinions. I previously studied pharmacy at uni. I repeated first year partly because of my own poor time management and partly because of serious stuff going on at home. During my repeat year my mum attempted suicide the day before my main exams. I didn't sleep, completely fucked them and eventually lost my place on the course. Since then I've be”
“I have been in the corporate world for 15 years. 12 of those years I have been in management. I do not feel fulfilled. I am tempted to enroll in college. I have some college but never finished a degree because I had a job opportunity in corporate at 20 and felt that was the best choice at the time. Has anyone done this? The thought of going back to school in my mid thirties terrifies me while working full time but I honestly feel like I need a change. submitted by /u/Professional-Hat”
“We are shut out from lucrative careers in business, finance, marketing, AI, tech. All of these awesome, cushy jobs we will never get to participate in, simply because we took the easy way out and became PTs. With our salary alone, we are literally unable to financially survive in HCOL areas where our peers are thriving. SPTs, please be sure you pick a spouse who is anything but another Physical Therapist or enjoy having roommates until you’re 40. :( submitted by /u/numbr-1-angel [lin”
“Hello Reddit. I've never been a huge money maker in my life, and right now I'm probably facing the biggest career decision I've ever had to make. By trade, I'm a weatherman. I've spent most of my career working in TV, but the industry can be a mess. The pay usually isn't great, the hours can be all over the place, and there's not always a ton of control over your own career. In early 2025, I decided to take a step back from TV. Since then, I've been doing all kind”
“I am 37, I quit my study after 12th and took job in call centre to meet financial needs. I have no skill. I take calls and calm down client who are frustrated or angry and help in providing resolution. I am doing this for like 11 years and my income is not even 50k per month. I am tired and frustrated. I am looking for a career change - permanent. I will love to move to technical background but I have so many doubts. Will anyone hire 37 year old as a freher? What shall I study? What if I learn a”
“I (32) have failed at pursuing multiple career paths in Canada and I'm at a loss as for what to do now. Currently working in a clerical role making $44k/year in a HCOL area and I can't afford anything. Don't even want to stay in my current field but I can't seem to do better for myself :( I have a BA and MA in political science but they aren't worth anything and were massive opportunity costs. I probably could've done a lot more with my life if I'd gotten a more usefu”
“I'm about to head into university and I'm faced with the decision of choosing between exploring my passion of entomology (niche field, very competitive, mostly contract work with little to do during the winter- however I would love the chance to learn about it in a school environment, the people I've spoken to about it are the exact kind of people I'd like to be surrounded by and it's just something I have a lot of enthusiasm for) or something more stable, like a medical lab”
“I lost nearly 7 years due to physical and mental health battles, along with other personal challenges. Over the past year, I've turned things around, fully recovered, and started working entry level jobs in fast food chains. Now I want to learn serious skills or go back to school to get a degree. My absolute sole goal is to make good money. I am willing to learn or work at literally anything to get there. What career path should I pursue? Please help !??? submitted by /u/UmpireWi”
“Hey everyone! I've spent most of my career working in the entertainment/music industry, and I'm at the point where I'm seriously looking to make a career change. People have been dropping like flies. I've been looking for a full-time job for over a year now. I've been able to pick up some freelance work along the way, including some recent work involving LLM development, data organization, workflow design, and digital asset management, but I really need to get back into a ful”
“I don't know if it's considered a "career," but I'd like to choose something I can do, like a job. I've perfected two options: a) Independent barber with my own shop. b) Physiotherapist and Personal Trainer. Both work 7/8 hours a day. (My goal is to hit 1m in net worth, and gradually reduce work hours). Both earn more than €40 per hour, or at least it can be adjusted based on the cost of living (it's not regulated by an employment contract, but more of a service fee”
“I'm 33 and essentially homeless in California. I have a home base right now that will only last the next few years at best. I need guidance for a career choice. There are so many great options out there, but many require an amount of money for schooling that I just don't have. I'm not looking to go into student debt, either. I live close enough to a college that I could technically bike ride there (though it is a 2 or so hour ride), but I do know they have online courses as well. My”
“For context, I have a doctorate in music, and let's just say the Fine Arts is struggling hard. I work two jobs (afterschools non profits) around my city, but there isn't enough hours, yet I feel like I'm working full-time. This is because there isn't enough money to be paid for the extra things, such as performances, administration, scheduling. All of these things take time/energy, and I don't get paid for these things. And when I do, it's very much not enough. Not to men”
“Hey there, I am a 23 year-old who recently graduated from university, but I can say honestly that I am unhappy. Because this field wasn’t what I wanted to study and I could not land a job. Most of the things I want to do — improving my body, learning new skills, and meeting new people — require money, so I need to work. I have no friends. Absolutely zero. And I am unhappy with almost everything about myself. Is there a lucrative job opportunity that I can create by self-teaching myself something”