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.
How has nobody suggested the obvious yet? Keep your current job while you interview, test the waters and see what’s out there. You might find something you enjoy more with a big enough raise to cover the college credits. You don’t have to quit to start looking elsewhere. I know you’re talking about career, not just job, but I’d argue the same still applies.
Thanks for this. Justifies some of what I’ve recently been doing. I’ve been at this job for almost 20 years. I’ve been awarded the top employee honor at work, essentially the “outstanding achievement” award for employees. Not sure why. This was just a few years ago, when I essentially quietly quit.
Recently received notification I had been moved to the final search committee for a major leadership role at a neighboring college. Regardless of the outcome, this was primarily an attempt to see what interest there still is out there. This would be a CIO role, one I’m more than capable of running with considering the size and scope of the school. I just don’t know if that is even how I want to end my working life.
Nobody prepared me for any of this. I guess none of are technically.