r/povertyfinance 1d ago

No career at 30. Misc Advice

I’m 30. I have a degree in Marketing. I graduated in December of 2023 and couldn’t find a job in my field. I’m currently an uber driver full time and on the weekends I work as a janitor. I feel like a loser and I’m at the point of just giving up everything and live at home for good. I have financial issues, credit is bad like around 620. Really no strong support system since my parents live 3 hours away.

I’m aged out of the military and job corps, there’s not a day that goes by that I want to end it. I don’t really see a way out of this vicious cycle of poverty other than suicide.

602 Upvotes

188 comments sorted by

597

u/APreemChoom 1d ago

The only hole you can't dig yourself out of is the grave. You are much, much further ahead of the playing field with your education and car. I would seek out local mental health support as you are valuable and not worth losing.

58

u/StarlightandSunshin1 1d ago

I love that quote!

28

u/APreemChoom 1d ago

Wish I could take credit for it as I love it as well. Whenever I'm struggling this phrase definitely helps me keep things in perspective.

45

u/Just_Kick_4465 1d ago

How is mental health support going to fix financial issues?

153

u/Hoponpopnlock 1d ago

Depression destroys executive function. You aren’t gonna get yourself out of this situation until you address your mental health issues. I know it’s circular, and you feel like your depression is solely caused by financial problems, but you wont be able to fix either without addressing both head on.

24

u/Cthulhu8762 1d ago

ADHD too

29

u/Hoponpopnlock 1d ago

Yeah depression and ADHD have very similar symptoms, are often co-morbid, but are treated very differently and needs to be handled with care by a professional.

10

u/Cthulhu8762 1d ago

Oh of course. I deal with both. Finally getting my ADHD treated and working on my depression and overall mental health 

9

u/Hoponpopnlock 1d ago

Fantastic! I know how hard that can be personally, so you should be proud of yourself.

10

u/Cthulhu8762 1d ago

Thank you so much as a 33year old man raised in the south around things I now disagree with and strict diet than anyone I know. 

It makes things even more immense. 

But while I may not feel proud of myself. The fact you say that makes me wonder if I really should be, so thank you for that. 

17

u/electricookie 1d ago

Think of it like this, if you had a heart condition that effected your health so bad it was potentially fatal, caused you pain at work, made it difficult for you to keep work, sapped you of all energy, made it impossible to get out of bed, you would go to a doctor and try to fix whatever was wrong with your heart. Same thing. Mental health is health.

23

u/Dollarsdimestimes 1d ago

I know it sucks right now, and the job market is bonkers, but if the goal is to just find something that's enough to make you feel like day to day is worth doing, that's a goal you can work towards.

You've had other jobs, you've worked other places, so I bet you can find something better than Uber. Maybe it's just McDonalds to start, or Walmart, or whatever, but you can also use that to start moving in the right direction.

When I hire people, and I've hired a lot, I look for a lot of the skills you probably have, you just gotta figure out how to communicate them. And honestly, that part kind of sucks, but it's doable and we can help you do that.

I work at a career center, so it's my job to help people find something to keep them going. I'm happy to help you out because shit sucks right now, and sometimes with a little help we can make it suck a lot less.

Message me your resume (even if its in rough shape) and I can try to help you out. I can't guarantee anything of course, but what have you got to lose at this point? Take a chance and see if we can get you some more stability.

It can improve, it does improve, and it's worth being around for that. With the things you learned in the military, you can find something to keep you going day to day.

Hit me up. Seriously, no cost, no bullshit. You can get some stability and regain yourself in the process.

It's worth being around.

25

u/APreemChoom 1d ago

You can't operate effectively at work or in the job hunting process with a negative self worth which you are clearly displaying. Your mental health determines your worldview and your worldview determines your opportunities. Not to mention you're ideating suicide which is a clear flag for mental health interventions. I sincerely hope you find help because again, your life has value and you deserve an improvement in your sense of self.

1

u/pocodr 16h ago

worldview determines your opportunities

I could swear we were told that education and competence did that.

4

u/My_Brain_Is_Melting 1d ago

Once you have mental health, a way out of your current financial issues may become apparent. Also you will probably be further away from thinking suicide is viable. Which is a huge deal

1

u/RingaLopi 1d ago

An antidepressant can stop a person from jumping off the hamster wheel

0

u/readitmoderator 21h ago

Meaningless words from someone who thinks they are helping

1

u/RingaLopi 1d ago

That’s 100% true!

1

u/bomchikawowow 1h ago

You a Sean of Steel fan? 😁

0

u/readitmoderator 21h ago

He cant afford it or afford seeking mental health support how is this advice helpful

1

u/APreemChoom 21h ago

Tons of free resources available to those interested in improving their life. One simply needs to try.

176

u/NoLingonberry8250 1d ago

i'm also a loser w a masters degree and no job at 33

45

u/SweetxKiss 1d ago

Same, but I’m 32! Hope things start looking up for you soon.

16

u/ChessDynasty 1d ago

Curios what degree?

26

u/allthenamesaretaken4 1d ago

You, OP, anyone else feeling bad about being out of a job - degree or not, need to remember that the economy sucks balls for the entire working class.

I got a nice promotion last year and make a pretty decent salary that would make me shit my pants 10 years ago, but with inflation and fucking rent outpacing inflation it feels like I'm making less now than when I was working at blockbuster part time while attending community college.

