Hello everyone,

36 Comments

1. AnonymousDecember 5,2025 at 1:59PM UTC

   Given that you went all the way through to a graduate degree, I'm curious what your goals were at that time? What were you hoping to be able to do? I'm thinking there's gotta be some sort of tool out there (AI including) that you could dump your info into - "this is my degree, this is my experience, these are my interests" and maybe give you a general idea of the direction to go.

   I took the nontraditional path with my own education - not going straight from high school to college (at that point, I said I was DONE with school - my ADHD - not diagnosed until decades later - first presented in 9th grade and it was all downhill from there...anyway...). When I did go back to school in my mid-20s, I went with the intention of getting into HR (I was a secretary in an HR department at that time and it had my interest). I changed my major multiple times while pursuing an associate degree. Once I had that, I said I was done (again). Then some months later, I decided I was going to get a bachelor degree. And when I did, I said "I'm going to major in psychology." With a semester or two left, I realized that in order to do basically anything in psychology, I would need additional education. So I pivoted back to HR - but all of those extra psychology classes were nothing but beneficial for my life in HR.

   Long story short - I think I lost the plot somewhere along the way and may have introduced the rest of the forum to an ADHD brain.

2. AnonymousDecember 5,2025 at 2:48PM UTC

   You and the original poster . . . I hear you. It is SO HARD to figure out what you want, at any age. Quite often what you want to do is not what the market wants to pay for (feel free to ask me about my failed attempts at getting into web design . . . )

   So you end up doing work you don't want to do just to pay the rent. Or the entry-level job is so horrible/pays so badly that you end up quitting or getting fired.

   Sadly I don't know what the answer is. But I hope we all find it.

3. RobinDecember 5,2025 at 3:08PM UTC

   Made total sense to me. Should I be worried ?

4. AnonymousDecember 5,2025 at 5:12PM UTC

   Well...if you haven't already been diagnosed, maybe consider that!

5. AnonymousDecember 5,2025 at 2:11PM UTC

   You have no clear career plan in mind, so you're just floating in non descript roles. Your path won't level out until YOU level out. What did you plan to do with a masters in neurobiology? Was working as a "lab tech" so horrible? (You would have your foot in the door). Millions of people make the mistake of thinking that if they get multiple degrees , they will automatically walk into a six figure job, And it's just not like that in the workworld. You\nHave to work your way from the bottom up. You have a lot of science background , so have you considered teaching? Would you like to teach at the high school level or teach science courses at a community college? Would you like to go on to medical school or get a nursing degree?... I would encourage you to take a step back and look really hard at how you ended up getting a master's degree in neurobiology , but not having a career plan. That will help you refocus the direction of your sails.

6. AnonymousDecember 5,2025 at 5:08PM UTC

   I think you would benefit from taking a personality test that highlights your natural talents and inclinations. These tests highlight jobs, roles and career paths that would be good fits for your unique makeup and would give some insight into various jobs and job titles that fit.

7. Coach Nancie Kay ShumanDecember 5,2025 at 9:11PM UTC

   First of all, you are not alone in this. A good friend of mine graduated with a Masters in Architecture and spent 2 years working as a tech in a lab which created dentures, because that is what she could get. Eventually, she landed a job as an Engineer working on infrastructure for the Government. It was a good job.

   If you are interested in furthering your career in banking, see if your company will help to pay for your licensing. Many more traditional companies, such as banks, have programs which will help cover those costs, simply because there is a high turn over in these positions. Heck, I know someone who was an Executive Assistant who was licensed, because she would have to help with trades from time to time.

   Additionally, I am going to agree with those who have suggested that you explore resources which will assist you to discover what your passions are, and what is a good fit for you. Your University should have an office which can help you with this for free as part of the Alumni benefits.

   Additionally, talk to your manager and someone for HR in order to get a celar picture of what is possible, if you decide that the Bank and the Financial Industry is where you want to be.

   Good luck!

8. AnonymousDecember 5,2025 at 9:13PM UTC

   You’re carrying a lot right now, and it makes sense that this feels heavy. Many people end up in roles that don’t reflect their strengths or education simply because they need stability, and there’s no shame in that. What matters is that you don’t lose sight of what you want next.

