You make $65,000 (USD 🤢) in a dead end career doing nothing but showing up sometimes. Guaranteed employment without change in intensity or salary until retirement in 15 years at age 62. You receive 3 weeks paid vacation, reasonably priced medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k matched at 2.5%, and virtually unlimited sick days as long as you don’t call out too often (>3x month). You are given 6 college credits per semester to use at the local university. You’re currently working on a PhD.
You live comfortably and have 1 year’s salary saved. Zero dependents.
Do you ride it out, or do you seek a career change before it’s too late.
I know, infinite unknown variables, but what would you do regardless?
UPDATE: I’m slightly taken aback by how many of you actually took the time out of your day/evening to reply to my personal crisis. I’ve think I’ve replied to everyone, which, in doing so, made this morning surprisingly sunnier. So thanks for that.
Adding some thing I’ve shared in replies. I’m a homeowner with zero debt aside from a very affordable mortgage. Purchased my car outright new in 2024, had household concerns addressed over past five years (new roof, HVAC systems, sump pump, water heater, shed, remodeled bathrooms), have three degrees, and a lifetime of piss poor fortune.
Do you absolutely LOATHE your life right now the way it is? Do you regret EVERY choice you ever made in your life that steered you to where you are now? If yes, then you are probably part of the majority of Americans your age. Go ahead and look for change, because no matter what happens, you won’t miss where you are now.
BUT if you answered no, then congratulations, you are happier than most people your age, and keep looking for other ways to find joy because more than likely you’ll end up in a worse spot for you and regret ever shaking things up.
I am both these. Happy(ish), yet unsatisfied. But I think I’m unsatisfied because my brain insists on holding me to a level of excellence I cannot exhibit let alone maintain.
Firstly, if you are anything like me, you’ll likely never reach that feeling - there will always be something more you feel could be accomplishing no matter how successful. But that’s me. Secondly, this may not be the best job market to be making a life sea change. Thirdly, congrats on the soon to be PhD, that will give you some leverage in any future professional adventures. I wouldn’t make any moves until you have that in your Bat Utility Belt -If that metaphor makes any sense. You didn’t mention any significant pressures of debt or children or health issues, so I assume your in a good spot and not under time pressures. So you’ve got time to fully plan any next adventures. Maybe during the planning process you’ll better realize whether it’s something you are willing to risk.