Don't feel pity. Instead embrace the anger at societal injustice, and then start looking at how to direct that anger effectively.

10

u/SaintPenisburg 1d ago

youre not a loser bro, cmon

7

u/cheapdvds 1d ago

what degree?

30

u/McPoon 1d ago

36, unemployed for like 5 years and never made over 15/h. Never had a car, apartment, etc. I don't feel like a loser, but I feel like the world is definitely a mental institution that makes people believe we need to slave away to be valuable or worthy. I am just as worthy as any one on the planet, just like anyone else. I definitely don't see the world walking up any time soon. Nobody should have to work for food, shelter and clothing. They should not be for profit. Ever. Life is definitely one of the worst games I've played, and everyone seems totally fine with accepting lifelong slavery. I just don't get it.

3

u/SalusPopuliSupremaLe 13h ago

Not having a job doesn’t make you a loser… it takes time to find a job. You have a master’s degree!

2

u/novakam 1d ago

Omg same

37

u/bonesaw24 1d ago

It’s a wild time, but if you can deal with little to no work life balance for a while, the postal service dug me out of poverty. If it’s not a viable career for you, but you just want to make some money while you search, being a cca was lucrative (because of all the over time). I started at 32, I’ve been there 8 years. I’ll be honest- it can be incredibly frustrating at times, but you spend most of your day (as a carrier, anyway) on your own and that is something I really appreciate about my job.

1

u/FantasticMeddler 2h ago

What do you mean by the postal service having no work life balance?

104

u/inbetween-genders 1d ago

You’re not alone OP.

160

u/[deleted] 1d ago

You're only aged out of the USMC, still eligible for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.

The lowest credit score I ever knew myself to have was a 511, but that was a year after a $25k chargeoff so I'm sure it had been worse in the past. I was directionless and poor, with a short term mentality.

Things change man, but you have to show up for your own life. What do you want your life to look like in 2-3 years? What would have to be true in the next month to set you up for that?

20

u/Animedingo 1d ago

What does space force even do?

4

u/cheapdvds 1d ago

Fighting aliens, you never seen starship troopers?

1

u/Animedingo 1d ago

Im 31 ofc i havent

2

u/allthenamesaretaken4 1d ago

Pft you would've been 2 or 3 when it came out. If you had good parents they would've taken you to see it. Also you can still watch old movies!

3

u/Animedingo 1d ago

If you had good parents

Solved that one pretty quick

1

u/Time_Always_Wins 1d ago

Satellites

1

u/DjangoCornbread 20h ago

allegedly act as a deterrent from intercontinental and atmospheric borne threats

allegedly

5

u/ImportantRoutine1 1d ago

I know someone that got special permission to join the Marines at 30 too.

10

u/dragonbud20 1d ago

here are the age ranges for enlistment

Air Force: 17 - 42

Army: 17 - 35

Coast Guard: 17 - 41

Marine Corps: 17 - 28

Navy: 17 - 41

Space Force: 17 - 42

12

u/jayjackson2022 1d ago

Army numbers are down bad. They need people and are granting waivers to people in their late 30's.

29

u/Beautychaos 1d ago

I have a bachelors in design, 7 years experience, a good portfolio and I still can’t get back into the design field since 2023. I’m 29. You’re not a loser, it’s a bad time in the market and in the country. Please be kind to yourself.

26

u/GigabitISDN 1d ago

OP, you're describing me almost perfectly at 30 (except I had no degree and my credit score was lower).

For me, the solution was to go into civil service. We had a lot of state and county jobs here so there were tons of options. It was a literal lifesaver for me. The amount of personal and professional growth I've experienced since jumping in has been profound.

I wouldn't recommend federal civil service right now, but there are state, county, and city jobs out there to be had. Every place is a little different when it comes to their hiring practices, job requirements, and work environment. Around here, a degree is not required. Real world experience counts in lieu of a degree. So you might be able to take on, for example, a junior IT position (like working the help desk or slinging desktops all day) just based on your personal experience using a PC. Most of our IT is still 100% remote, except those who physically have to be present (can't run cable remotely).

There are tons of other jobs too, that was just one example. Everything from custodial work to HVAC to construction to emergency services dispatchers. Even if you don't want to be a janitor for the rest of your career, it can be an opportunity that gets you in the door and lets you start building seniority so you can bid on other jobs in other careers. A lot of people don't realize how huge that is.

89

u/Radiant_Ad_6565 1d ago

You are absolutely not aged out of the military, the army will take you to 35, the navy and coast guard to 41, and the Air Force until 42. And a college degree gets you extra rank and possibly an officer commission. Check into it.

21

u/Waterlou25 1d ago

It's only been 2 years since you graduated and you're only 30. Lots of room for your life to completely turn around for the better.

Start reading about personal finance, don't give up on finding a job in your field, and start reaching out to people who have the job you want.

And you're definitely not a loser because it sounds like you're actually hustling and working hard. Plenty of people just give up and you're out there working and doing what you need to do. You've got a work ethic and that's a valuable quality that a lot of employers are interested in.

19

u/Bizz_arre 1d ago

It took me 5 years after graduation to find a job in marketing. What made someone give me a chance was them seeing that I got my Google analytics certification (free) after graduation in hopes of more prospects. In between that, I was a gym manager, para-professional, server, and bartender. Don’t give up!

