XO_Life Posted June 6 Posted June 6 My finances are a mess. I've no money saved up and I am 3k in debt + I am paying off student loans (200$) each month for the next 15 years. My "first" job is killing me. I earn not enough to even move into a two bedroom apartment and right now lay-offs are coming. I do have a masters degree but it's in Marketing and basically worthless and I can't find a job that pays a fair salary. I don't date, I don't go out, I make small progress at the gym at best, I look a mess and I am turning 30 this year.
John Slayne Posted June 6 Posted June 6 Not to sound harsh but you're turning 30 this years and this is your first job? And you're expecting to afford a two bedroom apartment on an entry level salary? Where have you been for the past 12 years that you find these things so shocking?
May Posted June 6 Posted June 6 this is your first job at 30? how long have you had it and what is it? The below probably isn't helpful to you but I had to get it off my mind look, (and this is some broader advice to younger ppl thinking abt doing this) - if ur at uni, STILL WORK. even if its a random crappy job where you work one shift a week .. just make sure that when you leave uni you've got SOME work experience on your resume so many of my friends dedicated so many years of their lives to university without working at a job for a single day bc they thought uni would carry them into a great job then are shocked that they're getting knocked back by employers when they're 27/28 with absolutely zero work experience 1
SoldierofLove Posted June 6 Posted June 6 Have you considered contacting a recruitment agency? They can be helpful if you tell them exactly what you're looking for. Or you can ask them what else is out there. Do you have a roommate? If not, maybe consider getting one to help with rent. Is temporarily moving in with your family an option?
Burn Posted June 6 Posted June 6 (edited) Focusing on paying off your debt needs to be your priority. I assume you are living at home with family for now? If so continue to do that whilst paying off the debt. Once the debt is paid off, only then focus on saving. If you're not living with family right now, could you move in with them? This will significantly reduce your outgoings and help get you back on your feet faster. You could agree to only do it for a set amount of time e.g. one year. When you look for a place why does it need to be a two bed? Could you aim for a one bed, or even a studio apartment? Are you casting a wide net with job applications? Don't be too proud, apply to as many places as you can (as long as you think you're capable of doing the job). Be frugal with what you're buying. E.g. can you cut down on groceries? Do not eat takeout, at all. Try living on basic foods e.g. rice and beans. I know it sucks and it seems like you'll only be saving small amounts that it won't feel worth it, but trust me those small amounts really do add up quickly. I find that sitting down and properly looking at my bank statement for the last few months helps me realise what I'm spending my money on and if it's actually essential. Do I really need that Amazon Prime subscription? Nope - cancelled! Do I really need Netflix - nope, I can live without that, cancel! Wishing you all the best. You will get through this. Edited June 7 by Burn
ATRL Moderator khalyan Posted June 7 ATRL Moderator Posted June 7 A lot of universities will have a career department, maybe contact your alma mater and see what they have? Pay the 3k in debt if and when you can. Even if it’s small. I owe 8k in credit card debt but I got it down to 7k since the start of the year. It’s not much but it will add up over time. I kinda felt similar about my appearance right before turning 30. I basically made a mood board on Pinterest (💀) of what I wanted to look like and then researched how I can get there - what to eat, how to workout, what outfits looked good, etc. It did really help my confidence over the years growing into my looks.
XO_Life Posted June 7 Author Posted June 7 1 hour ago, John Slayne said: Not to sound harsh but you're turning 30 this years and this is your first job? And you're expecting to afford a two bedroom apartment on an entry level salary? Where have you been for the past 12 years that you find these things so shocking? I've been at this job for 2 years. Before that I was an intern there for 6 months. Afterwards I changed the company but they approached me to join them full-time. So it was: Company A (intern) for 6 months Company B (Trainee) for 6 months Company A for 2 years
TouchinFree Posted June 7 Posted June 7 (edited) 2 hours ago, John Slayne said: Not to sound harsh but you're turning 30 this years and this is your first job? And you're expecting to afford a two bedroom apartment on an entry level salary? Where have you been for the past 12 years that you find these things so shocking? Sis don't be insensitive. Have you heard of something called student life? You put EVERYTHING on hold so you can finish a degree. Once you've finished that degree then there is like 2 years of intership where YOU DO NOT get paid. And then once you start "getting paid" it won't be enough to cover your food. Plus the op has a master's degree. So they've been studying their entire 20's basically whilst hustling to cover their student loan. That's the biggest trap in life. I was exactly at a similar situation and I was devastated when I looked around and people half my age that left in 10th grade had running businesses and owned houses whilst I was working at a fast food joint to pay for the shitty degree I struggled to get only to apply and be told "no money for 2 years". All thanks to our stupid boomer parents and that fake ideal life they were chasing. Now back to the OP. Don't worry I'm exactly on the same boat. It will get better. You're practically destined to earn double of those your age with no degree. Our degrees scare companies as they have to pay lots of money for us so they'd rather employ the "experienced" instead. Get some connections at a relevant corporation it will do wonders for you. And take it easy. Also lie on your resume a little ( but have some people for backup). And congratulations on your master's degree. That is honestly impressive and you will get exactly whatever worked so hard for and even more. Trust. Edited June 7 by TouchinFree
TouchinFree Posted June 7 Posted June 7 Also I'm not going to tell you to "hang in there". Do exactly the opposite. Start researching and start your own business ( or at least have that idea in the back of your mind) since you're qualified. But first find a Job that pays a little better so you can put some money on the side. Also 3k is not alot of debt. Don't stress. I literally owed my parents 15k and now it's all paid off. So don't stress with that number at all. But still $200 a month isn't that bad in fact it is a great arrangement with no added stress. Australia has a leaner policy as you start paying off your deb once you pass the 65k annual income but then you face the "indextion" which baisically an interest for studen loan because "inflation" . So ironically? You are ahead of so many students out there as ironic and funny that sounds. Just please focus and clear your mind and be determined. You are more qualified than you give yourself credit for and already ahead of half the population professionally. And you will find the company that will value your input. Just search, and research and BUILD BUILD BUILLLD that resume. Get some connections that can back you up on your resume and add some extra experience here in there on your resume. It will do wonders for your career. Take it easy on yourself. My life only started at my very late 20's and I've struggled with that idea and I was just miserable. But I do have 1 big advice for you. Forget about dating because that comes naturally and genuinely....but please go out. That's how you get connections. I regret not going out during my uni days. Most of my friends were getting promoted and getting jobs by simply going out to parties and meeting up with different people at clubs / bars etc. Put on a nice outfit and fix your hair and go out. You'd be surprised what you might encounter.
Xtina23 Posted June 7 Posted June 7 First of a gurll, take a deep breathe... $3,000 of debit is not a lot tbh. Second, buy all of Xtina's album, you'll be $3,100 in debt now, but at least you'll listen to talent. Third, apply to at least one job each day, minimum 3 jobs on your days off. it' a tough job market out there and you need to be getting your name out there Next, get a second job as part time, that way you can start earning extra income and not be overworked. Get certifications, (Google Analytics, etc) - there are a lot of free certifications that can help you stand out from the crowd. Lastly, don't give up. Getting your foot in the door is tough, but once you're in, over time it will be worth it. Also would recommend reaching out/applying on recruiting agency job boards. If you don't get a job, your info will still be in their database. Recruiters only get paid when they get people a job, so it's their job to match people to the right jobs. Now, good luck sister. And remember, stream Bionic x3 for good luck. xoxo
Taylor fanboy Posted June 7 Posted June 7 Stay strong sis, keep taking care of yourself, and do ask help from friends and family when you need to. All the best.
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