Get Hired


Are their entry level jobs paying 60k for someone who has gone down numerous dead end careers?

38F and I feel like I keep going down dead end careers. I have a sociology undergrad degree and a master's in art and they don't seem to mean anything. In college I was a bartender and thank god for that because after 10 years struggling as a working photographer, covid killed all my business and I had to go back to bartending. It pays the bills while I return to grad school to become a Child Therapist, but the job is terrible- drunk customers, drunk bosses, 8 hours on your feet and you don't even have stable pay (if no one tips, you don't eat). I was just fired from a bar job I had for 2 years for talking shit about my boss behind her back. Like- doesn't everyone? I'm just so desperate to find something remote or BS or somewhat peaceful to carry me until I get qualified as a therapist but that could be another 4-6 years. Any help is so appreciated. I live outside a high COL living city in California, so sadly need to make 60k to stay alive and pay for school. Any ideas? Thank you, you beautiful people <3


Jobadvisor:

It's definitely tough out there, especially in a high cost-of-living area like California. It's understandable to feel frustrated after trying different career paths. But don't despair, there are options! Here's a breakdown of how to approach your job search, focusing on those $60k entry-level roles:

1. Reframe "Dead Ends"

  • Skills are Transferable: You have a diverse background! Bartending = customer service, handling stress, multitasking. Photography = visual communication, marketing (getting clients!), attention to detail. Even your sociology and art degrees show critical thinking and creativity. These are valuable in many fields.   
  • Highlight Soft Skills: "Talking shit" aside (we all do it!), you likely have strong communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to connect with people – essential for many roles, especially as you move towards therapy.

2. Target Specific Job Types

Given your need for remote/office jobs and a decent income, here are some areas to explore:

  • Customer Support/Success: Many tech companies (even outside the major cities) have remote customer support roles. These often pay well, especially with some experience, and your bartending background is a plus. Look for "Customer Success Specialist" or "Client Services Representative" roles too.   
  • Administrative/Executive Assistant: With strong organizational skills (honed from managing your photography business and schooling), you could find remote or office-based admin roles. Executive Assistant positions, especially in growing companies, can pay well.
  • Recruiting/HR Assistant: Your people skills could be a good fit for entry-level recruiting or HR. These roles often involve phone screening, coordinating interviews, and onboarding, which can be done remotely.
  • Data Entry/Analysis (with a twist): While basic data entry can be low-paying, look for roles that involve some analysis or require specific software skills (which you can learn online). This could be in market research, healthcare (given your therapy goals), or even in the art world.

3. Job Search Strategies

  • Online Job Boards: Indeed, LinkedIn and Glassdoor are your friends. Use keywords like "remote," "entry-level," and the job titles above.
  • Company Websites: If there are companies you admire (even if they're not in your exact field), check their career pages directly.
  • Networking: Even online! Join relevant LinkedIn groups, and reach out to people in fields you're interested in (even for informational interviews).
  • Temp Agencies: These can be a good way to get your foot in the door at companies, sometimes leading to permanent roles.   

4. Address the "Experience Gap"

  • Focus on Skills: In your resume and cover letter, highlight the skills you gained from each job, not just the tasks.
  • Portfolio (if applicable): If you have any photography or design work, create an online portfolio to showcase your abilities.
  • Certifications: Consider getting some basic certifications relevant to your target jobs (e.g., Google IT Support, Microsoft Office Specialist). These can boost your resume.

5. The $60k Question

It IS possible to find entry-level jobs paying $60k in California, especially in the fields mentioned above, but it might require some flexibility:

  • Location: While you live outside a major city, being open to commuting or hybrid roles might increase your options.
  • Company Size: Larger companies or those in tech/finance are more likely to have higher starting salaries.
  • Negotiation: Don't be afraid to negotiate your salary, especially if you have relevant skills or experience.

Important Note: While finding a job is crucial, remember that your ultimate goal is to become a child therapist. Try to find a job that not only pays the bills but also allows you to continue your studies and perhaps even provides some relevant experience (e.g., working with children or families in some capacity).

You've got this! It might take some time and effort, but with a focused approach and a positive mindset, you can find a job that supports you while you pursue your dream career.


I don’t love my job but I don’t hate it either. Is it career suicide to stay?


I’m currently working a job I like but don’t love. The company as a whole has some big issues (lack of alignment, layoffs, etc) but it pays well, I have a good work-life balance and I have some huge life events this year (wedding, house hunting, etc).

I don’t know if it’s dumb of me to stay. I left my previous job in November of 2023 and took a few months off work. I found this job after a long job hunt in a terrible market and started in April 2024.

Since I started, my boss has been laid off, it’s become clear there is no alignment, and it’s a bit of a hot mess.

Luckily the department I work in is insulated from a lot of the mess and lack of communication.

But I love working from home, getting paid well, doing my job well enough, and don’t hate it.

Is it dumb to stay somewhere with no future? Or would it be dumb of me to try to job search AGAIN in a terrible market? I feel stuck


Jobadvisor:

It's understandable to feel stuck in your situation. You're weighing the stability and convenience of your current job against the uncertainty of its future and the potential for career stagnation. Here's a breakdown to help you think through this:

Arguments for Staying (at least for now):

  • Stability during major life events: You have a wedding and house hunting this year. These are significant life stressors, both financially and emotionally. Changing jobs adds even more stress. The stability of your current job, with its good pay and work-life balance, can be a huge asset during this time.
  • Recent job change: You just started this job in April 2024 after a period of unemployment. Changing jobs again so soon can look unfavorable on a resume unless you have a compelling reason (like a toxic work environment, which you don't describe).
  • Difficult job market:
    You acknowledge the current job market is tough. Job searching takes time and energy, and there's no guarantee you'll find something better quickly.
  • Acceptable work conditions: You don't hate your job. It pays well, you work from home, and you're doing well enough. This isn't an ideal situation, but it's not a crisis either.

Arguments for Leaving (eventually):

  • Lack of alignment and company issues: These are red flags. While your department is currently insulated, company-wide problems can eventually trickle down. Layoffs and a lack of direction can lead to decreased morale, fewer opportunities for growth, and ultimately, job insecurity.    
  • Potential career stagnation: Staying in a job with no future can hinder your career progression. You might miss out on opportunities to learn new skills, take on more responsibility, and advance to higher positions.

Here's what you should do:

  1. Prioritize your immediate needs: Given your upcoming life events, prioritize stability for the next 6-12 months. This allows you to focus on your wedding and house hunting without the added stress of a job search.
  2. Monitor the situation closely: Keep a close eye on the company's overall situation. Look for signs of improvement or further decline. Pay attention to any changes within your department as well.
  3. Invest in your skills: While you're staying put, don't become complacent. Use this time to enhance your skills through online courses, certifications, or side projects. This will make you a more attractive candidate when you do decide to look for a new job.
  4. Network: Maintain and expand your professional network. Attend industry events (even virtual ones), connect with people on LinkedIn, and let your network know you're open to new opportunities (without active job searching just yet).
  5. Start a passive job search: This means keeping your resume updated and occasionally browsing job boards to see what's out there. This will give you a sense of the market and help you identify potential opportunities without committing to a full-blown job search.

Is it career suicide to stay? Not necessarily, especially in the short term. Given your circumstances, staying for the next 6-12 months while you navigate your personal life events is a reasonable choice. However, staying indefinitely in a company with significant issues could eventually hinder your career.

In conclusion: You're not "dumb" to stay right now. You're making a pragmatic decision based on your current priorities. But don't become complacent. Use this time to prepare for your next career move, which you should likely start considering more actively in the future.