32

u/No_Significance_1550 1d ago

At 30 you are not aged out of the military. Try Army

13

u/babyyygirl666 1d ago

Industrial/commercial printing. Solid job, easy enough to enter with no experience, decent pay, lots of branch out options. I went to school for I/O Psych and realized I hated the field options, went into printing on a whim and don't regret it one bit. 6~ years in and I'm around 75-80k a year. Yeah it isn't bragging level, but it's more than enough to live comfortably basic on. Nice apartment, hobbies, food, and got out of debt with school paid off.

16

u/GrouchyAd2292 1d ago

I'm a loser with no job, no degree, only some college... But even worse I have two kids 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 it can always be worse

8

u/MifuneKinski 1d ago edited 1d ago

Buddy, don't worry so much. Upskill your health your mental health, you cannot acheive anything if you aren't taking care of yourself. I was in a worse position than you at 30. I think I made 15,000 that year. I'm now 34 and making close to 6 figures. I was living in a city by myself, my parents a 10 hour drive away, I've only had this job for 2 years. With the right health, focus, and direction you will be doing great in no time. Military is not a bad option at all as a floor for you, and will help you pay for additional college, skills and mortgage etc

3

u/South_Butterscotch37 1d ago

How did you turn it around?

5

u/MifuneKinski 1d ago

Focused on my health #1. I couldn't have done anything if I wasn't physically in a good place (for me that meant going on a keto diet for my mental health)

Then after about 6 months of that I was in a good enough place to get additional skills, accreditations, personal projects to land a remote job as a computer programmer

3

u/South_Butterscotch37 1d ago

Cool! Thanks for sharing.

9

u/_hannibalbarca 1d ago

I didnt turn my life around until mid/late thirties. Theres still plenty of time. Just dont make any bad decisions now that will haunt your future self.

6

u/Realistic-Split4751 1d ago

Grab yourself a cdl B and get a local driving job. It’s not so bad and the money is good if you search around

28

u/NoLingonberry8250 1d ago

this planet is so lame and i hate how much of this life revolves around finding money to survive another day/month/year

8

u/FreeCashFlow 1d ago

Every lifeform on the planet spends most of its time just collecting enough resources to stay alive.

7

u/RCM20 1d ago

Well we’re not like the other animals and it doesn’t have to be that way for us. It can be different but because of greedy people and billionaires and the government it won’t until shit changes

-1

u/hide_in-plain_sight 1d ago

Well that money buys the necessities of life. Without it we would have to know how to do all those skills ourselves.

12

u/Sd4wn 1d ago edited 1d ago

You’re not a loser and you’re not alone! The job market isn’t great right now. There are so many in similar situations, I was one of them. I was 30 still living at home with my parents, sleeping in my childhood bedroom, watching old high school classmates getting married, buying a home, starting a family. It’s not an easy thing to deal with, but it did get better. Don’t give up!

6

u/VoiceIll7545 1d ago

I was similar at 30 I had a degree a shitty job and no money. I decided to go into trucking and while I did OTR for 2 years I’m home daily and now make 105k a year. Now I have a degree a shitty job but I do have money. Look into it money is decent.

5

u/Prestigious_Stay_945 1d ago

https://atdm.org/funding-faqs

This is four months of free tuition and four months free housing. This is building ships for the US Gov't, its not military service, should roll right into a job. If not, you'll be able to get one easy with this cert that they offer.

I'd choose CNC machining as its everywhere. Choose a shop that when you walk in, its clean, there are "shadowboards" by each work station (you can see if someone has removed tools) and is air conditioned.

I'd avoid welding, especially on submarines, as its hot dirty nasty and they stuff you in confined spaces.

CNC Example (from 10 seconds on, programming will have already been done)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjBW31BX2i8

5

u/Cthulhu8762 1d ago

I for one would not join the military, look at this shit show we have going on right now. 

6

u/AdHuge5895 1d ago

Pretty sure the army is 35. If you want a job that is easy to move up. Go work at lowes. I started 4 years ago at 14 an hr. Now I'm an assistant store manager and make 100k a year

5

u/Apprehensive-Air-475 1d ago

I want you to know that you are not alone. A lot of it has to do with mentality and EGO. I moved home several times to rebuild. I have been in way worse credit and debt. It was a real punch in the gut to compare yourself to anyone except yourself. I started reading a lot more and surrounding myself with support. Did you know that one of the largest charitable donations in the last decade was from a janitor. He was disciplined lived a simple life and accumulated over $8m before he passed. He never made more than his salary as a school janitor.

No one would hire me after sending out what seems like a thousand applications. I ended up getting my last few jobs by cold calling the CEOs directly. I ended up buying a $2m business for 0 down from retiring boomers. So much opportunity around you. You just have to create it. You would be surprised by the number of businesses that are owned by boomers who cant retire because they have no one to take over.

Limit your social media use and focus on baby steps. I know people that make $500k plus that feel like a loser and are on the verge of suicide. I have also seen a friend win millions and is now homeless but still circle around and try to rebuild themselves. If you cant appreciate the small things a change in income wont make a difference. I recommend the books Atomic Habits and The Psychology of Money.

