Anyone else hiding from family this week and questioning their entire career?


I'm TIRED. 26yo digital marketing manager here - looks fancy on LinkedIn but reality is just me making TikToks about boring software at 11pm while my boss pretends weekends don't exist 💀 currently stress eating mom's cookies in my old room (hello ancient Fall Out Boy posters) watching my cousin absolutely THRIVE as a teacher while I'm here scheduling another "thought leadership" post about cloud computing or whatever

anyone else hiding from family this week and questioning their entire career? how tf do you know when to jump ship?


Jobadvisor:

Hey, it's totally understandable to feel this way. The pressure to have a "dream job" at 26, especially with social media constantly showcasing everyone's highlight reels, can be overwhelming. It sounds like you're experiencing a classic case of burnout and questioning your path, which is super common!

Here's a breakdown of why you might be feeling this way and some advice on figuring out your next steps:

Why you might be feeling this way:

  • Burnout: The long hours, demanding boss, and feeling like your work lacks meaning are classic signs of burnout. It's like your mental and emotional resources are depleted.
  • Comparison: Seeing your cousin "thrive" can trigger feelings of inadequacy, even if you logically know that everyone's journey is different.
  • Lack of purpose: Making TikToks about boring software might not be fulfilling your need for meaningful work, leaving you feeling disconnected and unmotivated.
  • Family pressure: Being back in your old room can bring up past expectations or make you feel like you're not where you "should" be.

How to figure out when to jump ship:

  • Identify your values: What's truly important to you in a job? Is it creativity, helping others, work-life balance, intellectual stimulation, or something else?
  • Assess your current situation: Does your job align with your values? Are there any aspects you enjoy or opportunities for growth?
  • Explore other options: Research different career paths, network with people in those fields, and consider taking courses or volunteering to gain experience.
  • Set boundaries: Talk to your boss about your workload and need for work-life balance. If things don't improve, it might be a sign to move on.
  • Trust your gut: If you consistently feel dread, anxiety, or a lack of motivation, it might be time for a change.

Additional tips:

  • Talk to someone: A friend, family member, therapist, or career counselor can provide support and guidance.
  • Take care of yourself: Prioritize sleep, healthy eating, exercise, and activities you enjoy.
  • Don't make rash decisions: Take your time to explore your options and make a plan.
  • Remember, it's okay to change your mind: Your career path doesn't have to be linear.

It's brave of you to question your path and seek advice. You're not alone in feeling this way, and it's definitely possible to find a career that's more fulfilling and aligned with your values. Take things one step at a time, and remember to be kind to yourself during this process.


I am 24 and lost at life. What career path should I take?

Currently i am extremely lost and depressed since I feel like a complete failure. I cant keep a job and really need help in figure out what direction I need to take. I am a 24F. I have no degree just a medical assistant certificate. I looked into going back to school for a degree but it just doesn't work since I have no one to help me pay off bills. I am all alone with no help.I am looking for a way out of Healthcare since I am so tired of being overworked and bullied by staff. I regret not getting a degree right out of high-school and now the more responsibility I have the harder it get. Some one pls help me figure a career path


Jobadvisor:

It's completely understandable to feel lost and overwhelmed when you're facing challenges with your career, especially when financial pressures and difficult work environments are involved. It's brave of you to seek guidance and want to make positive changes. Here's a breakdown of how we can approach this, focusing on actionable steps:

1. Acknowledge and Address the Emotional Side:

  • You're not alone: Many people experience feeling lost in their 20s. It's a time of exploration and figuring things out.
  • It's okay to feel overwhelmed: Job instability, financial stress, and negative work experiences can take a toll. Acknowledging these feelings is the first step to addressing them.  
  • Consider seeking support: If you're experiencing depression, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or support resources. Talking to someone can provide valuable support and coping strategies.

2. Analyze Your Situation and Identify Transferable Skills:

  • Healthcare Experience: Even though you want to leave healthcare, recognize that you've gained valuable skills:
    • Clinical skills: Taking vital signs, assisting with procedures, understanding medical terminology.
    • Patient interaction: Communication, empathy, handling sensitive situations.
    • Administrative skills: Scheduling, record-keeping, organization.
  • Identify what you don't want: You've realized you don't enjoy the overwork and bullying in your current healthcare setting. This clarity is important for making future choices.
  • Consider your interests: What do you enjoy doing in your free time? What are you naturally good at? These can provide clues to potential career paths.

3. Explore Career Paths That Don't Require a 4-Year Degree (and Utilize Your Skills):

Here are some options that might be a good fit, considering your experience and desire for a change:

  • Administrative Roles: Your medical assistant experience translates well to administrative positions in various industries:
    • Office Manager: Overseeing office operations, managing schedules, handling administrative tasks.  
    • Executive Assistant: Providing high-level support to executives, managing communications, coordinating meetings.  
    • Administrative Assistant: General office support, data entry, customer service.
     
  • Customer Service/Client-Facing Roles: Your patient interaction skills are valuable in customer service:
    • Customer Service Representative: Handling customer inquiries, resolving issues, providing support.
    • Account Manager: Building relationships with clients, managing accounts, ensuring satisfaction.  
    • Sales Representative: Promoting products or services, building client relationships, closing deals.  
  • Technical or Trade Skills: These often involve shorter training programs or apprenticeships:
    • Medical Coding and Billing: Using your medical knowledge in a more administrative setting.
    • IT Support: Providing technical assistance to users, troubleshooting issues.  
    • Skilled Trades (e.g., electrician, plumber): These offer stable careers with good earning potential.  
     

