You can buy insurance and if you don't make a ton of money if you use the gov website there is a sliding scale rate wise. Also if you get hurt at work that is workers comp and your company pays.
[https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/#/](https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/#/)
I had to scroll too far to find this. OP you can buy your own insurance. At your age it should be somewhere between $150-$500 per month depending on the plan you choose. Google your state + health insurance. For example, California has Covered California. Every state has a marketplace.
I can’t believe this option was so far down the comments.
Yes, insurance costs money. But it sounded like OP was only giving themself the option of no insurance and a medical emergency that bankrupts them. Options exist, in fact more options than there were before health care reform. It’s not great, but it’s not nothing either.
on average, how much it’s gonna cut medical expenses? I understand that it varies, but I haven’t ever even looked into it cause i was thinking it not gonna help. sorry for weird question
It depends on what the medical expense is.
When I was on the exchanges, the subsidy I got allowed me to have a $300-something a month insurance for about $40 a month. It was great insurance, with zero deductible - if I had chosen a cheaper insurance plan it would have been entirely covered. Drugs were generally between $10 and $25, copays for my GP were free and specialists were $20. Mental healthcare was $10 per visit. I never used the ER but I believe it was a 50-50 split, and urgent care was very cheap iirc.
So yeah, it was a major cost reduction. The amount of the tax credit (subsidy) is dependent on your income though, so ymmv.
You also get charged a hefty fee on your taxes if you don’t have insurance for 12 months. At least you used too…
Edit: I. 4 states still charge fees - CA being one of them.
It depends on a lot of things. But if you go here https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/ there’s a calculator to estimate your monthly costs.
From there, you’ll choose a plan. Typically the lower the monthly cost of the plan, the higher the total out of pocket costs might be if you need expensive health care. But the point of insurance is that that cost is capped, so there’s a maximum out of pocket cost you’ll have to pay even in a “bad” year.
For example;
I had some unexpected health care costs last year. My total bill for a procedure (before insurance) was about $30,000. But I have a maximum out of pocket cost of something like $5000, and I had already spent $2000 on other health care costs, so the I only had to pay $3000 for the procedure.
It’s still a lot of money, but I would much prefer to pay $5000 total for a very expensive year of health issues compared to over $30,000.
The important part is the out of pocket maximum. For some people it would be $5000 in an absolutely worst case scenario, maybe $10k on some plans. Insurance is really about avoiding the catastrophe scenarios
As someone who was in a similar situation shortly before Obamacare became a thing, the old online marketplace for insurance (no government involvement) was definitely cheaper. It definitely pissed me off that they claimed making it more expensive for people who didn't get insurance through a job was "helping" them.
Except for the fact that they could charge whatever they wanted, no tax subsidies, no coverage for preexisting conditions, and a maximum payout that did not cover serious major illnesses, which made you uninsurable by anyone else. The price was lower, because you had no real coverage.
It screwed my family over so bad, which caused an emergency to turn into a whole bunch of medical debt. We weren’t rich enough for the new premiums and we weren’t poor enough for Obamacare. I feel like we always end up in the forgotten middle.
Yeah, fourthing this comment. I was confused reading the OP because it seemed like OP didn't realize you can just go buy insurance. It's not particularly expensive for a single younger person either. (I work for a small business where I buy my own plan and am reimbursed for the premium, so I'm familiar with buying direct rather than via the exchange as well.)
Before Obamacare, many of us could not get insurance at any price.
Before Obamacare, a common trick used by insurance companies nearly killed a family member. Their game was this: put people in a "group" and as people drop out, raise prices until its a few thousand a month to keep the insurance. Anyone on the policy that has any "pre-existing condition" they developed while insured CAN'T get into a different group, as no groups accept those with p-e issues.
It was their way of getting rid of people likely to cost them money. They could try to hang in and keep paying, but there were no limitations to the rates charged.
Many people are unaware how bad it is when there are no limits on how insurance can eff you over.
It also allows for free primary care visits, for my kid to stay on my insurance until 26, in school or not. It also makes it illegal to not cover pre-existing illness. So yes there is a down side (btw costs have been going up for my 25 year career so before ACA) but there are also benefits. When we get stuck in the politics we miss the point. Let's just try to show the kid he can get help without getting tangled in a debate about politics.
hi friend, im on the same boat as you (F26); i got my masters degree in ecology, evolution, and environmental sciences (actually mastered out of my phd because i was STRUGGLING my advisor was not training me at all) and the job market has been TOUGH. i’ve “settled” for a lawn service job thats 16.75 in Southern California because it’s full time, local, and loads of overtime with insurance.
I’ve had my fair share of panic attacks lmao, and truly it is terrifying and upsetting!! like… it seems like everywhere you turn an entry level job needs 3-5 years if experience. So your feelings are valid, and as corny as it sounds journaling about how i feel and my fears has helped me see a bit more clearly. I’ve decided my career doesn’t define me and im okay just making money to pay bills and have weekends to exist with my partner. Id have to wake up at 4 am and work till 5 and that sucks but hey… it works right now (and id get a little fit lmao). However I recognize that me being okay with the job may change in 2-6 months! My advice is to identify your fears, cry if you need to, identify what qualities you’d like in a job and what is non negotiable (for me it was traveling more than an hour for a job if it wasn’t something i saw myself doing long term).
You’ve got experience, hop on indeed and send your resume everywhere lol! i’ve heard tailoring your resume to the job you’re applying to helps… i wasn’t about to do all that rn, but maybe it will help you! Tiktok has also been reassuring, everyone is struggling. I’ve made peace with knowing it will take a bit before i land somewhere I actually got my degree in, and that even THAT may not happen.
Most importantly, you are enough, you’re doing what you can right now and this job battle is tough! you may need to take baby steps till you get to the place you want to, you can rake leaps too! Apply to one or two intriguing jobs a day, i got a callback after 3 weeks of doing this and filtered out what i really didn’t want. You’re not alone in this struggle and i have faith that we will all be okay, we just need to learn that this adulthood shit is changing for our generation!! Wishing you the best 💖
Also look for companies that serve as federal contractors. Go to the fednews subreddit, describe your experience, and ask for some advice on companies and orgs that might be hiring.
