I just need to vent...

24 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 27,2025 at 6:23PM UTC

   Instead of going to back to get another degree, look into getting a data analytics certification. Having an MBA doesn't guarantee employment nor does having a masters in analytics. What does matter is you are educated, ready to work when you graduate, and need to learn how to find the work. First, go to your university and request a career coach. If like at my university, there should be either a career center, or a dedicated coach for your program of study. You are not starting over, you are starting out. There's a difference. It's all in the way you look at things. Ask yourself what have you done to help yourself find employment post-graduation? Have you gone to all events, career fairs, and connected with your coach or a trusted faculty advisor? Use your resources. While in school, everything there is for you. Use them, ask questions, ask for help. You WILL find a job and you will be employed. First and foremost get your resume ready. You can't be depressed when you have so much to look forward to. No one has ever had things handed to them. You have to work for it. Instead of incurring more educational student loan debt, use what you have already earned, get a career coach at your school to help you with your resume and help you connect. Oh and one last thing, make sure you are on LinkedIn and connect with alumni and others with the same degrees. Where do they work, are there jobs open at their companies. You need to start somewhere. Don't let life's set back dictate your future. Start. Somewhere. Then from there, you will be more fulfilled as a person with income and a way to save and move out on your own. Hang in there, you will be just fine!

2. AnonymousApril 1,2025 at 1:29AM UTC

   thanks so much for taking the time to write all this and encourage a stranger online. I really appreciate, you are right I should change my perspective. Thank you!

3. AnonymousMarch 27,2025 at 6:47PM UTC

   I didn't know the career path I ended up going down even existed when I graduated. Be open to opportunities and try out a few things until you find your niche. At some point, you may find that you'd be better served by adding a different credential, but I wouldn't recommend doing that quite yet. The career I initially wanted would have been my biggest nightmare, but I didn't realize that until I was a bit older. I ended up doing some exciting things over the years and recognized my niche when I fell into a new role pretty randomly. You have time. Good luck!

4. AnonymousApril 1,2025 at 1:30AM UTC

   thank you <3

5. AnonymousMarch 27,2025 at 6:51PM UTC

   I hear you, and I want you to know you’re not alone. Figuring things out takes time, and every step you take—no matter how small—is progress.

   Thank you for being here and for being part of the Fairygodboss Community.

6. AnonymousApril 1,2025 at 1:30AM UTC

   <3 thank you

7. AnonymousMarch 28,2025 at 12:21AM UTC

   I know it is frustrating to go back to school- especially grad school- in your 30’s and then feel like you don’t have it all set in stone. I have been there. I am so sorry you’re feeling this way and having to go through this right now.

   I know what helped me most- expanding my network and intentionally listing all the soft skills that I had already developed.

   By not having a job, it gave me the opportunity to reach out to people who I wanted to learn about, talk to them about how they got there, and see if what they did sounded right for me.

   I also got real about all the things I knew how to do that were transferable to any industry and made points to highlight those skillsets on my public profiles, resume, and in interviews.

   You will definitely find your path. Don’t let the career journey discourage you.

8. AnonymousApril 1,2025 at 1:31AM UTC

   thank you for your encouragement <3

9. AnonymousMarch 28,2025 at 2:02AM UTC

   First, take a deep breath.

   It feels like everything has fallen apart after you worked hard and followed all the steps people tell us to take to be happy: getting married and having kids before 30. It can feel like a sham. You might be scared, sad, mad, and frustrated all at once. But I don’t think it’s just the career or job that’s making you feel this way. The real issue seems to be starting over in your personal life and the stress from your parents, especially if they make you feel like a failure.

   It really comes down to your perspective. You now have the opportunity to figure out what you want to do and who you want to be! If you think back, you may realize that you weren't truly happy in that relationship, but you held on for too long to avoid divorce. You don't have to feel like you're failing anymore.

   You've got this! It's important to start believing in yourself again. If someone has knocked your confidence down—be it a friend or a parent—they don't deserve to be around you. Focus on saving money; work two jobs to speed up the process if possible. Nowadays, there are online opportunities for jobs that require just a phone and a vehicle, like Notary services or field inspections. Where you set your schedule.

   You are stronger than you realize, and I know a lot is happening all at once, but you can handle it! You’re about to graduate with your degree—celebrate that accomplishment! You have countless resources at the university, online, and from the people around you. But those resources won't help if you’re too depressed to use them. Consider looking into therapy, either online or in person—your university probably offers that as well.

   Going through a divorce feels like losing someone, but it's even more complicated because you will see that person again at times. It’s important to grieve that loss and regain control over your depression, instead of letting it control you.

   You are intelligent and driven, and you cannot give up. You have plenty of time. Remember, turning 30 is just a number. The only difference is that people tend to treat you with a bit more kindness and respect, as you are no longer seen as a kid—it's kind of strange, isn’t it?

   Don’t make any rash decisions regarding your degree or about adding to it. You're feeling overwhelmed, which is common for many as graduation approaches, and the added stress from the divorce and living at home can really add to that confusion.

   Just take some time to breathe, talk to your school resources, and find ways to navigate the grief and trauma that a divorce causes. Things will work out, and life will become exciting again!

10. AnonymousApril 1,2025 at 1:35AM UTC

    thank you for your kindness and encouragement <3. This really helped me feel better. It is all overwhelming. I did make a bit of a rash decision and rented an apartment but I think it's for the best, but no further decisions on an additional degree for now !