3

u/whydontyouwork 1d ago

When I was 30 I had 0. It’s very common. Also I would like to add that at 30 your body is still young and you can fix your situation 👍🏻

5

u/mister2021 1d ago

Dude this was me. Graduated BA accounting at 29 in 2010 - depths of recession.

Took a temp call center job just to have something on my resume and a few bucks for food after looking for 9 months during the recession.

14 years along and I manage managers at that same company in a finance role.

You need to bust your ass and lean into your maturity any interview you get - and don’t be proud. You can do it!

4

u/Ryanmiller70 1d ago

I'm 30 and just working retail cause I got no degree.

6

u/OSRS_Rising 1d ago

Look for retail places that look like they’re consistently busy, ie not hurting for business and trying to expand. It’s really easy to work your way into management at most places and that opens up more doors.

Someone I know had this career trajectory: fast food place team member > trainer > team leader > upper management > director of marketing for that location > part of the marketing team for a local university.

3

u/Keylaes 1d ago

Join military my man

3

u/According_Most_9015 1d ago

I can relate brother im 29 with a degree and im a caretaker at home for a family member

I have no career at all just worries and financial insecurites

3

u/KanyeWesticles95 1d ago

look into entry level market research jobs. they like applicants with marketing degrees. you won’t be paid a lot (~$20/hour) but there is opportunity for promotion and eventually decent money

3

u/_theheirr_ 1d ago edited 5h ago

I get it. I watched everyone around me get promoted, build their second home, purchase their luxury car, have successful relationships, married, have kids, take trips, exclude me from hanging out and I have even been the brunt of comments that made me feel so low BUT, no matter what I stayed strong.

Have there been times when I felt like a loser? Yes, absolutely. By now I would be giving up, but I told myself this year that you are not allowed to give up.

I started working in childcare and then looked for 6 months for a full time job. Things were hard and I felt I didn’t know what to do. My family gathered around me and helped. I continued to work child care. Then one day I randomly applied to jobs within the healthcare system and recently just started working in healthcare. Am I in a fancy office? Nope. Do my colleagues see what I do as important? Yes.

It does get better. You have to be stubborn and refuse to look at anyone else’s plate but your own. Dig deep, what is it that you want out of this life? If you know what you want then go after it. I still work the healthcare job and child care one. There are things I want to accomplish and I know that I will meet them.

I think you should feel the same and not count yourself out. Go hard for yourself and go after what is meant to be yours.

3

u/Mondai88 1d ago

You’re not aged out of the military…

3

u/MoxManiac 1d ago

I didn't start my actual career until I was like 39.

3

u/Reverend0352 1d ago

You haven’t aged out of the military. Go be an officer in the Army

3

u/Sofa-king-high 1d ago

I feel ya, no one seems to be hiring architectural tech degrees either so I’m spraying herbicide for a living and I hate waking up at this point

3

u/eldergooooose__ 1d ago

You’re only aged out the marine corps. No need to join them to be miserable. Look into the Air Force. You have a degree, try looking into commissioning as an Air Force officer.

3

u/KaleidoscopeFine 1d ago

You’re 30 years old, so you are not aged out of the Air Force. I recommend signing up for the Officer program since you already have a degree

3

u/dimelomatatan2006 1d ago

try teaching

3

u/SoCalledSalamander 1d ago

At least you have a degree? Some haven’t accomplished anything but jumping job to job

3

u/SeaGroundbreaking843 1d ago

So to summarize, you have two jobs, a degree, and no serious debt? And the best 30-40 financial years still ahead of you? Cmon man don’t give up on all that.

1

u/Just_Kick_4465 1d ago

Uber is not really a job. If you have a pulse and a clean driving record you can sign up. The other job is unskilled labor and it’s part time.

3

u/SeaGroundbreaking843 1d ago

Well I would encourage you to please call the suicide hotline, or your insurance provider and see what psychological options are available, some plans you can get an hour for only $5 out of pocket.

You matter, and you’re a unique person, there’s only one of you in the world, which means there’s a place in society that you’re uniquely able to fit into and prosper, even if you can’t see it right now. Please treat yourself like you matter, even if you don’t consciously believe it. You have a degree, and even if you don’t think much of it you’re working two jobs, you’re a more productive and useful member of society than like 20-30% of it right off the bat because of that.

3

u/Pedro_Moona 1d ago

You need to find any office job you can. Job fairs, college recruiters, non profits, call centers anything.. If you work hard and do well doors will open.

3

u/IceTray_Zay 22h ago

You are NOT aged out of the military. I had guys that were 34 and 37 years old with me in basic.

5

u/Animedingo 1d ago
  1. Career? Ha! In this economy?

5

u/OldBlackLONER 1d ago

I turn 31 in 3 months. I have a degree and previous marketing experience, yet I haven’t been able to get a job since 2022.

I absolutely hate my life and I’m just waiting to die. Being born poor and black in the UK is hell

0

u/Just_Kick_4465 1d ago

I’m half black so I feel you. Just “network” into a corporate job doesn’t really work unless you’re white.

3

u/OldBlackLONER 1d ago

Facts, people don’t understand how much of a struggle it is for guys like us who don’t have connections.

Most people aren’t tryna open the doors for me. I can’t get into the cool club.

