Guys, after months and years, i finally found a full time job.
Turns out its a bit trash. My boss makes things difficult for us to work. So everyone (including interns!!) wanna quit. Salary is so low, sometimes we dont even feel motivated to work because its just not worth it.
I started applying some jobs, but i dont feel confident. I barely have 1 year experience in this job, and it wasnt even something i like/learnt in school. At least my other friends and colleagues have relevant portfolio and education cert to back them up, but i feel like im the odd one out. At least they know what path they wanna go, what job title to look out for. But im not like that. Im not sure what my strengths and weaknesses are, neither do i know what im interested in. Lowkey scared that im gonna get stuck at this company, and being unable to move forward. Mind you theres really no career growth here because theres only 2 full timers including me…
Currently in my late 20s too, parents are retired, barely have enough savings for myself. Im afraid of quitting first without getting a job, because i know how depressing it can feel being unemployed for a long period of time. Sometimes i feel like im not putting in enough effort to improve and heal myself so i can have better self awareness but damn the cycle just never ends. What am i suppose to do now…
Hey @Brownbutter first off, I just want to say congrats on landing a full-time job. Even if it turned out to be less than ideal, you made something happen in a tough market, and that’s no small feat. It’s okay to feel disappointed and stuck right now, especially when the job you worked hard to get is draining instead of fulfilling. It doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you care about your future and want something better.
It sounds like you’re feeling really stuck and overwhelmed, and that makes total sense given everything you’re juggling right now. It’s tough to figure out your path when the job you’re in isn’t fulfilling and you’re unsure of your strengths or interests, that’s a really common experience. You’re doing a lot just by showing up and trying to move forward, even if it doesn’t always feel like progress. One thing that might help is talking to a career coach or counselor who can help you explore your skills, interests, and options without pressure. They can offer guidance tailored to you and help you build confidence step by step. You deserve support in this process, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Thanks for sharing with us this piece of news, congrats!
Sorry to hear that the work situation is less than ideal, but it’s very heartening to hear that you did not leave it at that - you are applying for jobs, taking active steps to change your situation. That is commendable!
I hear your worries about the lack of relevant experience and that you are still uncertain about your interests and they are completely valid, especially so in a highly competitive society like ours. I would like to assure you that you are not alone in this. It seems like you are still really new to the workforce, so it makes even more sense that you are still figuring things out! Just to share a little anecdote here - I’ve been working for around 6 years and I’m still figuring out my career and interests I’ve also pivoted into jobs that had nothing to do with my degree not once, but twice! It takes a bit of practice, but we can try reframing this discovery process and approach with curiosity rather than self-blame
It’s good that you are considering the practicality of changing jobs and planning for finances. Thinking very far ahead and projecting situations (that are not true nor have yet to happen) can be very scary, and at times unhelpful to draw us out of the thought spiral. I encourage you to break the plan down into smaller steps. Rather than projecting this “future” of potentially being jobless, etc, we can reduce the horizon to the next few months even - what are the immediate next steps that could take you closer to the job you want? Would it be going on job portals to see what employers are seeking and refining your resume to fit them? Or could it be reaching out to your network to find out where’s hiring? Or like what @CozyCompanion had suggested, you could even speak with a career coach! The way forward is limitless and I assure you it’s not a dead-end at all
Wishing you all the best in this search and this community will be here with you!
@Brownbutter many congratulations on the new job. As @CozyCompanion has rightly mentioned, in this very tough market, landing a new job is truly some accomplishment right there. That shows you are skilled in the industry you are working in.
Our work environment and people we work with are very important aspects and if that is not going well, it does feel very disappointing. It can also be so very stressful to know that there are no opportunities for growth despite putting in the efforts and hence feel stuck. It is certainly not a reflection of your abilities.
Also, it does sound like you are working in the field that you have not been trained or learnt in school. That shows you are very adaptable, skilled and a fast learner indeed. Those are certainly some strengths right there. Keep that up.
Sometimes it is okay to feel lost, especially when there is a lot going on and you are juggling a lot at the same time. Going to some career coaches or counsellors might help as @tobs and @CozyCompanion have suggested. In addition to that, you might also consider reaching out to your trusted colleagues, or close friends and check what are some of the things you are good at. Another activity you might consider is thinking about a very challenging situation in the past and what did you do to make that situation less challenging for you or somebody else. That might help unlock some insights about you strengths and interests.
Congratulations on landing a job in this tough job market. I will like to acknowledge that it was your determination and persistent efforts that led you to land this job. That suggests you have good qualities about you that will see you through the challenges you are facing.
Understandably your current job is one which have assessed to have limited growth opportunities and wanting leadership and you wish not to be stuck here. Please know what you are sharing is fully relatable and many among us have probably been in a similar situation.
Polaris is targeted at working professionals who are exploring new opportunities or seeking clarity to make informed decisions about their professional journey. Their team of career coaches certified in WSG’s Career Development Framework, will support individuals in shaping a robust Career Development Plan to reach career goals, which may include achieving career fulfilment, sustaining long term employability, or undertaking career growth that leads to a rewarding career. It may be worth exploring.
Stay focused and keep going. I encourage you to remain optimistic that something good will turn up soon. Please continue reaching out whenever needed.
Hi there! I can really relate to being in a bad work situation. It is so tough in this economy, and we’re young and just trying to start our careers with dependents now. An obstacle like this can create feelings of being trapped. I’m wondering if that’s a feeling you relate with?