   A big part of getting unstuck is understanding your "Why"; why you chose neurobiology, what kinds of problems you enjoy solving, what energizes you, and what kind of work you actually want to build a future around. That clarity makes it easier to target roles that fit you instead of applying everywhere and hoping something lands.

   You don’t necessarily need a career coach to figure this out. You can use AI to walk through a set of reflective questions that help you identify the roles that match your strengths, interests, and goals. Here’s a prompt that can help you narrow down your path:

   Prompt: “What careers should I consider and why?”

   Career: How long do you plan to work? (your answer)

   My goals: What do you want out of work—purpose, pay, impact, stability, growth? (your answer)

   What I don’t like about past jobs: (List everything—from tasks to culture to tools to environment.)

   Roles I’ve had: (List every job/company)

   What I enjoy doing: (Include hobbies, interests, natural strengths, and work tasks you actually like.)

   Education: (Your degrees, training, certifications.)

   Location preference: (Remote, in-person, or hybrid—what feels right?)

   Next: Ask “How do these align with my résumé?” Now paste the prompt, the questions and your answers into the AI.

   This kind of exercise can help you uncover career paths you might not have considered, roles that pay better, fit your personality, and build on your background in science, tech, analysis, or problem-solving.

   You deserve work that feels aligned with who you are. The job you have now is a bridge, not a definition of your future. If you want help walking through the prompt or identifying career paths that match your science background and banking experience, I’m happy to share ideas.

9. Elizabeth Stiles WestDecember 6,2025 at 2:03AM UTC

   If you have a masters in neurobiology, perhaps you should consider going back to work in that field if it interests you. Have your college's career center help you to get a placement. You might want to see if you can qualify for a scholarship to get your Ph.D; perhaps you could work full-time and take classes part-time/write your dissertation part-time. However, if you discovered that you really aren't interested in neurobiology any more and your main interest is in banking and fraud, it seems that staying at the bank you work in and doing such a good job that you eventually get promoted might be your best bet. Good luck!

10. Julia M GeorgeDecember 6,2025 at 1:42PM UTC

    I am not one to judge anyone, so please don't take this wrong. I would sit head on by a drunk driver a couple years ago and it turned my life completely upside down and stopped me in my tracks. The corporate company had been working for dropped me on my head like a bad habit. If you're working for any company. Yet, I need a job that pays at least thirty dollars an hour

    I think that anyone has a master's degree. Let alone a degree at all is truly blessed. I think that anyone has a job again, is truly blessed.

    That being said you'll just have to tinker around until you find the job that you're happy with

11. AnonymousDecember 6,2025 at 2:17PM UTC

    I'm sorry you're going through that and sending you sympathy.

12. AnonymousDecember 6,2025 at 2:27PM UTC

    Its not you its something in you that doesn't feel ready for the change or something ir someone there at work is possibly keeping you there to better themselves... xx hope this brings you clarity

13. AnonymousDecember 6,2025 at 3:35PM UTC

    Udemy.com - start building some skills that actually pay

14. AnonymousDecember 6,2025 at 4:34PM UTC

    I've been looking for 5 months and finally got an offer. I used to make $67/hour (Sourthern California) and I was an Executive Assistant. Now I'll be on the phones all day as a claims representative for $24/hour. I don't know how I'll scrape by with my rent and bills. I wasn't rolling in money when I was making $67/hour. At least I'll be helping people. I'll keep playing the lottery too.

15. Aaliyah Serianna OlsonDecember 7,2025 at 8:14PM UTC

    Wow! What i wouldn't give even for 24 bucks an hr!

16. AnonymousDecember 6,2025 at 4:53PM UTC

    Take a breath please! Yes, it is rough out there but being employed and knowing that you have so much more to give is a good thing. Plot your strategy perhaps within the place you work currently and speak to the HR person there about how to get to the next rung. Let them know you are committed to the company and want to and can do so much more. Set a reasonable timeline with them and find out if you can get them to finance some more education for the skills and tools you will need. If they are not committed to this with you then you will need to consider other places to work. Keep looking, but know that things will take time and being high strung in interviews and conversations and not taking the patience it costs in time to get there will hurt you more than help.

