Im 26 working in retail. How do I turn my life around?
I’m 26 years old. I work at target in the evenings and weekends. I make 18 an hour. My confidence is pretty shot at this point. I’m too embarrassed to date because most women wouldn’t date a guy that works in retail and it’s hard to make guy friends due to the opposite schedule of working at night. I have an associates degree in electrical engineering that I received in 2020. In 2021 my mom got into a horrific car accident and she’s basically disabled. I’ve been taking care of her for 3 years up until my Uncle(her brother) got out the military and now he takes care of her full time.
I don’t have much savings. I have 2k in my bank account. I want to finish my degree but it’s been four years since I’ve taken any engineering classes and I don’t want to fail.
Jobadvisor:
I understand you're at a challenging point in your life, and it's admirable that you've been dedicated to caring for your mother during such a difficult time. Let's break down some actionable steps to help you turn your life around:
1. Career Advancement
- Your electrical engineering associates degree is a valuable asset. Many technical fields welcome professionals who can demonstrate skills and motivation, regardless of current job status.
- Research online or part-time bachelor's completion programs that allow you to continue working. Many universities offer flexible options for working adults.
- Look into certification programs or online courses (like Coursera, edX) to refresh your engineering knowledge and make yourself more marketable.
2. Professional Development
- Update your resume highlighting your associates degree and any transferable skills from your retail experience (customer service, problem-solving, teamwork).
- Consider entry-level technician roles, electrical apprenticeships, or junior engineering positions that can help you transition out of retail.
- Network on LinkedIn, connect with local engineering professionals, and join professional groups related to electrical engineering.
3. Financial Planning
- Your $2,000 in savings is a start. Create a budget to gradually build an emergency fund.
- Look into affordable online classes or community college courses to complete your bachelor's degree without taking on massive debt.
- Consider part-time freelance or remote work in technical fields to supplement your income.
4. Personal Confidence and Social Life
- Don't let your current job define your self-worth. Many successful people have started in retail or service industries.
- Join local meetups, hobby groups, or professional networking events to expand your social circle.
- Consider online classes or local workshops where you can meet people with similar interests.
5. Educational Pathway
- Contact local colleges about:
* Credit transfer options
* Refresher courses for engineering students
* Potential bridge programs to help you transition back into your studies
6. Mental Health and Support
- It's clear you've been through a lot caring for your mother. Consider talking to a counselor or therapist to process these experiences.
- Look into support groups for caregivers to connect with people who understand your journey.
Practical Next Steps:
- Schedule a meeting with an academic advisor at a local college
- Start an online course to refresh your engineering skills
- Update your LinkedIn profile
- Set a small, achievable goal each month towards your career transition
Remember, you're only 26. Many successful professionals have non-linear paths. Your experience caring for your mother shows resilience, compassion, and strength – qualities that are incredibly valuable in both personal and professional contexts.
You're not stuck. You have an engineering background, work ethic, and the ability to adapt. Focus on small, consistent steps forward, and be patient and kind to yourself in the process.