As much as there is that feeling, it does not mean you are going to be in this situation forever. Many have their first jobs, and then their second. This bad time won’t be forever and will pass!
Yet I also here theres this element of noticing a cycle and wanting to heal, but not knowing what to do. It’s really brave to have that sentiment, and I just really want to encourage and affirm that! It’s okay to now know what to do, and that’s what spaces like this and professional help is for. Was there a certain pattern you noticed happening in your life?
i did somewhat go for a career counselling. Its the career connect-on-the-go by WSG. But they just basically asked me to go back to school, this was around 2022/2023. I did went back to school and grad in mid 2024, lo and behold, still couldnt get a job till now. What i am working as is not related to my school work as well LOL. I also started therapy early this year, but its mainly for another issue i was facing.
Am not sure how well career guidance will really help me, but will try and think about it again since another user also recommended it!
Hi @Brownbutter ,
Thank you for sharing. I hear how stuck and uncertain you’re feeling right now, and that’s completely understandable. Landing a job that turns out to be disappointing, especially when you were hoping for stability, is really tough. It’s exhausting to work in an environment where even the basics feel like a struggle, and it’s okay to admit that this isn’t where you want to be long-term.
It makes sense that you’re hesitant about applying elsewhere, especially when you don’t feel confident in your experience or direction yet. But you don’t need to have everything figured out to take small steps forward. Even if this job isn’t related to what you studied, you’re still gaining skills. Whether it’s problem-solving, adapting to challenges, or just learning what you don’t want in a workplace, it is a valuable experience.
For now, focus on what’s within your control:
Quietly explore options: Apply for jobs at your own pace, even if it’s just one or two a week. You don’t have to rush.
Lean on your network: Talk to coworkers, friends, or even alumni from your school about their career paths. Sometimes just hearing others’ experiences can help clarify your own.
Prioritise stability: If quitting without another job lined up feels too risky, that’s okay. Stay for now, but protect your energy, don’t overextend yourself for a job that doesn’t value you.
It’s okay if you don’t have a clear career path yet. Many people don’t, even in their late 20s and beyond. What matters is that you’re aware this situation isn’t working for you, and that’s the first step toward making a change. Be patient with yourself. This is a process, and it’s alright to move through it at your own pace.
Hello @Brownbutter thank you for sharing more. It really does sound like you’ve already been putting in a lot of effort, even if it doesn’t feel that way. Going back to school, working through therapy, and even trying career counselling already shows how committed you are to figuring things out, even if the payoff hasn’t shown up yet. That’s incredibly frustrating, especially when it feels like nothing’s aligning after all that work.
Totally get why you’d be skeptical about more career advice. It can feel a bit one-size-fits-all sometimes. Maybe what could help more now is someone to help you reconnect with what feels meaningful right now. You’ve already done the big steps. Maybe it’s time to zoom in on one or two things that feel a little more in your control, like narrowing down what kind of work energises you versus drains you or even just finding a better day-to-day job while you figure the bigger picture out. And if career guidance can meet you where you’re at and not just hand you a to-do list, it might be worth considering one more time when you’re ready.
You’re not doing anything wrong. The system is just kind of broken sometimes. But you’re still moving even if it’s messy and that counts for a lot. Hang in there, there is always a rainbow after every storm!
Hello! thank you for the reply! I meant to reply back but i forgot :')
and yes there is a pattern! Its hard to explain through text and it involves a bit of a personal issue (which i am seeing a therapist for) , and felt that thats the main reason why i cant get a decent job, why im not where i wanna be etc. So the problem right now is that it feels like i am at a crossroad where if i dont solve my personal issue, i wont secure a good job/interview. And since im kinda desperate to leave my workplace, its like time isnt on my side.
hii, congratulations on landing that job after so long of searching!!! from what you described though, it does sound super tough at this job, so it’s nice that you’re thinking long term and applying to alternatives :3
it’s okay to feel like you’re not sure what you’re good at, and with experience, you’ll naturally get to understand yourself better :)) it’s very brave of you to be exploring new paths, even though you’re uncertain. this doesn’t make you any lesser than your peers though, we all have different paces in life :))
wishing all the best for you to find a great job soon!!
Hi @Brownbutter you’re so fine, this is a late reply too from me. As much as it’s painful that there are patterns, I’m glad you’ve identified it and have a therapist supporting you in breaking the cycle – that’s always a first, and very brave step. And taking that step means you’re on the road to change, to be where you wanna be!
And I’m not sure if you realise this. You mentioned that you were worried that you were not putting in enough effort to heal yourself and have better self-awareness. But this is self-awareness, and it does mean that you have taken steps to heal yourself
But I hear you, it almost feels like you have to solve your personal issues before you can get a good job or interview. I’m wondering, what does solving your personal issues look like to you?
For me, I learnt over time that I used to see solving as having to totally fix something, but it was only recently that I realised it doesn’t need to be 100% fixed. If it was important enough to fix it totally, it’s important enough to keep going even when it’s just 20% fixed. The path may not lead me exactly where I want to go now, but the goal is important to me that I’ll try to keep going, even though it’s a bit of a scenic route/detour I wonder if this is something that might resonate with you? And if so, how might you turn a crossroad into a new path that you didn’t see before?
I’ve also pivoted into jobs that had nothing to do with my degree not once, but twice! It takes a bit of practice, but we can try reframing this discovery process and approach with curiosity rather than self-blame 