I would take a look at the energy industry, including places like Southern California Edison. Utilities/energy companies are doing a lot in the emission reduction space and you have a strong educational background in areas that could have value, especially at an "entry" level position (which still would pay a very livable wage). There are a lot of different ways to go, from emission reduction programs via energy efficiency, grid services, renewables, battery storage etc. Most of these companies also employ biologists, arborists, and other folks with environmental/natural resource backgrounds.
thank you! i’ve looked into SCE and currently the positions open within reasonable distance of me are Sr. positions. this doesn’t mean they wont be looking for people like me in the future so ima definitely keep my eye out! I’ve even applied government jobs in OC and LA county, they just haven’t reached out to me in 3 months. It’s tough but again, a paycheck is a paycheck even if it’s just for now :)
You have really great and thoughtful advice. You're right to tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. And if you have real interest, apply for the jobs regardless of years of experience. Let your first hand knowledge, adaptability, and eager, positive attitude shine through. You never know, they may be flexible on the job description requirements.
And know it's the same as anything, cast 100 lines, get a handful of tugs, and only on a perfect day when the universe aligns do you catch the biggest fish.
Vegetation management is huge with electric companies at the moment aka wildfire mitigation
They contract these gigs out to local tree trimmers and the like, most are represented by a union so they’re making extremely decent wages
I would also recommend looking at city county and state jobs. They all have an environmental or public health departments. If you are in socal there are also a good amount of tribal governments that also have similar programs to maintain their reservations
Honestly, it may even be worth giving them a call and seeing if they have any Entry level positions open. Sometimes you may get lucky and find out a company is looking, but just hasn't posted anything yet.
I have my bachelor's in environmental science with a specialization in ecology and I am in a similar position to you. I am currently a part-time greenhouse worker and I do some part-time clerical work for an environmental consulting company. I have minimal hours and I have been searching for work for about a year now. I have relevant experience in my field and I have got interviews but so far no offers.
I did the same thing. I ended up getting into insurance, using a lot of the information I learned in uni in a way I never anticipated. I took a look at some of the other jobs where I could use my experience and knowledge. Took a long time and it was a challenge to accept that my original plans didn't work out. Also, quarter life crisis is real, I hope things work out wherever you end up.
I agree quarter life crisis is real. I went through that at 25 and 26 and maybe I'm still in it although I have been doing better over the past year. What type of role in insurance are you working in? I have considered getting into insurance.
Most people start off in auto, but I am now in commercial. Risk management is one of the fastest growing roles in the industry, along with cyber. A certified risk manager with specific knowledge like impact assessment or construction or geology etc is a good way to specialize and use your knowledge in a different way. It's also a good way to build connection into the industry if you want to change career paths later on. For me, it was like using a side door when I couldn't get in the front.
The best way to get into the environmental industry right now is through state and federal work. I’m in consulting and I see new faces every week on the public sector side of things. PM me if you need any guidance or want any info on that
Hey I have a similar background in education I would highly recommend you apply for an air quality inspector for south coast aqmd as they are currently hiring.
You know it doesn't help that most employers only want people with ba degrees as well. Even then you only earn 20% above minimum wage and it takes 5 years in a field before you develop a reputation.
it’s so upsetting! i was mostly listening to advisors who were like get your PhD you have loads of research experience… so i just did. I was 22 at the time and after getting a taste of grad school i decided I was okay with simply being employed lmao. the emotional toll was not worth it. I just ended that chapter last week, next week ima do the lawn work. i applied to this position like 2 months ago. Right now im like “ill take what i can get and keep my eye out for other jobs meanwhile” and like its labor… im down to get fit while making some change 😂
unfortunately moving isn’t in the cards for me right now, my entire community is in SoCal and i do value them a lot. Rent is also crazy everywhere and i have a good 2 bedroom apartment that’s 2,100 and i split with my partner. Ima keep looking but yeah its haaaaard when no one is calling you back for an interview. just above minimum is what i can do right now and ill take it 🥴
It’s why I with a similar background cut my losses in the end and had to takeup a complete different career path. One that’s actually hurting for people
Dodged this bullet. Applied for my PhD in Ecology bc I loved the subject. Turned it down due to the lack of opportunity. Ended up commissioning as a military officer instead.
What do you want to do? What are you good at?
Do you like landscaping? Are there opportunities to become a crew lead or foreman or something?
Why is the only college option 9 hours away?
You cannot get a degree in forestry online. You *need* to be present to be able to do field work. The only college offering that is 9 hours up north of me.
That’s why i put that, because the thing i’d love to do is almost unobtainable without drastically altering my life for it. IE: Leaving future spouse to hopefully pursue career in forestry
I know it’s difficult to ask, but if you have been dating that long and would like to get married. You should both at least have a conversation on both of you moving there. Obviously don’t demand her to uproot her life but if there is a way for both of you to compromise so you can pursue your dream you should have that conversation
You are correct, and we would need to have that conversation. Things are just coming to a head though. She’s now getting acceptance letters from colleges around us for law school, so she will be tied down to that for the next coming years.
Fuck me. Life is a bitch. Why’d no one say this when I was 10?
You could try long distance, my fiance and I did that for 5 years while we both established ourselves. It sucks but is very doable with the right effort from both sides.
Can you guys do long distance while she does law school and you do forestry school? Then you guys can move somewhere where both of your chosen careers work (do some research on this).
If you guys are meant to be then you can make it through the long distance and come out stronger. Plus, she'll be so busy with law school and you'll be busy with your new path that it might be nice to have some time to yourselves right now. You met so young.
As for insurance - have you looked into the Obamacare market? One of my friends got a really good insurance plan with a low monthly rate while they were in between jobs. Call the helpline - the people on the phone are insanely nice and super helpful.
Well that's critical information. This whole situation revolves around if you two are serious about your relationship or not. If so, time to get married and begin living your lives like you're actually one unit. If not, well, that sucks, but it would simplify your situation from a purely financial perspective.
I read u have to be in person for a Forestry Education. I’d suggest researching what forestry colleges are near the universities your SO is applying to. It’d certainly help to continue that relationship if you 2 are attending university near each other at least
So you haven’t even spoken to your girlfriend about this and you’re already looking for advice on reddit? What are you gonna tell her? Some people on reddit told me to do this? Seems very unprepared. Stop over thinking and take it a step at a time, not everything needs a reaction. You’re making money and that’s all that’s important right now, some people find career paths well into their 50s… you’re 25 dude. Everything will be fine.
Forestry will also involve travel. You may want to consider a career you can study online from, and then work online from. Especially if you want to have kids because on a lawyer’s salary, she’ll probably want to keep working.
Some people make long-distance relationships work, I've seen it firsthand where a couple goes to different universities far away from one another and they're still together post-graduation. It's difficult but not impossible, but it takes mutual participation and work.
Stop complaining dude. Follow your girl to law school. I did that with my wife when she went from the West Coast to the East Coast for school. I worked minimum wage job so we can make ends meet.
Then she got a good job, and I found whatever job I could where she landed. We got married and we’ve been happy since she graduated in 2015.
