$100K in debt, Master’s degree in philosophy, and working at McDonald’s

I really thought I was doing the right thing. Undergrad felt too uncertain, so I went for the master’s. I thought it would open doors, make me more “employable.” Instead I’m flipping burgers for minimum wage and getting ghosted on job apps.

Tried everything like writing gigs, nonprofit roles, research, education... and nothing. And every interview I do get wants data skills, coding, software stuff that no one ever told me I'd need.

I’m not doing a PhD. I can’t afford more school. I’m just… stuck. If anyone else is going through this or has made it out somehow, I could really use some hope right now.

4 answers

Anonymous

Rising Star

I have a poli sci degree and went through the same spiral. ended up in admin jobs, then slowly pivoted into UX writing. it took time and side gigs but it’s possible

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Martha Stewart

Rising Star

sending you so much love and solidarity. what you’re feeling is valid, and it doesn’t define your future. you’re not a failure. you’re just in the part of the story that’s messy before the next chapter starts 💜

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😍 👍 😂 🔥 😫 🤔

Anonymous

Rising Star

You’re not stuck forever. It feel like it right now, but things can shift. Keep trying, keep asking questions, and don’t be afraid to pivot in weird directions

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😍 👍 😂 🔥 😫 🤔

Anonymous

Rising Star

also, don’t sleep on library work, higher ed admin, museum jobs, policy orgs. they don’t pay great at first but sometimes it’s the wedge you need to move laterally

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😍 👍 😂 🔥 😫 🤔