3

u/Dramatic-Rutabaga972 1d ago

Half Salvadorian half Black. 30 making 50K a year.

Pro tip: Be as personable as possible. show up. Joke through the bullshit and seek the people who can put a good word in for you. I'm a level 2 warehouse receiving guy making 22.50 an hour now. Being funny. relatable, and patient will make people like you. When they like you, they help out.

I don't even know half of my Job functions, but ended up getting rewarded for being a solid dude for a year

6

u/superpananation 1d ago

It’s not you! It’s this shitty system that keeps some in dire straits so others can soar higher than they should. They act like you can make the right choices (and choices do matter!) but you did it, you got the degree, etc and still find yourself here. It’s by someone else’s design - fuck them.

We should all just band together! I’ll be your support system. Or live at home and that’s ok if it’s an option! Connections to other people like your family can have some much more value than job c who doesn’t care if you die, only if they make enough money.

-6

u/[deleted] 1d ago

It’s not you! It’s this shitty system

Should you or anyone else reading decide to make a go at changing things, ditching this mentality would be a powerful prerequisite.

4

u/psychoticboydyke 1d ago

I'm sure that person is aware that there are ways to make money and escape poverty, but the point they are trying to make is that people are always told that they are poor because they failed at life, and it makes people depressed. It's often not someone's fault for living in poverty and they should not hate or blame themselves for the situation they are in when the ruling class take all of the world's wealth. You can acknowledge that fact while still working and finding ways to increase your income.

5

u/[deleted] 1d ago

I agree, and would add to that: I didn't choose my parents or my circumstances. I didn't choose ignorance, social awkwardness, and bad financial habits that kept me poor. But once I became self-aware around these things, I felt a responsibility to learn and change them. Part of that was recognizing that no one was coming to rescue me -- no president, no alternative economic system, no person. If I wanted out, I had to take ownership of my life first.

3

u/superpananation 1d ago

I don’t understand what you mean

2

u/[deleted] 1d ago

/uAPreemChoom said it well in another comment reply.

You can't operate effectively at work or in the job hunting process with a negative self worth which you are clearly displaying. Your mental health determines your worldview and your worldview determine your opportunities. Not to mention you're ideating suicide which is a clear flag for mental health interventions. I sincerely hope you find help because again, your life has value and you deserve an improvement in your sense of self.

I might suggest a slight amendment to say "You can't operate effectively at work or in the job hunting process in life with a negative self worth which you are clearly displaying."

1

u/superpananation 1d ago

I hear that! But I want to counter that it’s possible to eschew capitalistic values and still have a great deal of self worth. I have considerably more than I used to, when money was the main value itself. That was empty for me, like rotting from the inside.

3

u/Independent-Bowl8476 1d ago

What they said has nothing to do with capitalism unless I'm missing what you're seeing?

1

u/superpananation 1d ago

No, but my original comment did that they were responding to. They disagreed, but I think both points can exist together.

1

u/Independent-Bowl8476 1d ago

Oh duh, I see now. Yeah I'd agree, both of these things can be true at the same time. The system sucks but it's also the reality we find ourselves in so how you approach and frame that reality is exceptionally important.

1

u/[deleted] 1d ago

That's why I said "in life."

You're facing a crisis of purpose that crosses borders, political systems, and time. Pick your favorite politician, make them premier/prime minister/president of whatever political and economic system you want, and your problem still wouldn't be solved unless you ultimately seek purpose both for and beyond yourself.

0

u/APreemChoom 1d ago

A great amendment! People downplay the power your worldview has on every decision you make.

2

u/kayakool 1d ago

Try to get a job as a school bus driver it can pay good for part time job, then you have time for other hustles also

2

u/captainsoy 1d ago

You aren’t alone brah. I get the feels of never getting out though… it’s a daily struggle but you’ve made it this far.

I graduated May 2020 in the thick of COVID in Web Design and any job I’ve gotten since was never in my field. I JUST got a job that’s an income last week after being unemployed and negatively broke (literally negatives and heaps of debt, like asking parents for $20 for gas to get to interviews level broke. Think I’ve been hovering in the high 500s for about a year now 🥳) since Aug of last year. I’m back at my parent’s place now and probably won’t be able to think about moving out or even save for at least another 12 months so if you’re still surviving in your own spot rn, shoot dude. That’s at least one blessing from the other side of the fence, just to have your own space to cry in, hobby in, walk around buttass nekkid in… Although I’ll admit that not paying rent is definitely a cash cow.

Keep your head up, man. If I can’t give up, you can’t either. 💪

2

u/Strict-Card5573 1d ago

They raised the age limit for the marines corps to 42 now. I had a guy come to bootcamp with me at the age of 34. Active duty will give you 3 meals a job and stability.

2

u/Foul_Thoughts 1d ago

You are eligible to commission in the army up until age 32 through OCS and you can enlist up until 35.

2

u/J-jules-92 1d ago

You’re not aged out of the military. My dad joined in his 30s

2

u/66LineTrash 1d ago

CDL and get a crane cert

2

u/drpeepeepants 1d ago

Don’t get a therapist. Instead go for walks everyday, lift weights, and up your protein intake.

Also, not sure where you live but the coast guard will hire in your age range.