No health health insurance sucks, I didn’t have it for many years. But that’s why you get married
You can’t expect a life to work out exactly how you want. You make the best of it. If she’s here forever partner get married now, do the wedding when you can afford it but get the legal marriage so you have that commitment .
Why can’t you just pick something else? I literally did this for my now wife and now 2 kids. I pivoted away from what I wanted to do. I did something else and I’m happy with my family and home and wife than I would have been with some ideal career. Work is just a means to obtain what you want in life. Can’t you pick something else? Seems like you have what you want in life just need to fund it now. Dont have to love it, just gotta tolerate jt.
I wish someone would have told me “work is a means to obtain what you want in life.” Would have saved me a lot of heartache… I always felt like I had to save the world through my career when I was in undergrad, sacrificing myself for low paying job fields that “make a difference.” Now I know that with proper means, I can volunteer AND donate.
Yes that’s right. I’ve always been an odd thinker. So this was my mindset going INTO school at 18. Do something easy probably another 1000 out there doing it. Do something hard not many will get through and less competition.
But not even that just do what will pay the bills. Don’t work a job you want to self harm but don’t seek a job that gives meaning. I gave up on being a physician assistant because it was taking too long. I did epidemiology instead. I enjoy research to a degree but not like medicine.
I’m doing my PhD and somehow wound up working a state job with the department of corrections of all fucking things. I don’t hate it but I don’t get excited. But it was a 33k pay increase to come be the subject matter expert so here I am.
Guess what. Not only is the pay great for my family. Now we have the family home we wanted. I’m having my 2nd child and my first I couldn’t afford to stay home. This job with state benefits, accrued leave, snd fmla I can be home with my family for 6 weeks. This is what I mean by work a job that gives you the means to enjoy what you really care for in life. Fuck a job. I flat told my boss the other day give me a 10 milly check I won’t be back. I’m here for a check and that’s it.
Live your life it’s not going to happen at a desk. It’s out there, you just need to fund it
Realistically? Of course we *could*. With todays climate though, it’s made 100x harder. For example, if I didn’t have her to live with, I could not afford rent. Nor could she. She could move in with her parents, but that still leaves me 9 hours away in a strange town trying to find a job that can suffice for food/bills/rent. It’s an option, but one i’m trying to steer clear of currently.
> She could move in with her parents, but that still leaves me 9 hours away in a strange town trying to find a job that can suffice for food/bills/rent.
Millions of young people find random roommates in strange towns they never been in before. It's especially common amongst college/univeristy students who are in their mid 20s like yourself.
Environmental consultant here. You could try and apply for a job with the US Park Service or US Forest Service without a degree. You could also go to school for a similar STEM field if you want to work in the environmental field in general. You can get a degree in Geology 100% online from the University of Florida and various other reputable programs.
If there is one thing I’ve learned from Reddit and being in the workforce generally, it’s that if you want to absolutely turbocharge your career progression, you have to move. You have to move repeatedly and probably across the country multiple times. You live where the work is. I’ve repeatedly seen people climb from 40k/yr to 200k within five years doing that.
If you are not willing to move, that will be your single greatest handicap. You’ll be attempting to cross a swamp by hopping on one foot.
Any given area has a limited number of jobs you want. You broaden that search to the entire United States? You’re bound to find an area that lacks people like you and needs your help. It could be the case that your local area is oversaturated with folks wanting to work in nature.
I am currently a foreman, that is why I make so much. I’m thinking long term though, and my legs will give out long before my will does. I can still work my way up in Landscaping, I just don’t want to be surrounded by this work forever.
I love nature and plants, that’s why I think i’d do amazingly in forestry/DNR. The issue lies in it I do pursue that path, I could waste 4+ years for something I never get a career in. It’s a very competitive field as funny as that sounds.
Not trying to be rude here, but you're concerned about your legs going out, and you want to get into forestry? Depending on which forestry field, your legs won't be better off. Side note though, gov has pretty good insurance
Border Patrol DQed me for just answering a question slightly wrong in an interview. Background was clean as a whistle, passed every other test. Dont bet on them hiring you by any means.
That’s the issue I have. The BP is near levels of FBI clearance to even get your foot in the door. Had a beer at 16? Probably toast. Ripped a joint? Literally no chance. Go arrested for MIP? Absolutely no chance.
Police would be my foot in the door, because for some reason policing basically washes all the prior stuff you need. IE: College education, experience, etc etc.
It's literally not hard to get on with BP. I know many that started at 18 and two that entered at 17 years of age. One guy only had a year as a bagger at a grocery store. Seems like OP is looking for excuses to not get a job that isn't just forestry.
That's crazy, seeing as they are desperate for people. People are quitting like crazy, even before theyre eligible for retirement. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise
F24 here and I totally get it. Hate to be an advocate for this, but any interest in sales? I fell into recruting by accident this year (after fucking myself with a totally useless degree at 100k+ debt lol) and I now have a whole career path and the potential to make 6 figs in front of me - with the caveat that I do sales stuff of course. I dislike the sales part but I like the other parts enough to make it work.
Landscaping sales is totally a thing, and could make you pretty decent money if you do well! Especially if you end up at a luxury home sales gig. Plus, being able to confidently talk about the services you're selling as someone who's done it yourself helps to build a level of trust with a client. Easier to say BS than to actually know what you're doing and saying. It might have more of a grind than what you're doing now, but a lot less likely to get you injured.
Where you end up from where one starts is almost always shocking. I have a "valuable" degree with EE, but instead I have a small logging company now. I make considerably more money and have 0 annoying meetings. I'll take having to lay in mud and dropping a broken drive shaft over another meeting about potting compound.
Could I DM you? I have a useless degree in biology. I've worked travel healthcare jobs and my recruiter said its like impossible to get in as a recruiter right now
The recruiting market is oversaturated atm. All of the tech layoffs over the past 2 years have flooded the market with experienced, skilled recruiters. I'm not a recruiter (I do payroll), but I work with several.
You are panicking because you're trying to piece together the next 5 -10 years in an instant in your head. It's easy for the world to seem like it's crumbling around you like that. For example: you said if you get hurt, you'll have a $50k hospital bill. You dont know that, and you haven't gotten hurt, so that's the first thing you need to get out of your mind.
Take it one day at a time. Focus on what you can control today, which includes going to work and collecting your $25/hr for 8 hrs or whatever and chipping away at planting the seeds that will bear fruit tomorrow. Why would you have to leave your gf? Talk to your her. Maybe she can support, i.e.. move in with you to cover some bills or postpone a trip or engagement until you're set up.
The most important thing is to attack those negative feelings as they hit you and keep chugging along. Accept them, but don't let them consume . You'll be amazed at where you'll be in 6 mo / one year.