4. Take Actionable Steps:

  • Update your resume: Highlight your transferable skills from your medical assistant experience.
  • Network: Talk to people in different industries to learn about their careers.
  • Online courses or certifications: Consider short-term courses to gain specific skills in your chosen field (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, project management).
  • Job boards and online applications: Start actively searching for entry-level positions in your target areas.
  • Consider temporary or contract work: This can provide experience and help you explore different industries.

Important Considerations:

  • Financial stability: Prioritize finding a stable job that can cover your bills while you explore longer-term options.
  • Work-life balance: Look for employers that value employee well-being and offer a healthy work environment.
  • Continuous learning: Even without a degree, you can continue to learn and grow through online courses, certifications, and on-the-job training.

It's important to remember that career paths are rarely linear. It's okay to try different things and make changes along the way. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small victories, and don't give up on finding a fulfilling career.


Can my 48 year old father become a programmer?


Hey,

I’m asking this question on behalf of my father. My dad spent 10 years in prison and was released a year ago. During this time, he went through significant physical and psychological hardships. He lost 30 kilograms and underwent two surgeries. Right now, his health is better, but he’s not in a condition to do physically demanding work. He used to be a primary school teacher, but due to the same reason he was imprisoned (political), it’s no longer possible for him to work as a teacher.

I’m also very doubtful that he could adapt to a regular work environment because he barely speaks to anyone. Currently, he has no income; my grandfather is supporting him, and they’re barely getting by.

He’s been writing books and recently self-published one on Amazon. Someone bought it for $0.7, and he was so happy that he shared it with me. My heart broke seeing that. I can see he’s trying, but I feel like it’s all in vain.

My dad is a very determined and hardworking person. I started thinking—he has plenty of time at home. Could there be an area where he could specialize using the internet and a computer? He’s a university graduate and has decent English skills. Ten years ago, he used to work with Adobe applications and programs like Excel, so he’s not completely unfamiliar with computers. He has many years ahead of him, now he’s 48 years old. I want to encourage him to learn programming/software development. Do you have any knowledge or recommendations on this topic? This could also add more color to his life at home, and I know that being a curious and research-oriented person again would be good for him—I know him well. But I’m also afraid of giving him false hope.

Thank you so much for your answers, they're very important for me.


Jobadvisor:

It's incredibly admirable that you're looking for ways to support your father. It's absolutely possible for a 48-year-old to learn programming, even with the challenges he's faced. It won't be easy, but his determination and past experience with computers are good starting points. Here's some advice and recommendations:

Why Programming Could Be a Good Fit:

  • Flexibility: Programming can be learned and practiced remotely, offering flexibility and accommodating his current situation.  
  • Mental Stimulation: It's a challenging and intellectually stimulating field, which could be beneficial for his mental well-being and provide a sense of purpose.
  • Potential for Income: While it takes time and effort to become proficient, programming skills are in high demand and can lead to well-paying jobs or freelance opportunities.  
  • Builds on Existing Skills: His experience with Adobe applications and Excel shows he has some familiarity with software and logic. His writing and self-publishing also demonstrate an ability to learn new platforms and complete projects.

Recommendations and Steps:

  1. Start with the Basics: Don't jump straight into complex languages. Begin with introductory courses on platforms like:

    • freeCodeCamp: Offers free certifications in web development, responsive design, and other areas. It's very beginner-friendly and project-based.  
    • Codecademy: Provides interactive lessons in various programming languages and web development technologies. They have free and paid options.  
    • Khan Academy: Offers free courses on computer programming, including introductory concepts and JavaScript.  
    • CS50 (Harvard's Introduction to Computer Science): A more rigorous but excellent free online course that provides a strong foundation in computer science principles.

  2. Choose a Path: There are many areas within programming. Some good starting points include:

    • Web Development (Front-End/Back-End): Focuses on creating websites and web applications. Relatively easier to get started with and many online resources are available.
    • Python: A versatile and beginner-friendly language used in web development, data science, and other areas.  
    • JavaScript: Primarily used for front-end web development but also has back-end capabilities.  

  3. Focus on Practical Projects: Learning by doing is crucial. Encourage him to work on small projects that interest him. For example, building a simple website, a basic calculator, or a text-based game.

  4. Join Online Communities: Connecting with other learners and experienced programmers can provide support, motivation, and valuable insights. Some good communities include:  

    • Stack Overflow: A question-and-answer website for programmers.
    • Reddit (subreddits like r/learnprogramming, r/webdev, r/python): Online forums dedicated to specific programming topics.  
    • Discord servers: Many programming communities have Discord servers for real-time chat and collaboration.  

  5. Be Patient and Supportive: Learning to program takes time and effort. There will be frustrating moments. It's important to be patient and offer encouragement. Celebrate his progress, no matter how small.  

  6. Consider Accessibility: Ensure he has a comfortable workspace and necessary equipment (a reliable computer and internet connection).

  7. Address the Social Isolation: While programming can be done remotely, it's important to address his social isolation. Encourage him to participate in online communities and consider seeking professional help if needed. This will not only improve his well-being but also help with networking opportunities later on.

Addressing Your Concerns:

  • False Hope: It's important to be realistic. Learning to program is a commitment. However, it's not about guaranteeing a high-paying job immediately; it's about providing him with a meaningful activity, a sense of accomplishment, and potentially new opportunities. Frame it as an exploration and a chance to learn new skills.
  • His Age: 48 is not too old to learn programming. Many successful programmers started later in life. His life experience and determination can be valuable assets.  

This is a challenging but potentially very rewarding path for your father. By providing support and encouragement, you can help him explore this new opportunity and find a renewed sense of purpose.