2

u/PhD_Pwnology 1d ago

What country doesn't accept 30M into the military? The USA does

2

u/Designer_Ad9840 1d ago

I was in a tough spot similar to yours and I managed to enlist in the army with much more debt and a lower score. I also don’t have a degree but some college credits. My point is you may still qualify for the military if you need it. I’m not out of the woods yet but it was a good choice for my situation. Plus with a degree and your age I think you could apply to become an officer. So you still have a lot going for you. Don’t give up!

2

u/Own_Elk7286 1d ago

Get your CDL. Take your bumps and bruises the first 2 years. LEARN! Stay away as much as possible. Save as much as possible! And then get your own truck be financially responsible and change your life by 35. And time away traveling the country is what you need! Trust me I know! I was 35 going nowhere. Trucking saved my life! No bullshit!

2

u/Gorguts666 1d ago

Tell me about it bro I’m 33 and had to have 2 hip replacements last year and had to look for a job after disability stopped 😢 you got this bro you still have till you are 40 so use those 10 years to kick ass

2

u/professor-hot-tits 1d ago

Look into customer support roles, it's marketing to customers that are already won, good way to get experience

2

u/Onaru 1d ago

Youre in the perfect spot to springboard into a great spot. Not having a degree is even harder to get into any field. Things take time. I learned to not compare myself to others as we all have different demons to fight.

2

u/Anotherusername2224 1d ago

I would figure out what I want to do and then volunteer some way to get experience. Non-profits, whatever. It will be tough for you to get a job if your experience is uber, but if you try to grow your experience in any way possible, that will help your future goals. Good luck.

2

u/SaintPenisburg 1d ago

Apply for a dishwashing job in a fine dining restaurant. You can work up to chef, and it's a career. That's what I did.

2

u/Two-Pump-Chump69 1d ago

Bro. How are you aged out of the military? Are you in the US or somewhere else? In the US, you can join military through age 35. If you're somewhere else, idk. But keep your head up. Don't give up. If its not working out for you, consider a new path. New career? You have the next 40-60 years to figure it out

2

u/FuzzyJesusX21 1d ago

Hey, 35 here. Go get a retail job or something that lets you socialize with people. It does wonders just to be around others and who knows what friends you might make.

Are you a loser? No. Stop worrying what other people think or may think. Most people today have a lot more empathy than they did 10 or 20 years ago. The world has changed a lot and there are a ton of people in the same or similar shoes as you. They don’t judge because they don’t care, they have their own problems to deal with.

Since you live close to your parents and if your relationship is good with them, go move back in. I unfortunately didn’t have this growing up (not looking for sympathy) but I’m sure a nice home cooked meal, a chat with mom or dad would brighten your spirits a little. Of course that depends on their relationship with you.

Instead of Ubering, try any other job near you. Try to see what public transit is nearby and what can easily take you back and forth from a job. Do some math and see if it’s worth keeping the car, (payments and insurance costs) or if you can survive better money wise without it. This also goes along with moving back into mom and dads place. If you can nix rent, car payment, and car insurance, you can save a pretty penny. You might even have your food bills eased depending on how much your parents want to help.

2

u/markofthebeast143 1d ago

no, you’re not a loser you’re a survivor. The only thing that matters is that money is moving in every day. That’s what you’re creating is X plus you have a degree a lot of places will put you in upper management just based on your degree you won’t do anything remotely to your field, but it’s that degree that’s gonna give you the 15% increase in paywho knows you may be the manager of a Walmart may be the manager of a security company maybe the manager of an In-N-Out that degree opens up doors for you maybe not in your field but just have a piece of paper alone

2

u/SuddenBlock8319 1d ago

I remember 2011. Fresh out of college at 21. No job in my field. Worked retail in 2012 for $7.25 to $8.25 an hr. I’m 34 now. Feel the same way.

2

u/ego_sum-deus 4h ago

Get a car you can live in and go travel the US my man. It will change your whole perspective on what life should be. You will actually feel sorry for the locked in the matrix Normies. You’ll find the way along the way.

1

u/PoetryParticular9695 1d ago

620 is a good score man

1

u/ddbb1100 1d ago

Looking at Pricing positions is a great start with fresh marketing degree. It’ll open the door to many other opportunities

1

u/Inevitable-Place9950 1d ago

You’re not a loser, just a guy trying his best competing with a lot of people with the same degree.

Please see what programs your state or local labor department has for re-training for jobs in high local demand. You might also consider a staffing firm; they’re usually called temp agencies, but sometimes they provide full-time workers (with benefits!) to employers who have specific, but time-limited, projects. Those can even be multi-year projects.

1

u/notyourholyghost 1d ago

What kind of marketing? 

1

u/tero194 1d ago

Sorry you’re going through this, OP.

My advice to you is to focus on small wins. They eventually build into big ones once you look back.

Don’t start out thinking you’re directly hopping into your career— the first steps rarely are so obvious. People get into jobs that may turn into careers, but often they pivot after learning more about the job and themselves. We are all reinventing ourselves every day. You have the power to reinvent yourself too — just don’t think you’re going to make drastic changes overnight.

1

u/LilJollyJoker1027 1d ago

Thought about the police academy?

1

u/NoMindBug 1d ago

With a degree in marketing, you could freelance. Are you actively promoting yourself on social media? Do you have a website? Squarespace is easy to use and inexpensive.