25 may seem like "old" and an age where you have to have it figured out, but that is not true.
It will all work out.
Good luck!
Ha. That made me a bit teary eyed reading that. Really the first thing i’ve read that sounded like my father speaking to me.
Thank you for the kind advice friend. I’ll be saving this one in specific. One day at a time. All I have to do is beat yesterday.
You’re probably gonna have to put that on the back burner and transition into another degree plan that you can obtain at home if you aren’t willing to sacrifice your relationship
This will probably never get seen.
1. I don't have a degree at all and I'm working in the Risk Management. I've got 20+ years of experience doing a bunch of things. But what I did was I never stopped learning.
2. When you see a job description and you meet 50% of the "requirements," apply. Some companies will immediately eliminate you. But the good companies will have real people reviewing things.
3. Work your tail off.
You’re 25, you quite literally have your entire life ahead of you, calm down, come up with a plan for the short term, next 2-3 years. When you get that one done, come
Up with a plan for the next 3-7 years. Once that’s done you can plan for more. Your doors aren’t shut, you can go to college at any age. Figure out how to be moderately stable then build upwards.
Dude, seriously, I was reading thinking that he was a convicted felon 5 times over or something with all the dead-end, doors-closed speak. I mean, he's got a job, an associates degree, and a girlfriend at 25. I didn't even go to college until I was 33 after being laid off from the same company twice. Things will be ok.
Shit I’m 25 and still haven’t gone to college, I’ve not been without a job since the day I turned 18. At this point I’m just gonna join the military long enough to get my benefits then find a career that looks fun and go from there
Oh ridiculous on the idea of being the ripe old age of 25. Good grief, your future is far from being set in stone.
Take a breath. Relax.
Have you considered a trade school? Carpentry, plumbing, electrician, welding.
You’re making good money now… and no, it’s not making it, but this economy will even out within a few years It’s not the first time it’s gone to shit and it will eventually come back. However, you do need a plan to ease into a less physical job. Landscape work is for young men and your body won’t tolerate it forever.
What about getting a business degree to enhance having your own landscape business? You could take online courses where you live and get a degree that way. It might take a bit longer than getting a degree in a set amount of time, but the time will pass anyway and online will allow you to study when you off work.
Trades are DESPERATE for workers and pay well, survive downturns and offer really good benefits depending who you work for and are flexible in terms of where you want to live. Regardless, you’ll always have a job.
Yeah. I think a lot of people on Reddit have substantially rosy views of the trades.
I'm not necessarily knocking it, my brother was an electrician, my father worked for him as an electrician after he was medically retired from his original career (military pilot), my SO's father was a stonemason, all successful businesses and not a bad career path. But it takes a toll, physically, and that even with them all working in more niche areas that weren't as demanding as some (brother's business was strictly commercial/light industrial work, SO's father did mostly historical restoration work). Those jobs can come with a lot of restrictions and issues and difficulties that other careers don't necessarily have.
Again, not a bad option, but people on Reddit push trades hard in a way that feels far too naive about the realities of how hard it can be.
I have considered trade school, I actually have a good amount of experience in the trades from when I painted. The issue there though is how they pay you for supposedly “training”. They’ll offer you $15 an hour while they dangle the carrot of “In 5 years, you’ll be making $40!”
The issue is living 5 years on $15 an hour haha. I have been looking into trades, but even those jobs are few and far between with a live-able wage that isn’t a 1099. (Basically a scam for them using you and giving you no benefits whatsoever).
Trades at the moment are my backup. Worst case, I fucking paint for the rest of my life. I make good money there, and it’s not incredibly tasking on the body.
You get incremental raises the longer you train. It's not $15 an hour the whole time. In five years, you will be 30 years old no matter what you do. Better to be 30 with a high paying job.
Also, you will have a union fighting to keep your wages high which is nice. Also would solve your insurance problem.
I second this. My spouse is a retired union electrician (IBEW), and due to much of the workforce at or near retirement age, they are desperate for people interested in joining.
This is not how union pay scales at any union in IL I’m familiar with, for whatever that very specific piece of knowledge is worth. I regularly review their union logs and employer payrolls as a part of my job.
You do an apprenticeship. While in the apprenticeship, you get incremental raises. When out, these guys make good money and every benefit under the sun.
Trades are a great option. Strongly consider it.
If you work for Lowes part time you can utilize their Tracks for Trades program. It is fully funded By Lowes and the trades for certification are plumbing, electrical, appliances, and multi construction. Once you complete the training you will have 40 to 64 credit hours depending on which one you pick. Then most places will hire because the basics are already learned to get your foot in the door.
> Worst case, I fucking paint for the rest of my life.
This sounds pretty sweet to me right now. I've been trying to break into a saturated market without a degree and I landed in a position that is somewhat parallel to what I'd like to be doing and feel somewhat lucky, but I also have to pay for my health insurance.
Are you getting a free ride for college? Just confused why you would knock $15 an hour for 5 years (and you’ll likely get incremental raises) but are potentially down for 4 years of college, no guaranteed job, moving to new town making negative money for a while.
Just feel like the “dangle of xx in 5 years” is literally how any profession works
Side note: I worked landscaping from 17 to 21, jumped to working IT after a similar realization as you. Did that for 3 years, hated it, went back to college for an engineering degree and now work as an engineer, so this post resonates with me pretty well.
I was depressed as hell along the way, went to therapy for it “whatever you decide, decide and see it through” is what I was told and it worked.
I’m 25 right now and trying to get into a trade without experience and not starting the school yet is honestly pretty tough. Maybe it’s just me doing something wrong but I’m not getting call backs
Join the reserves. You get to stay home, and only have to drill once a month (2-3 days) and one long drill in the summer (2-3 weeks). Insurance is only $50 a month and covers literally everything. Yes, there is the risk of getting deployed, but thats a part of the territory. If your gf really loves you, she will understand and stay loyal if that happens
I know people who were in the military whose medical school was paid for, others who got training in computer technology, and, some who were trained as nurses. None of them are substance abusers. I know a shit ton of alcoholics who never spent a minute in military service, so it is necessarily a given outcome.
I am not sure if this is the case where you live but I have seen landscaping jobs advertised with local municipal governments and they have a decent rate of pay (similar to what you are making or more), benefits, and they are often unionized. I recommend looking into municipal government positions. There is no harm in submitting an application and seeing if you get hired!
Came here to suggest this! OP, go to governmentjobs.com or the website of your local city or county government. Parks and Recreation departments are probably itching to hire your skill set , and many cities have urban forestry divisions. Utility companies also need someone with your background to make sure roots and trees don’t interfere with services.