11. AnonymousMarch 28,2025 at 1:10PM UTC

    Life is not a straight line. Give yourself grace and figure out what you value in life and work out a plan. You don't get everything at once. You won't get the amazing hone, great job and wonderful partner at once. You prioritize, work and enjoy your journey. You get one chance. One long and wonderful chance to write your story.

12. AnonymousMarch 28,2025 at 8:32PM UTC

    thank you <3

13. AnonymousMarch 28,2025 at 3:01PM UTC

    I'll let you in on a secret, most of us don't know what we are doing either. I know it doesn't help your specific situation but maybe it'll help you not beat up yourself too much about not having it all figured out, many of us don't and many of us never will. Honestly, there's not much to really figure out. Life isn't a destination, even though it's sold that way, it's a journey. Sometimes you get to plot the course but most of the time you're just trying to weather what comes your way. Find what makes you happy and keeps you healthy.

    Have you tried working with your school's career center or your alumni association? I would check with your state's (assuming you are in the US) workforce development office, they often have great resources.

    I will say this much, most of what you need to be successful in any career is not stuff you learn in school. I spent a lot of money (more than $100K) before I figured that out.

14. AnonymousMarch 28,2025 at 8:31PM UTC

    thank you, this made me feel better. Will definitely check out the state resources!

15. GirlBossanova934974March 29,2025 at 1:20PM UTC

    As a former supply chain professional who got an MBA in Supply Chain-Accounting and an MS in Industrial Engineering, I am NOT going to mix a lot of words here. What's needed in your life is a sense of URGENCY which appears to be missing. The best years of your life are happily going by and you seem to be acting as some sort of of observer. The first thing I would do is to say goodbye to the observer days. Go see your school's career center and start lining up interviews for the Spring for companies in your field. Supply Chain is more needed than ever. There is a 20 year GAP between the time anyone did any real hiring! LOTS OF FOLKS RETIRING and you can take their place. PAYS DARN WELL TOO! You can pay off your student loans and say ADIOS to your family's residence. AND STICK TO IT! You have great opportunities here. Good timing! MAKE THE MOST OF IT!

16. AnonymousMarch 30,2025 at 12:38PM UTC

    I agree with all the advice given here!

    Wanted to mention OP should take the career coach money and hire a counselor. U can usually get a mentor for free thru networking

17. AnonymousApril 1,2025 at 1:20AM UTC

    Thank you! Since I didnt specilize in supply chain - do you have any certifications you recommend?

18. AnonymousApril 10,2025 at 2:48PM UTC

    Hi ! I have been noodling on this for weeks since you posted, trying to figure out what is the lack of urgency. I have started networking and looking for career coaches but can I ask how/ why you mentioned im missing the sense of urgency or need it? I feel that way too and want to change it. I know some of it is perspective but I want to be mindful about the urgency feeling and not turning it into feeling like im rushing to look for something else if that makes sense? I guess I am asking how to activate the urgency while not feeling like im rushing into something

19. AnonymousMarch 31,2025 at 3:18AM UTC

    It's completely normal to feel uncertain about your path forward, especially after completing such a significant achievement as your MBA. This transition period can be especially challenging when combined with personal changes like your recent divorce and living situation.

    As someone who just went through a period of feeling 100% lost 1 year after relocating for a job and ending up hating that job and still not knowing what I wanted to do as a career, how about rather than forcing yourself into a specific career direction immediately, consider taking some time to notice which opportunities naturally energize you versus deplete you. This may lead you to your natural talents and what you are truly interested in.

    Before considering additional education and debt, I'd suggest:

    1)Practice mindful reflection on the MBA skills that genuinely lit you up. The fact that you enjoyed various topics might actually be pointing to your multifaceted strengths. And the mindful reflection can be asking yourself questions about how you would you ideal day/ job looks like, who are you helping, what are you doing.

    2)Consider a temporary position that allows you to explore supply chain, data analytics, or psychology-adjacent work before committing to more education. Many companies value MBA graduates who also have interests in these areas.

    And you your living situation, could you create a dedicated space or routine that honors your need for independence and peace? Having a space to self-reflect and decompress is very important.

20. AnonymousApril 1,2025 at 1:22AM UTC

    thank you so much, these are great tips! I ended up renting a place so the last part is a work in progress.

21. AnonymousMarch 31,2025 at 12:32PM UTC

    You’ve got a great foundation with the education. Start interviewing and find a good match to work with people you connect with. No matter what type of work you are in, sometimes it’s the people around you and the company culture that can pull it all together. Praying you find a good fit for both you and this future company and start full speed ahead. Never stop learning!

22. AnonymousApril 1,2025 at 1:23AM UTC

    thank you <3!

23. Shakiyla MomohMarch 31,2025 at 12:41PM UTC

    Is there a reason why living at home is making you depressed? You are incredibly lucky to have that option. Perhaps there’s a lesson there to learn about communication or boundary setting. These skills are just as valuable in your professional life as in your personal life and you can learn them online without taking on more debt.

    Just offering a different perspective.

    Also, are you going after entry level jobs or even internships? Surely at 30 you have some sort of work experience maybe try going for something you feel overqualified for to take some of the financial pressure off until you get your footing.

24. AnonymousApril 1,2025 at 1:27AM UTC

    yes thank you for this perspective, I do feel lucky in some sense but definitely have communication issues so will look for courses on that. It's tough when family doesnt manage their emotions and take it out on you so I just remove myself but then they get upset that I remove myself but after I said I was moving out things were a bit easier. I ended up renting an apartment so will definitely be eager to look for new roles now. I am currently employed also thankfully just looking to gain different experience to make more of an impact in the world and increase my income