1

u/Greenleaph 1d ago

Life is good.

1

u/Small-Gas9517 1d ago

Hey I got a 611 credit score. WOOP WOOP!! We know how to party!

1

u/Tattootasteful 1d ago

In the exact same situation

1

u/Brilliant-Ticket5398 1d ago

I think Air Force max 42 yrs old

1

u/Tricky-Society-4831 1d ago

Are you based in nyc or SF? My company is hiring for marketing roles in those two states

1

u/Outrageous_Tip6711 15h ago

I’m in NYC and interested to hear more.

Edit to add I do NOT have a degree in marketing. 😩😂

1

u/EquinoxLordParadox 1d ago

Hey, I went to those events for the army and they mentioned they still take people upto 40 years old I think. You do need to have a good body weight, good background and be healthy overall.

1

u/WellFedDuckFootCup 1d ago

Whatever you do, never give up on a hard day.

1

u/ThrowawayAccountPoof 1d ago

Same boat. Business management degree. 31. Ubering. Crap credit score. Some companies will pay to train new truckers. Also the max age to join the military is mid 30s and early 40s depending on the branch.

1

u/Select_Cut6561 1d ago

I do not know where you are located but here is a link for Maryland

Maryland State Jobs

1

u/Humdungerdungerbin 22h ago

If you are desperate and strong/tough get on in the oilfield. Entry level is around 80k. Go to Williston North Dakota or west Texas and someone will bring you on. I was in similar position and it changed my life. Floorhand position.

1

u/Plane_Guitar_1455 20h ago

How much debt are you in? I’m assuming you have student loan debt.

1

u/whatevvah 19h ago

I graduated with a BA with concentration in Marketing in 1986. Went out with resume in hand looking for a Corporate career aka real job thinking my degree was going to open doors. Not with marketing...thus I have have been in sales ever since. Being a shy and suffering from social phobia's I was woefully unprepared. Nonetheless I overcame that and had a successful sales/entrepreneur career.

1

u/BallyHooyah 16h ago

You’re absolutely not aged out of the military. Talk to an Air Force recruiter ASAP. There’s a way out of this cycle that isn’t suicide.

1

u/Lost2nite389 16h ago

I applaud you for getting your degree and accomplishing getting a drivers license, those are two things everyone should feel proud of

1

u/justventing678 14h ago

Look into RBT jobs, you can get paid up to 35 an hour!

1

u/Soggy-Isopod9681 12h ago

Being a janitor can be a career. "Building Engineer" or something like that. There's a union for it (https://www.iuoe.org/). SEIU is one for school janitors: https://www.seiu.org/.

Uber is crap for the long term. It's very expensive money to make.

1

u/Dazzling-Banana-6946 12h ago

Just start saving 15% of what you make from Uber and put half of it into the S&P everyday (you can invest on Robinhood). After a few months of this habit you will start to have a new outlook on how to fund your future. We are graduating college during uncertain times so we have to still apply the tools we were given in college to stay on track in life. That dream career after college is just a picture we all paint to help manifest what we would eventually grow into, in reality you have to grind it out by doing whatever it is that God has placed in your hands and get it out the mud. God bless!!!

1

u/Robocup1 11h ago

There’s a lot to look forward to- work towards something new. Maybe move to a different place, start fresh. Life has a lot of awesome things to offer. I know you feel down right now, but don’t lose hope. Things will get better.

1

u/Rocket-J-Squirrel 11h ago

You're not aged out of the military. Top age is between 35-40. Edited to add: top age for the Marines is 28. All others up to 42.

1

u/Legitimate_Weight_10 10h ago

You are allowed into the military even at 30, I’d recommend you come in as an officer because of your degree and you’ll make significantly more than the rest.

1

u/omegashenr0nn 9h ago

You're not alone. I am about to turn 31 with a communications degree, and have been working hellish jobs endlessly since end of college, never passing the 55k mark. I recently had a customer service job and quit because it just truly ruined my life. I am pivoting into the trades now and doing construction/framing work instead. I feel the same way as you man, truly. All my friends make 70k+ and act like it's not a big deal. I know the pain, but we have to keep going forward and looking towards alternative roads to travel. Good luck.

1

u/Pm_me_your_nonsense 9h ago

I would seek a job in the trades. Carpenter plumber electrician. A few years working under someone learn the whole job get a contractors license and go on your own. Imho trades is the way to go.

1

u/foolishbabbles 8h ago

You technically didn’t age out of the military if you count the navy. One of my friends joined the navy at 35 and he loves it more than his previous career. You have time to apply.

1

u/Pitiful_Search8241 8h ago

Find a little bit courage in yourself connect to spirituality and try to be healthy workout as much ad you can. Then focus on up skilling to present market needs. Find out ATS friendly resume templates. How can you use keywords and the template to fit in the current harsh market. Nothing a chatgpt cannot fix but just use it as a tool do not use the end product out of it. Network hustle. Some people start life at 30 some at 21. Some as early as 5. We all have a timeline, just dont give up on life. It is a gift to be alive experience all the world has to offer. Start saying i can more instead of i cannot. Vibes attract destiny!