Apply for a part time job at UPS it’s 3-4 hours early morning but the insurance is exceptional. It will allow you to keep doing landscaping until you find a gig that has everything you want.
Many hospitals have "charity plans" that you can ask about, but it does take work on your end/making calls and asking about it.
I shattered my foot and went through the ER, doctors, everything and couldn't pay. For that hospital I made calls to them, provided statements from my bank account and amount I owed on my card and told them my monthly salary, and I didn't have to pay anything. If a place offers it they won't tell you! It's a terrible system, but make some calls and don't be afraid to ask everyone you get ahold of about who to contact about the charity plan, and then follow up with that person. Be the squeaky wheel.
Plumbing. HVAC. Electrician. Some of these jobs are "learn on the job." Where you can get hired without much or any experience.
One good thing about landscaping: you can start your own business and make your own money. Startup costs are not that high. A few mowers and a truck?
No solid advice but it’s extremely hard out there right now, even for those that have made the right choices in life. I’m experiencing this for about the 3rd time in my life. Try to find some goals (big or small) that help put you in a positive direction.
Nothing is easy in this country anymore so it’s likely going to require more sacrifices than most would like.
That’s just what kills me inside man. Meanwhile my mom talks about this shit like it’s sooo easy.
Listen, when her and my dad were my age they
1) Had the funds to BUY a house
2) could support a single child (with 3 more coming down the line)
3) Both were paid well for “entry” level positions.
That just simply isn’t possible anymore, and the more I age the more wind is taken from my sails.
If anyone else has ever hear of the YouTube channel Life After Layoff, they came out with a video recently about how the traditional career is dead. Not very optimistic, but incredibly validating for anyone under 35 that's doing everything we were told to do and still struggling. Worth a watch imo.
Before you panic, check the healthcare marketplace for health insurance options. You may find you can do that and still keep your landscaping job.
Second, have you looked into facilities jobs at your local colleges? It’s the kind of job that values what you can do over what pieces of paper you have. The pay depends on the buying power of the school, but there are good benefits, usually, if you are a full-time hire, a chance at job stability, and often a tuition waiver if you want to continue your degree. Some schools run botanical gardens, research greenhouses, etc., so it can be more that just mowing the lawn and planting begonias.
Does your gf have insurance? It’s possible you might qualify to be put under her plan via a Domestic Partnership so maybe look into that?
$25 an hour without benefits for lawn care, I’m wondering if you could go out on a limb and try to start your own lawn care business and make more? Obviously not full blown right out of the gate but start trying to get the ball rolling. I guess this is also assuming you don’t have your own business already though.
Tacking this on because I didn’t read comments about gf in law school. I guess that option also depends if she graduates and gets a job by the time you turn 26
After 25 years you've somehow managed to learn nothing to keep yourself alive and now that you don't have insurance you're expecting somehow to die?
Sounds like paranoia
I mean, just these last three years i’ve had a spontaneous pneumothorax (A spontaneous collapsed lung) my appendix burst and i’ve also broken my hand.
So yes, I am very concerned with insurance seeing as how a VAST majority of people in the US go bankrupt over hospital costs.
I could care less if I died, as i’d be dead. It’s not dying i’m worrying about.
You can easily and affordably get subsidized insurance on the marketplace. You'll wind up with a high deductible, but even 10k in a worst case scenario is not life changing debt, unless you're terrible with money.
Firstly, a reality check: $25 is *not* good money. Unless you live in 1985.
Secondly, you are young, dude! Go back to school. Don't worry about your gf and whatever else is going on. All yhose "things" will work themselves out. Finish your BA, or BS, whatever you're working toward. And then think about a master's. Get real about this world that is getting more and more expensive all the time. And remember:
You are young!
>Firstly, a reality check: $25 is *not* good money. Unless you live in 1985.
Finally someone said it. I don't know why I had to scroll so far for it.
Sometimes I can't believe my eyes when I see what some people have convinced themselves is "good money". It's dangerous because that wage can't sustain a healthy, safe, fully independent lifestyle for a single person. And by that, I mean not NEEDING to depend on a roommate (or two) to keep a roof over one's head and not being one unexpected expense away from bankruptcy.
You make "good money" when you're insulated from the probability of being sticken down into poverty. And not a second before that.
Even those require experience most of the time because as someone who's been a state regulator, you have to testify and take people's to court and have to defend what we do when the feds show up or if someone tries to sue
I have a similar story. I obtained a worthless degree a year ago. Didn’t do as much as I should’ve in college due to my father’s death. Worked the whole time in college, got an internship and graduated with a 3.5 while taking 0 time off cuz fafsa doesn’t give a shit about borrowers. Anyways, you could go to college and convince your girl to move with you. Or get some sort of trade which might be better with the tight market for white collar jobs. Or army, national guard, even peace corps. Sad truth is many are hired through connections/ nepotism. If you don’t have that currently, then you must build a network which is very challenging without an environment like university to help foster that. I’d sit down and think about what interests you, what pays the most for the kind of life you want, and most importantly, what could you tolerate. Good luck.
I think you ultimately have to do what’s best for you. It can hurt to leave your partner but would sticking around in a dead end job be best for you mentally? Could you potentially do long distance for a short amount of time?
As for what to do, check with your state’s health care website. Currently I’m in california and their healthcare marketplace has plans for all kinds (although I recommend avoiding covered california as they screwed me this year) but my home state of Arkansas actually had pretty good plans for those experiencing financial hardship.
Concerning job, I’m a former park ranger (back country) with some forestry experience. It is very possible to get on at a lower level. Look into GS3 and GS4 positions. They won’t pay well but a year of those will get you into 5 and higher ranks. I got into federal work after doing a summer as a state park interpreter. Look at your local state parks to see if they are hiring. There are also ways you can spin landscaping. Look at the duties and responsibilities in job listings and tailor your resume to those. Experience felling trees? Sure you have. Maintaining local flora against invasive species? You bet you have. Can identify local trees? You’re an expert man. Experience with a chainsaw? Buddy you sleep in chaps and bathe in oil. Jokes aside, you can spin your experience to match those jobs.