    If you really wanted to be in your field (MS degree field) then perhaps doing the same within that with a mentor would have helped you. You can still go back before you completely derail and move into something just for money. Set a budget, make solid plans on how to get to where you want to be but use the magic 3 to make the best decision for your next move.

    Culture, content, compensation. Which one is first in your decision making and thinking? If it's compensation (money) then you will always make decisions about who will pay you more. That is only healthy if you are in a sales role because you factor most into the choice. If its content (what you get to do) then use that as your first criteria. If its culture (work environment- who you work with) then use that.

    It's a simple formula but using that trio when choosing will help focus your options as you move ahead. Think long vs short term and use the place you want to be as the target for planning. Good luck.

17. Liz MilneDecember 7,2025 at 1:36AM UTC

    Don't worry - I have a PhD: still can't find the job that pays the big bucks! I totally get your feelings of frustration, it's like the goal posts are moved every time we start getting close!

18. AnonymousDecember 7,2025 at 1:13PM UTC

    As a Leader in CX: We know this is a stepping stone for people. You are "in" at your employer. Some love working as an agent. Others are able to quickly rise up. The path from CX agent within the department is typically Lead, QA, Training, then to Manager.

    Financial planning is possible if your company does that. What is the policy for applying for internal roles? Is it 6 months? 1 year? If you moved internally to financial planning your company may very likely pay for it.

    Talk to your boss about your career path. There is hope.

19. AnonymousDecember 7,2025 at 2:10PM UTC

    Look into getting your misdemeanor expunged. In a lot of states, you can get a misdemeanor expunged if some time has passed and you haven’t gotten other convictions.

20. AnonymousDecember 7,2025 at 3:05PM UTC

    Well you’ve got part of the battle won. You work at an actual bank. They have compliance and fraud departments…

    make it known that you’re interested! Go to HR! Network

    have fun

21. KeishaDecember 7,2025 at 4:24PM UTC

    Maybe you not meant or cut out to be in the banking field. Maybe you are destined for something better.

22. Ellen BlanchetteDecember 7,2025 at 4:28PM UTC

    Maybe textbook publishing? They hire people for editorial with masters degrees.

23. UrszulaDecember 7,2025 at 5:20PM UTC

    Hi! It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and it’s completely understandable to feel frustrated after working hard in your field but having to take a different path.

    Hang in there — every step counts toward building your future!

24. AnonymousDecember 7,2025 at 6:22PM UTC

    I wonder if the lab job paid less than $20/hr? Wherever you go, it's necessary to work your way up, or to gain skills/experience. Knowing what you want is great, plot the path to get there. Your initial industry might be a good fit for you after all - put in the work and the time. Join a co with tuition reimbursement to help defray the PhD cost, or earn another masters.

    This market is insanely tough, no one can let a handful of rejects redirect their career. This year takes true grit and massive effort. If you could see how many roles people are applying to, before they get even a phone screen somewhere!

    Your experience in banking and fraud, where was that from? Are they hiring? What about your connects from that company, where are they all now? Networking is key - get in touch with them.

    Don't sit behind a computer and make assumptions, get out there and learn the lay of the industry you want. Bang on doors, make it happen. Just looking at ads is the very poorest technique to find work!

25. Aaliyah Serianna OlsonDecember 7,2025 at 8:17PM UTC

    Haha thats me. I was probably happy to just get hired!

26. AnonymousDecember 8,2025 at 1:10PM UTC

    In our rural area, medical lab technicians are making more than $20 - closer to $30 plus. Look at the hospital/clinics to see what license requirements are (a community college may even be able to help with that) or even community college for teaching opportunities in biology.

27. Mary PattersonDecember 8,2025 at 2:09PM UTC

    I know the feeling all too well well always being hired as the temporary employee coming in to clean up everyone else’s hot arse mess while they ride full time permanent employment payroll treating me like they’re stinky garbage. Truth of the matter is that they don’t care about doing their jobs properly in the first place. I am always shocked at how the business has stayed running for so long with all the dead weight on payroll. Anyhow, whenever I am hired temporarily the management team already knows that the company is about to go bankrupt and down the tubes. I help them recover and then I am told they no longer need me anymore. Last contract I had they cut my payment stating the parameters of the project changed after I fixed it!! People suck when it comes down to money. No honor among them or thieves!!