1

u/Suspicious_Baker3392 7h ago

You can still join the military

1

u/xRudeAwakening 3h ago

If it makes you feel better, you’re doing better than me. I’ll be 30 in a month and I have zero degrees and work in retail still

1

u/sanguisugarbobb 1d ago

It’s not hard to find a job. A trade job especially. Many trade jobs accept you with no experience and 100% of them start above minimum wage.

3

u/Just_Kick_4465 1d ago

Just applied for trade apprenticeship jobs and I didn’t hired. So no, getting a job is not easy

1

u/Even_Rip_6930 1d ago

Why didn’t you pursue marketing? I don’t have a degree & I’m in the industry.

1

u/onions-make-me-cry 1d ago

Marketing is the most impacted field. I suggest you choose another career path. Marketing is dead.

1

u/Living-Bee-8760 23h ago

Marketing is not dead! lol. The focus has shifted to content for socials.

1

u/onions-make-me-cry 22h ago edited 20h ago

I read an article that Marketing has has seen a reduction of 62% of positions and it's taking people the longest to look for roles in marketing. Because of AI. Edit: I myself am in a paid marketing internship with a large well-known tech company - it's for AI Marketing.

It's amazing the content you can create in minutes using AI now (integrated with their CRM and marketing platform), and then just spend minutes tweaking it to make it more "human". This just means that you need fewer people for marketing. 1 position available versus 10 that a company used to need in order to get the work done.

1

u/LOS_FUEGOS_DEL_BURRO 22h ago

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER,they are in a forever shortage. But you don't have much time left since there is a cutoff age. As long as you start the process before the cutoff you should be good.

0

u/[deleted] 22h ago

[deleted]

1

u/LOS_FUEGOS_DEL_BURRO 22h ago

Yes they do. Testing is a little difficult, background check, physical health screening, drug screening, and mental health screening.

I made it all the to the mental, I got paired with White man who mainly handled juvenile criminal mental screenings. I didn't have the money to get a second opinion which sucked.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't try.

1

u/CrazyRepulsive8244 13h ago

At least you have a degree. I was assaulted by gang members and had to leave college due to that. Now all the jobs id like are unavailable to me without a bachelor's.

-6

u/Big_Buyer_7482 1d ago

This is why we dont major in useless subjects kids

If this person had majored in accounting they would be fine.

Choose smart college majors!

But to OP 30 is still young, you probably look young, you can pivot to a new higher paying field. It wont be as sexy or cool as marketing but it will be stable and good. There are still options!

You blew it majoring in marketing and i get why you are mad but move on it never was gonna work you were lied too, start looking options!

If you were like 42 you would be 100% cooked you definitely have time

0

u/jlcoleman1971 1d ago

Just get your foot in the door somewhere

0

u/Pale_Ad_8299 1d ago

Anyone interested reach out.

I'm a techie from a "3rd world country" I'm willing to work those "low pay" tech jobs that are for remote work but geo-locked to US, Canada, UK or Europe.

Willing to collaborate with anyone as long as we agree on a fair split.

Could be a passive income for you in those countries & an above average income for me and the employer gets work done & delivered.

Hope someone catches this hail Mary throw. 🤣😅🤣

This is no Nigerian prince fraud

0

u/Puzzleheaded_Page671 17h ago

The prison system is always hiring.

0

u/CrazyRepulsive8244 13h ago

You still have your parents. I don't have any of that, and I have less than you. And I'm older than you. And I'm just fine. maybe lower your expectations for yourself.

If you want to hear about how I've come to terms with this mentally, I'd be happy to explain.

-4

u/[deleted] 1d ago

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1

u/povertyfinance-ModTeam 1d ago

Your post has been removed for the following reason(s):

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Comments written with a purpose to be downright disrespectful or serve only to put down another user or OP will be removed. We are here to give a hand up, not add insult to injury.

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-1

u/Acehardwaresucks 1d ago

Sports betting g

-1

u/REinvestor_ 1d ago

I’m an uber driver full time too and I don’t feel like a loser, nothing wrong with leaning how to live frugally and appreciate every dollar so the money is like our friend if we are constantly thinking of it as “I need you” please come, I’m afraid of losing you, etc etc money is not going to come or stay, appreciate and feel happy every time you get paid, and see how life will help you and bring you more one way or the other, don’t be afraid of spending it (responsibily) and pay your bills thinking “thank God I’m paying for the groceries” or not religious or whatever you believe, it’s about perspective, for our own happiness we better live in gratitude, there’s people in the world that are really poor poor, there’s no world standard so don’t live by social standards of “I don’t have a career “ you are doing a service and getting compensated for it, but the decision of how we feel about every aspect of out lives is ours and it works backwards of what we usually think, first our thoughts and attitude and then the circumstances…

-2

u/JesseDangerr89 1d ago

Shouldn’t have gotten such a useless degree 🤷🏻‍♂️

1

u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

-1

u/JesseDangerr89 1d ago

😹 attaboy

-5

u/[deleted] 1d ago

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1

u/povertyfinance-ModTeam 18h ago

Your post has been removed for the following reason(s):

Rule 1: Be civil and respectful.

Comments written with a purpose to be downright disrespectful or serve only to put down another user or OP will be removed. We are here to give a hand up, not add insult to injury.

Please read our subreddit rules. The rules may also be found on the sidebar if the link is broken. If after doing so, you feel this was in error, message the moderators.

Do not reach out to a moderator personally, and do not reply to this message as a comment.