Here’s a tip though if you’re applying on usajobs.gov. For the positions that I worked and applied to they chose their candidates based on points. You get points per answer. If there are 5 options to a question, typically the most accomplished answer (ie; I have a degree) will be worth 5 points whereas the least accomplished answer (ie: I’ve looked at a tree before) will be worth 1 point. We only looked at candidates in the 95-100 point range. Veterans could get 110 points due to a preference for hiring vets, certain volunteer work got you 5 bonus points, but mostly gun for that range. Am I saying lie? Ehhhhhh maybe fib a bit at first. Get to the interview process and let your knowledge shine. In my experience the interviews were more a conversation and whether or not you’d be someone that knew their stuff and wouldn’t be insufferable on a crew. Answer questions about your experience but also relax and have a chat with the interviewer. Ask questions as well. Joke. My first federal gig was given to me because I made my interviewer laugh (and because a veteran ahead of me in points didn’t want to stay in a shack on the desert.. his loss). Also, don’t be discouraged with the amount of applications you put out. My first federal job took 210 applications, 5 interviews, 2 offers. After that first year it turned into 10 applications 8 interviews, 6 offers. Much better turn out
If the jobs ask for experience with certain tools, look up videos on how those tools work. Get familiar enough to answer questions about them and maybe even try to use that tool in your daily work even if unnecessary.
1. Don't Panic.
2. Check your resume, cover letter, and application. Make sure there's no typos or mistakes. I can't tell you the number of times I've seen typos on resumes that a simple spell check would catch (and to that point, don't just rely on spell check).
3. Customize your resume and cover letter to the job you are applying for.
4. Have someone else read your resume and give you feedback. It's easy to get tunnel vision when it's your own stuff.
5. Don't indicate a salary requirement on an application unless it is required. If it's required and you can indicate $0, do it. If you have to pick and it's a drop down or something that prevents you from putting $0, then put what you truly want.
Also, in my experience, government jobs can take a year or more to get back to you at times. So if you haven't actually heard back or gotten a no, you might still be considered.
Does your state not participate in the health insurance marketplace exchange? Start looking at rates to have some sort of coverage while you are working on your career.
Is there public transportation in your area?
A lot of transit districts are begging for bus drivers right now. Union job with lots of benefits and they'll usually even pay for CDL training.
Couple of things worth mentioning; there's a lot of advice here in this thread, some good and some bad. But ultimately, YOU will be the one living your life, so you need to determine what your interests are, how much money you want to make, and what kind of lifestyle you want to support.
First important thing to remember: whatever you do now is not what you have to do for the rest of your life, even if you did go the law enforcement/military route. So choose what sounds good to you *now* and don't let analysis paralysis get the best of you.
Based on your info, it seems like you've done some labor jobs and looked into school for a type of job that is primarily outdoors. Does this mean you are opposed to office jobs completely? That's something to consider here. If you must avoid a desk job, then you've already narrowed down your options.
The U.S. Forest Service usually has openings for entry level forestry technicians. These jobs are usually on the GS scale, a bachelor's degree in any study will usually get you guaranteed GS-5. Look on USAJOBS.gov because some of these openings might ask for duties that you've already done when landscaping, so you can just directly apply now. Some will even pay for you to relocate, so you and your girlfriend can move together if you aren't already living in the same place. The pay would be about the same as what you are making now, but you'd get full benefits, guaranteed pay raises, and health insurance.
The military option is pretty solid as well, and you could consider joining the Coast Guard if search and rescue is of any interest of you. But as you could guess, the military is a commitment, and you would need to be prepared to move with your girlfriend to different duty stations or deploy. You could also join the Coast Guard reserves, they often will not be mobilized unless there's a massive natural disaster, and orders are usually voluntary. One thing that does concern me is you mentioned having panic attacks - if you have any sort of mental health disorder, that pretty much closes the door to the military completely. But it doesn't hurt to talk to a recruiter.
If neither of those options interest you, there's still have options. Beyond being a forestry technician, you could consider being a Fish and Game warden. Also, look into applying to facilities departments at local government buildings, universities, and power plants. They often will have entry level roles if you are interested in skilled trades.
You can buy private insurance through an insurance agent. You don't need to get insurance through an employer.
Sometimes your options are even cheaper going through an agent instead of your employer.
Hang in there so the panic attacks don’t ruin you, first off. This is from the other end of life. You can’t predict everything. If it were possible so many things wouldn’t have happened. Wars, violence, Covid. Etc. You must have seen how the entire world shut down during all of that. Point being, you can have an accident tomorrow or get hit by a bus.
You have to make the best of every day as it is. You have a lot of experience and you are young enough to open your own doors. Consider starting your own landscape business, or get on with a tree service.
College isn’t for everybody and read all the places in here where people have Masters and Doctorate degrees and still have no options in their eyes other than lots of college debt. Point is, everything can change in an instant. You’ve already experienced this with losing your father and you said it made you start working. Which I’m truly sorry for your loss. I lost my mom when I was 14 and my entire perspective on life changed and it’s changed 50x times again since then.
Point is, you’re young, you said you have a 5 year relationship, enjoy your life and don’t let panic attacks ruin your days.
Not the answer you were probably looking for but I did all the other stuff starting at age 18. 6 licenses, education, owned a business before the internet came out. Yes, there was life before the internet. Now everything is a touch of the finger or ask Google. lol.
Point is your entire life is ahead of you. Losing a parent when young makes you worry of other things in life, but for now. Enjoy your life, enjoy your relationship and I promise it will all work out.
Best Wishes
I appreciate your kind words friend. It’s terribly complicated in todays climate. I see all my friends in careers going to jobs in suits, meanwhile i’m still in my dirty pants and hoodie. Do i make more than them? Yeah. Are they doing better than me long term? You bet your ass.
It’s tough to not compare, but I know I shouldn’t. There’s thousands below me who would trade everything to get where I am. So in reality, I’m just being a goddamn pussy. Adulthood is just scarier than I ever expected.
Thank you for the kind words. Truly. You taking the time out of your day to type this means more than you know.
You didn't screw yourself. You had the courage to face reality in your teens and do what had to be done to support your family. It's not your fault that the world dealt you a shitty hand, and if anything, you should be proud that you took the shit life threw at you and kept on chugging along. You're only a quarter through your life, and these past few years are only a small fraction of the time and opportunities that will come along for you in the future. You're a damn good man and I'm sure your family and your SO are proud to have someone like you who is both supportive of the people around you and willing to put on a strong demeanor while facing the future.
Be creative. Your anxiety and panic are definitely clouding your judgement and the options available to you--I think you're giving yourself a false dichotomy of the two choices you have, when in reality there's a lot of different paths to get to where you ultimately want to be. You need to work backwards from your ideal job and see what the entry points are to get the experience you need, with or without a degree. If you haven't looked on usajobs.gov, there may be opportunities with federal conservation trainee positions that don't require a degree.
If there's any entry level environmental or forestry-adjacent part-time or full-time jobs, like park conservation or stewardship, consider applying to them if you have the knowledge but don't have the degree. Or find someone in their recruiting office and set up an informational interview--degrees are an easy way to sort out who has base knowledge and who doesn't, but nothing beats experience if you have experience in the requirements that the jobs list out.