28. AnonymousDecember 8,2025 at 2:54PM UTC

    I felt sad reading your question, as I know how you must feel. Don't ever let your job define who you are, and what you are capable of. I have been underestimated by people around me in every job and have proven them all wrong, and you will too. You just need to gain your confidence back and find routes where your background can be useful. Try biotech companies, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare consulting companies, Big 4 healthcare practices, hospital systems. They all need people with your background and education. It sounds like you need to take this job immediately to have some income, but I would cleverly find a way to take another graduate level course and explain that you view this role as temporary because you are in school taking course toward a PhD, and didn't want your daytime role to be overly demanding and it needed to be flexible to work around your coursework, but that you ultimate goal is to work in the healthcare (or whatever industry you want to insert here) and that will explain why you took a menial position doing something that is administrative in nature. It will logical and explainable and will also be true (if you take the course). I hope this helps.

29. Focused541800December 8,2025 at 3:10PM UTC

    Have you talked to your supervisor to see how you could develop a path to get to a role in fraud? I know it’s not a great time for feds but you could look at local and state government in these areas.

30. Lisa ApolisDecember 8,2025 at 7:57PM UTC

    With a background and experience in neurobiology, you may be a fit for pharmaceutical companies in R&D or clinicals. Try looking at drug pharmaceuticals, biologics and medical device developers and manufacturers, and CDMOs.

31. Explorer120025December 9,2025 at 2:06PM UTC

    Good morning all. I just wanted to state I am in the same boat, going on 2 yrs. I come to the realization that sometimes we are exactly where we are suppose to be. We serve a greater purpose than ourselves, so maybe your there for now to serve the one's your helping and after that completion your going to land the job your a perfect fit for. So continue to offer your greatness and watch greatness will return. Have an awesome day all.

32. Mariam ADecember 9,2025 at 6:58PM UTC

    i feel for you. Get out and get what you deserve!

33. AnonymousDecember 11,2025 at 1:51PM UTC

    I never saw myself working at a bank, but there I was - single mom to a 6-month-old, and I needed to leave my current job because the only thig keeping me was the amazing insurance. Insurance was changing, and I no longer felt the need to be there. I took a job in "operations" at a bank. Super small bank; so we were the call center and did internal balancing. I hate being on the phone all day, but it was a job, and I liked my coworkers. There was eventually an opening in the trust department, and I had made great relationships with those employees within the 2 years I was at the bank. By the end of the interview, they told me I had the job if I wanted it. I was 8 months pregnant with my second child (married this time), and I think they all thought I was a little crazy for interviewing for a new position when I was about to pop. But when I told them I needed more than what I was doing and to be challenged and I didn't know when another position would be open in the department, they understood. I went on maternity leave a month later and when I came back, I started my new position. That was 8 years ago, and I have since left the company, but I have nothing but amazing things to say. They sent me to so many trainings and anything I was interested in learning, they helped me with. I am now at a very large company with more growth opportunities and working remotely making 6 figures. 10 years ago, I never thought this is where I would be, but I love it. I just got my Bachelor's in Finance and plan to go back to school next year for my Master's.

    Long story short, if it is something that interests you, who cares what your background is. Do it. Go for it. See if your company would be willing to help pay for trainings to get your licenses. Putting yourself out there and asking for what you want is the hardest part, but once you make it know, you might find there are people you work with who believe in you and want to help.

34. Deb VidmarDecember 11,2025 at 6:52PM UTC

    I haven't yet read the replies, but have you thought about pharmaceutical sales or biomedical device companies? I know the PhD is often preferred, but if you have lab experience, you might be able to find something...

35. Nichole SimsDecember 13,2025 at 1:58PM UTC

    There are a couple of really good (work)books that can help you identify what might be a good fit for you.

    One is called What color is your parachute? and the other is called design your life by Bill Burnett. (Forgive the lack of capitalization. I am voice texting at the moment.)

    As a recruiter and career strategist, I always advise people to figure out what they should be doing so they know what direction to proceed for their job search.

    Hope this helps!

36. Farah BajwaDecember 16,2025 at 2:44AM UTC

    What color is your parachute is a great book!