What do you do for $$$?

[karmablock]

I have a degree in psychology and currently have a job working with troubled youth. But the thing is I don't need my $35,000 education to do this job and the company I work for is notorious for fucking over employees the longer they stay there (ex. I've been there a year and only make $9.56 and that is with three raises, the new people they just hired with no degree start at $12). And now that my student loan payments are coming due I'm having panic attack because they are so high. And I can't find anything in my field that doesn't require either a masters and/or 8-10 years of experience. I'm wondering what I should do. I'm think I should either go back school and get a useful degree or find a paid apprenticeship in something useful. </rant>

I'm wondering what some of you do for work and/or what you're going to school for?
And if you feel like giving any advice it would be greatly appreciated.

[kbit]

I also have a degree in psychology. I know that feel.

I was in a master program last summer for mental health counseling. Quit after a couple weeks; too burnt out and uncertian to push through. A few months ago I got my current job as a telecounselor doing crisis intervention and I&R stuff. Aside from a few really stressful moments (like 40 minues ago ) its been a pretty awesome job. I feel like I'm actually doing something that can be useful to someone and get paid decent enough.* Overnight schedules can blow sometimes, as does sitting for so long, but whatevs.


My advice is to just be open to opportunities. Jobs, schooling, life experiences, anything that could show you a new path is worth peaking at, at least for as little while. & if a path you go down isn't to you liking, just make a left turn.


*relatively speaking for a 22 year old with few commitments

[snipelfritz]

I have a degree in Communications (finished last December) and I recently (the beginning of April) started a job at a company that provides captioned phones to the hard of hearing. Basically, I listen to one end of a phone conversation and repeat most of it occasionally typing something in or pushing a preprogrammed button when I know the program wouldn't recognize it. It's pretty bland and sucks slightly(unless you simply approach it with a positive attitude), but I've definitely had worse jobs, and in a month and a half I'll be eligible for health care benefits and a raise. And there's a really cute girl who works in the same zone as me...as well as a girl I slept with once and now acts like I don't exist (but that's another story).

That said I also have an internship at a local film festival and would love to pursue a career in non-profit development for an arts organization.

[tuffteef]

im doing a music degree (lol) and electronics and comms eng
i work as an electrical assistant to the engineers casual while studying

its okay. its dirty and hard work but ya know you gotta do shit you hate to get somewhere

[Greenfuz]

or just get stuck doin shit ya hate

[tuffteef]

or just get stuck doin shit ya hate

as they say

be agressive be be agressive

[backwardsvoyager]

im doing a music degree (lol)

this

...and I'm unemployed and live with my dad.
I want to say it's because of my age but I think it will be like this for a long time. At least over here the government pays you to go to uni, gotta be thankful for that.

[Andrew]

I make Orthesis and Orthotic Devices for different Podiatrists in my City. Been doing it for about 4 years, I like it although its easy to learn but very hard to perfect - doesn't help when everyone wants it done completely different ways though.

[Jwar]

Suck cock for nickles.

wait

[Grrface]

I have a degree in History, I'm a computer security consultant. This current engagement is at a government facility, it's kinda boring, but at least I'm not traveling 75% of the time like I had been.

[jrmy]

My BA was in anthropology, but I realized I wasn't cut out for grad school. Temped for a while, went back to school for graphic design. Recently, Kiplinger's rated anthro and design as two of the least employable majors today. Clearly, I have subpar decision-making skills. Thankfully a) my wife has a great career, and b) I do manage to make (some) money as a freelance designer.

[Chankgeez]

Suck cock for nickles.

wait

Just one cock?

You gotta branch out, maximize your earning potential.

[Deltaphoenix]

I am interning with a software company but on the business side. It is HR/Talent Management/Learning software. This Company is in the top 3 in these fields , battling Oracle and SAP. I make decent money for interning. In a year I will have my Bachelor's in Marketing and I will probably work in Business-to-Business Sales. It pays well generally for a Bachelor's degree. I hope to work my way into Sales for some Music Instrument/Gear company.

[Achtane]

I'm strongly considering going the machinist route.

[Jwar]

Really though right now I'm not making very much yet. Just started personal training at a local Rec Center. I LOVE it. Teach a class right now as well, going to be doing possibly two more in the summer. Picking up clients is kind of slow at the moment. It will pick up eventually, but sucks right now.

I'm going to be going for a few specialized certifications as well that will make me more appealing to other people.