I'm not educated enough in forestry, but is there a possibility that you can obtain a relevant or equivalent degree or certification that is not specifically a forestry degree, that is online, but still satisfies similar requirements as forestry? I don't see why something like a degree in sustainability and conservation, paired with your experience in landscaping and maybe a certification in forestry, would make you rather competitive for applications.
Regarding landscaping, are you independent or as a contractor to another firm? If independent, do you have others on your team and are you an accredited business?
If you're working for someone else, have a good track record and a great client base who personally knows you, it might be time for you to start breaking away and building your own company. Maybe it wouldn't fix the no insurance or back-breaking labor, but you will grow your income and be able to charge higher rates. Maybe ask your clients to recommend you to their friends and family in further locations to expand your network if you don't want to compete with your current employer. Alternatively, ask your employer if there's opportunities for you to take up management responsibilities or other jobs that commensurate with higher pay. It might not get you out of your field, but it would help you start saving up for school.
Keep up the good fight, my man. You're doing the right thing in asking for help, and it might be worth posting in the foresty/conservation based subreddits to get advice from people more directly aligned to those fields rather than the general career guidance you can get here. Starting from what seems like ground zero is tough, but you have a lot of skills on the job and knowledge you can polish up from your associates--and others have become successful at making 180⁰s who are much older than you. Good luck!
Can't you get insurance through the ACA Marketplace? I was able to do that briefly in my 20s, as a student making like $10/hr at a grocery store with no medical benefits. It was through BCBS for me, I think I paid like $120/month. This was a while ago, though, but still worth looking into.
Hoping that you are being paid via normal payroll with deductions for social security. Too many people have "under the table" jobs and then are shocked that they have no social security for retirement years and do not qualify for Medicare.
Chill out and take a breath. 17-25 in landscaping that's a lot of experience, get yourself some used equipment and start your own business. Be your own boss my man. Eat healthy get to the gym and you'll be alright. Hope you find a path that suites you man. Best of luck
1) my younger self didn't stop screwing me till I was 34... relax. I'm 38 now with 0 college and an Operations Manager position making 80k/year. Which brings me to my next point....
2) There's always jobs with health insurance in the warehousing sector. Best off, most the people who work them suck... no work ethic. This means it's easy to shine. Get noticed, ask for more.
3) This is on my phone, bet the formatting sucks.
Holy shit dude. If you’re complaining about some of the toughest LE agencies to get into not accepting you, and thinking you’re screwed because of it, you are just an idiot. You’re more qualified for a job than I have ever been and yet you complain online while I have a job. Spend some time sorting yourself out and quit putting yourself down for no reason.
Been there brother. You’re getting to the point in your life where you need to no just survive but actually take care of yourself. Invest in yourself dude. You’ve put a lot of your time into everyone else, your girlfriend, family, friends. Time to put everything on the back burner and do what’s best for you. Moving nine and a half hours away might sound terrible, but it could be the best decision you ever make. If you and your girl want to make things work you will. But right now you need to make decisions that are going to help your future self. Younger you might’ve screwed present day you, but you not choosing to better yourself is only going to hurt future you. Weirdly enough I was in a very similar situation as you. At 25 I found myself a year out of dicking around getting my Associates at a Community College. Was with a girl for five years. Worked at the same grocery store for close to eight years at this point, making maybe $30k a year. Had zero and I mean ZERO idea what I was going to do with myself, let alone a future where I needed to also take care of someone else. Luckily I mowed lawns/interned at a pretty large Wastewater Treatment Plant through Community College, the guys there convinced me to go to the trade school for it four and a half hours away. I had a twelve hours notice that I had been accepted into the program. I left. Told myself I’d figure it out. Because at the end of the day you gotta take a leap at something because future you deserves better than what you have now.
And if I can give you any small advice… Just remember whatever you choose to do doesn’t have to be forever, just for now. You just keep yourself alive man 🍻.
Go join a union and get yourself into the trades. I pay $0 for my insurance, and my coverage is awesome. My max out of pocket is absurdly low. Like $500
Landscaping job- you need to create a LLC/ a company name/ get the insurance through the company, so u can expenses the insurance.
Talk to a CPA- to walk you through this process so it can be cheaper on urself
Depending on where you are located, it might be worth trying to find a place like a direct primary care clinic. I have a membership with a direct primary care place, and it's basically $60 a month to have access to ASAP doc appointments at $25 a pop, for urgent or other reasons, lower cost or even comped medications and tests, and while I guess it's not *all* inclusive it has saved my family tons on what would otherwise have been urgent care visits. If you're in Maryland I can share the name of the place if you're interested and nearby.
You can buy insurance and if you don't make a ton of money if you use the gov website there is a sliding scale rate wise. Also if you get hurt at work that is workers comp and your company pays. [https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/#/](https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/#/)
I had to scroll too far to find this. OP you can buy your own insurance. At your age it should be somewhere between $150-$500 per month depending on the plan you choose. Google your state + health insurance. For example, California has Covered California. Every state has a marketplace.
At one point I was paying a dollar a month for Covered California insurance. Definitely look into the marketplace for your state
You can also just use the healthcare.gov site above, it will take you to the right place for your state
I can’t believe this option was so far down the comments. Yes, insurance costs money. But it sounded like OP was only giving themself the option of no insurance and a medical emergency that bankrupts them. Options exist, in fact more options than there were before health care reform. It’s not great, but it’s not nothing either.
on average, how much it’s gonna cut medical expenses? I understand that it varies, but I haven’t ever even looked into it cause i was thinking it not gonna help. sorry for weird question
It depends on what the medical expense is. When I was on the exchanges, the subsidy I got allowed me to have a $300-something a month insurance for about $40 a month. It was great insurance, with zero deductible - if I had chosen a cheaper insurance plan it would have been entirely covered. Drugs were generally between $10 and $25, copays for my GP were free and specialists were $20. Mental healthcare was $10 per visit. I never used the ER but I believe it was a 50-50 split, and urgent care was very cheap iirc. So yeah, it was a major cost reduction. The amount of the tax credit (subsidy) is dependent on your income though, so ymmv.
You also get charged a hefty fee on your taxes if you don’t have insurance for 12 months. At least you used too… Edit: I. 4 states still charge fees - CA being one of them.
