A few years ago my health declined and I left my 6 figure job.

9 Comments

1. Aalta Exie Zyna BurkhalterDecember 25,2025 at 7:25PM UTC

   When things are falling apart, give room, find gratitude in the little things, and allow the higher powers to step in and piece your circumstances together for a much greater than expected outcome

2. Elizabeth Stiles WestDecember 25,2025 at 9:20PM UTC

   I haven't been through the same situation but after a divorce and while raising 2 kids, my employer closed doors abruptly and I was juggling 4 part-time jobs for several months. At one point after paying my bills, I had 14 dollars and change until my next paycheck. Somehow, we made it and I ultimately got a new full-time job. My biggest advice is to change your mindset. Remind yourself of all you have survived and successfully got through. An employer would be lucky to have you. Work on your confidence, practice your interview questions, and be sure you're looking your best. I know your illness may make you feel tired, but a little makeup, a good haircut, and clothing that flatters you can work wonders. You can and will get a better job that will allow you to save money, then eventually create your own job if you wish.

   As far as not having children, do you want children? If no, then don't concern yourself with that at all. If yes, start saving up enough money after you get a better job so you could do in-vitro fertilization or adopt if need be. As far as getting a man, you could have one by the end of the day if you wanted to, but strive for quality; only form a relationship with one who makes you feel BETTER than being alone; not all guys meet that criteria. There are FAR worse things than being alone; at least you're in good company and no one is mistreating you.

   Be sure your resume is updated with the proper keywords, get someone to take a second look at it to be sure you don't have any typos or other mistakes, practice before interviews to make sure you present yourself in the best possible light, and be sure that all friends, neighbors, former co-workers and anyone likely to help you knows that you're looking for work. Pray about it if you're religious.

   Also, this may sound stupid, but if you feel that you have had bad luck lately, do something superstitious to change it; throw a little salt over your left shoulder, knock on wood, or safely burn some sage. Also do some small good deed, even if it's just sending an email to tell someone you appreciate them or donating one dollar to a good cause. It could be real or it could be a placebo effect, but either way, if it works to change your luck, it works! And if there is anyone in your family who is not toxic and is willing to help you, consider accepting that help.

   Here's hoping that 2026 will be your best year yet and that you will fully recover from health issues as well as start earning the money you need to work toward your dreams.

3. Sheila Knight-FieldsDecember 26,2025 at 1:58PM UTC

   I have-been laid off 4 times and this last one was the longest. I never could find a job and now work part time. My suggestion is to find something to help you pay the bills and continue your search. I never found a way to get over the stress and mental exhaustion outside of ensuring I made time every day to be physical, doing something personally productive and continue to educate myself.

4. LoriDecember 29,2025 at 1:41PM UTC

   I actually AM going through this and need advice as well!!

5. AnonymousDecember 29,2025 at 1:45PM UTC

   Only to say that as a 61-year-old, who’s been through my fair share of health problems, don’t feel bad that you’re not married because you would be in the same position you’re in but taking care of someone instead of them taking care of you.

6. AnonymousDecember 29,2025 at 2:31PM UTC

   I have been through some tough health issues this year and a few friends and family members also have to face these issues as we are getting older. I totally understand the anxiety and loss.

   During this difficult time, my faith as a Christian and my local church have supported and comforted me. It might not be the career advice you are looking for, but your mental health and support are crucial to you having the strength to not give up and keep trying. Praying for your recovery and finding your footing again.

7. Aaliyah Serianna OlsonDecember 30,2025 at 2:07PM UTC

   I hear ya! I took a low paying job because at the time it was all I could find. It sucks because I am always behind on bills and constantly worrying about money. I hate it. Looking for something better.

8. AnonymousJanuary 1,2026 at 1:10AM UTC

   Hi, I am a disabled veteran who, due to various personal circumstances, medical, neurodivergent, got into a situation where I realized that I was not going to be able to retire, ever, but I was dealing with severe chronic pain, and no one treats pain anymore, we're "all drug seekers". I was no longer going to be able to work in maintenance. I decided to change careers in my mid 50s to one I felt I could succeed at, one that doesn't have much age discrimination, and one with flexibility for my medical situation. I chose social work, but I am a glutton for punishment, and have veteran benefits that made it too hard to pass up. Here's my blueprint for changing career: 1. Look at careers that interest you and that you can do with your health conditions. 2. Figure out your assets, and figure out where you can obtain support - grants, scholarships, gifts, research every possible avenue for obtaining any training or education you need, city, county, state, the unemployment office, public library, disability office, non profits, private business, look everywhere - even in weird places like private clubs, organizations where you could be a member, like "all left handed women." or just any organization that gives aid. Don't be shy about asking for help, ask colleagues about any leads, ask your old college. If you can get job training in a new career while working for a salary, that's gold. 3. NEVER NEVER NEVER take out a student loan past age 40. Your retirement, social security can be garnished for non payment in your senior years, just don't do it, you will never get it paid off and the worry in your senior years will mess up your health more, even if you think you can pay it off, there are too many people who are in severe debt with deep regrets. 4. Research where you can get your training or education for your career change, community college, state college U, a business that trains, the unemployment office in your state, organizations that provide training, don't be concerned about fancy colleges and rankings, if your local U Is accredited and cheap, its good enough (I went to one of the lowest ranked U in the nation, cheap, no one cared except that I had the transcript showing I graduated). Wherever you can obtain the training, certificate, education at the lowest cost is best. 5. Develop your plans - how long will it take, where and when you will train, will you also work, how will you manage your health and energy levels, your rest and study and work time, is it doable? ALSO, can family, friends help with things like chores, errands, any things to ease your burden? 6. Start pulling it all together, applications, letters of recommendation, forms, everything you need to do, and 7. When accepted, set everything up to begin, get ahead of obtaining any materials, fees, prep work. Write thank you letters to everyone who gave you any aid, letters of recommendation, great leads towards a good result, let them know the outcome, reach out to everyone who responded so they know it helped, and make a plan to stay in touch with them every so often for an update on your progress. 8. Manage your health, keep schedules so you stay ahead of upcoming items, you must sleep, eat well, make medical appointments, pace yourself and if you can schedule rest times do so. I hope something works out for you. If you really need to, apply for disability, and look for the lawyers who help you get disability for a percentage of the initial payment - some people hate the idea of those lawyers, but everyone is denied disability the first time. I wish you the best!

9. maria roseJanuary 1,2026 at 6:24PM UTC

   What you, the OP, are looking for, is a way to make more money within the limitations of your physical performance I am assuming in the form of a non-physical white collar type job, that pays well or is a high income stream job like blogging or podcasting via internet exposure. Which is a way proposed by those who are labeled as influencers . Hopefully despite your physical limitations, you are a person who has an ability to be engaging easily with others to get that stream of followers who will pay for your content and get commission from sponsors. Perhaps, I may have oversimplified this income earning stream because I have not considered this field of work as something that engages my skills and guarantees me enough of an income because it is basically a new form of work by sales presentation—a skill that people with high levels of people pleasing personality do well in, not necessarily leaders in charge but motivators for crowd management.

   But no job is defined as having no effort needed to earn especially high income jobs. You, the OP, have had to re-invent your income earning strategy and also want to improve yourself financially too. Which means you have to take a realistic view of your necessity cost and your planned retirement finances to assure you have enough to be comfortable living even if you’re not as wealthy as you had hoped for. It’s up to you to find that sweet spot of contentment and not be envious of what could have been . I wish you success