Is applying for a "basic" job the best way to handle burnout and lack of direction?

Anonymous

November 17,2022 at 9:17PM UTC

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Is applying for a "basic" job the best way to handle burnout and lack of direction? I will soon graduate with a Master's Degree. At this point, I no longer feel connected to the degree, but I want to finish it because I've invested over $20,000 in the process. I've also recently realized that I've never had a career. I have just held a string of jobs. I have no idea what I want to do with my life or why I exist, but I know that I have to work to pay bills. Does it make sense to become a fast food worker, retail sales assistant, or laundry attendant or should I stay in my current role and hope I somehow turn into a proactive, ambitious person? (Also, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the jobs I listed. I'm just wondering how I might explain my choice to choose one of those roles if I ever try to transition back into the professional track.)

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AnonymousNovember 17,2022 at 9:48PM UTC
Finish your degree and then spend sometime figuring you out. There are a ton of resources available to help you identify your natural inclinations, your personality, what helps you thrive and where you might be happy. Talk to your university counselors, take the stand tests offered online and make a list of your interests and aspects of past jobs you really liked.
If you still want a fast food or retail job that's fine. At least you made a thoughtful decision.
Good luck and happy graduation!
AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 1:14AM UTC
When I went back to school for my MS degree, I was excited to work in that industry. Looking back, all it did was check a box and open doors that required the degree.
While in school, see if you can find an internship in something you enjoy. That way, when you graduate you'll have that internship to use as work experience in your field. If I did that, I'd be able to land a job in my industry but due to my years in other fields, I haven't been able to fully utilize my degree. Best of luck!
AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 1:19PM UTC
Have you considered working through an agency or doing contract work? These types of roles helped get me through school after a layoff. It will also keep you in a professional environment and maybe make some connections. Having the degree - no matter what field - shows that you are capable of a lot of different things. Play up the non-field related skills like communication, writing, client management, etc. if you decide to start looking in other fields. And some food service and retail companies pay quite well if you get into a management track!
AYANNALYSENovember 18,2022 at 2:38PM UTC
Job is better than no job so go for it you will find something eventually that interest you especially when you you're keeping busy.
AnonymousNovember 19,2022 at 6:27PM UTC
Time to attend some meetups or to really sit down with yourself and find what makes you passionate about work. If work doesn't make you passionate and its just a paycheck and your outside of work life has more value to you then perhaps taking a hobby and making it a career is the right move. Take free classes at the community college, talk to people in careers you admire and take the time to find the right fit. No one will judge you for seeking your soul but you will regret wasting time doing things you don't love...life is short. Find what moves you!
Julie BermanNovember 20,2022 at 1:49PM UTC
Hi! I’m sorry you’re feeling disconnected from your degree after working so hard and investing so much time and energy. That sounds like a tough place to be. I wanted to share that even if your previous jobs didn’t feel like they all were in a particular niche or industry, they helped you develop a lot of skills, knowledge, and experience!! Those all have value.
You say you’ve held a string of jobs, so my suggestion would be to consider what your absolute favorite parts of each job were! For example, what particular situation do you remember being in where you felt so energized and lit up? Where did you feel like you were making a powerful contribution that was fulfilling? When did time fly by? I would write down as many of these instances as you can remember, and then look for any commonalities or through lines for what sparks you. It’s definitely not bad to try out new things, just like trying on a new outfit and seeing what fits! The important part is to try on new things with the knowledge that there are some elements you are really likely to enjoy, versus trying on random stuff.
There’s also a free test called Sparketype that you can take to understand more about what sparks you as a person (versus just work.) If you have questions, feel free to connect with me. I am not sure if I can list my contact info here or not, but you can search for me on IG or LinkedIn.
AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 1:55PM UTC
Are you trying to pivot away from the area that you will have a master's degree in? That's what it sounds like to me so I hope my answer aligns with that. A few ideas, some already mentioned:
- Use your career services department. Also, network across other departments on campus or join interdisciplinary organizations.
- If you have a research topic or area of focus, try to find a collaborator in a different department and work together on where your research/topic has overlap.
- Focus on what skills you have, not just what you are learning in classes. What jobs have you already had, or projects you have worked on.
- It's common to be burnt out after graduate school. Take a hiatus. Do a year of volunteer work abroad or teach English abroad, or locally.
- If you really want to do a "basic job" there is really no harm in that for about a year. You can still stay "relevant" through networking or finding orgs to volunteer with related to what you want to do.
- Again, it's common to need to get work experience, still need to pay your bills, but want a "break" and this should not be a huge red flag for any organization hiring entry-level positions or pivoters.
- Be gentle and kind to yourself. You have your whole future ahead of you and you will be okay. Trust.
AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 3:01PM UTC
I recommend finding an internship that interests you. This is an opportune time in your career to try out as many things as possible until you find your perfect fit! No one expects an intern to have extensive knowledge in the field and many are willing to mentor interns. Good luck!!
AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 4:15PM UTC
Exactly what I was going to respond. Internships or residency programs are a great way to find your niche and build connections too! Get after it and enjoy that Masters degree! You've worked hard to attain it. Use it and enjoy your career!!
AnonymousNovember 22,2022 at 1:57PM UTC
Hi Fellow FGB'r - I'm drawn to your comment "Why I exist"...That Part!
This statement has nothing to do with your degree or career - But more importantly your LIFE! I encourage you to Pause-Breathe-Reconnect with mental health and inner strength/happiness before anything else - Afterwards you'll be in a better position to make the right decisions for your future. Good Luck!