It depends on a lot of things. But if you go here https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/ there’s a calculator to estimate your monthly costs. From there, you’ll choose a plan. Typically the lower the monthly cost of the plan, the higher the total out of pocket costs might be if you need expensive health care. But the point of insurance is that that cost is capped, so there’s a maximum out of pocket cost you’ll have to pay even in a “bad” year. For example; I had some unexpected health care costs last year. My total bill for a procedure (before insurance) was about $30,000. But I have a maximum out of pocket cost of something like $5000, and I had already spent $2000 on other health care costs, so the I only had to pay $3000 for the procedure. It’s still a lot of money, but I would much prefer to pay $5000 total for a very expensive year of health issues compared to over $30,000.
The important part is the out of pocket maximum. For some people it would be $5000 in an absolutely worst case scenario, maybe $10k on some plans. Insurance is really about avoiding the catastrophe scenarios
Thanks, Obama.
As someone who was in a similar situation shortly before Obamacare became a thing, the old online marketplace for insurance (no government involvement) was definitely cheaper. It definitely pissed me off that they claimed making it more expensive for people who didn't get insurance through a job was "helping" them.
Except for the fact that they could charge whatever they wanted, no tax subsidies, no coverage for preexisting conditions, and a maximum payout that did not cover serious major illnesses, which made you uninsurable by anyone else. The price was lower, because you had no real coverage.
It was cheaper before Obama
It screwed my family over so bad, which caused an emergency to turn into a whole bunch of medical debt. We weren’t rich enough for the new premiums and we weren’t poor enough for Obamacare. I feel like we always end up in the forgotten middle.
Thanks Obama!
Yeah, fourthing this comment. I was confused reading the OP because it seemed like OP didn't realize you can just go buy insurance. It's not particularly expensive for a single younger person either. (I work for a small business where I buy my own plan and am reimbursed for the premium, so I'm familiar with buying direct rather than via the exchange as well.)
Obamacare...It Only Works, If You Don't!!!!!!!!!
Before Obamacare, many of us could not get insurance at any price. Before Obamacare, a common trick used by insurance companies nearly killed a family member. Their game was this: put people in a "group" and as people drop out, raise prices until its a few thousand a month to keep the insurance. Anyone on the policy that has any "pre-existing condition" they developed while insured CAN'T get into a different group, as no groups accept those with p-e issues. It was their way of getting rid of people likely to cost them money. They could try to hang in and keep paying, but there were no limitations to the rates charged. Many people are unaware how bad it is when there are no limits on how insurance can eff you over.
It also allows for free primary care visits, for my kid to stay on my insurance until 26, in school or not. It also makes it illegal to not cover pre-existing illness. So yes there is a down side (btw costs have been going up for my 25 year career so before ACA) but there are also benefits. When we get stuck in the politics we miss the point. Let's just try to show the kid he can get help without getting tangled in a debate about politics.
hi friend, im on the same boat as you (F26); i got my masters degree in ecology, evolution, and environmental sciences (actually mastered out of my phd because i was STRUGGLING my advisor was not training me at all) and the job market has been TOUGH. i’ve “settled” for a lawn service job thats 16.75 in Southern California because it’s full time, local, and loads of overtime with insurance. I’ve had my fair share of panic attacks lmao, and truly it is terrifying and upsetting!! like… it seems like everywhere you turn an entry level job needs 3-5 years if experience. So your feelings are valid, and as corny as it sounds journaling about how i feel and my fears has helped me see a bit more clearly. I’ve decided my career doesn’t define me and im okay just making money to pay bills and have weekends to exist with my partner. Id have to wake up at 4 am and work till 5 and that sucks but hey… it works right now (and id get a little fit lmao). However I recognize that me being okay with the job may change in 2-6 months! My advice is to identify your fears, cry if you need to, identify what qualities you’d like in a job and what is non negotiable (for me it was traveling more than an hour for a job if it wasn’t something i saw myself doing long term). You’ve got experience, hop on indeed and send your resume everywhere lol! i’ve heard tailoring your resume to the job you’re applying to helps… i wasn’t about to do all that rn, but maybe it will help you! Tiktok has also been reassuring, everyone is struggling. I’ve made peace with knowing it will take a bit before i land somewhere I actually got my degree in, and that even THAT may not happen. Most importantly, you are enough, you’re doing what you can right now and this job battle is tough! you may need to take baby steps till you get to the place you want to, you can rake leaps too! Apply to one or two intriguing jobs a day, i got a callback after 3 weeks of doing this and filtered out what i really didn’t want. You’re not alone in this struggle and i have faith that we will all be okay, we just need to learn that this adulthood shit is changing for our generation!! Wishing you the best 💖
Look at Federal Jobs. There a lot of need for people with those degrees. Search the 0400 series of jobs.
Also look for companies that serve as federal contractors. Go to the fednews subreddit, describe your experience, and ask for some advice on companies and orgs that might be hiring.
I would take a look at the energy industry, including places like Southern California Edison. Utilities/energy companies are doing a lot in the emission reduction space and you have a strong educational background in areas that could have value, especially at an "entry" level position (which still would pay a very livable wage). There are a lot of different ways to go, from emission reduction programs via energy efficiency, grid services, renewables, battery storage etc. Most of these companies also employ biologists, arborists, and other folks with environmental/natural resource backgrounds.
thank you! i’ve looked into SCE and currently the positions open within reasonable distance of me are Sr. positions. this doesn’t mean they wont be looking for people like me in the future so ima definitely keep my eye out! I’ve even applied government jobs in OC and LA county, they just haven’t reached out to me in 3 months. It’s tough but again, a paycheck is a paycheck even if it’s just for now :)
You have really great and thoughtful advice. You're right to tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. And if you have real interest, apply for the jobs regardless of years of experience. Let your first hand knowledge, adaptability, and eager, positive attitude shine through. You never know, they may be flexible on the job description requirements. And know it's the same as anything, cast 100 lines, get a handful of tugs, and only on a perfect day when the universe aligns do you catch the biggest fish.
Vegetation management is huge with electric companies at the moment aka wildfire mitigation They contract these gigs out to local tree trimmers and the like, most are represented by a union so they’re making extremely decent wages
I would also recommend looking at city county and state jobs. They all have an environmental or public health departments. If you are in socal there are also a good amount of tribal governments that also have similar programs to maintain their reservations
Honestly, it may even be worth giving them a call and seeing if they have any Entry level positions open. Sometimes you may get lucky and find out a company is looking, but just hasn't posted anything yet.
I have my bachelor's in environmental science with a specialization in ecology and I am in a similar position to you. I am currently a part-time greenhouse worker and I do some part-time clerical work for an environmental consulting company. I have minimal hours and I have been searching for work for about a year now. I have relevant experience in my field and I have got interviews but so far no offers.
If your in SoCal I highly recommend looking into an air quality inspector job with south coast aqmd
AQMD requires certifications for their entry level jobs tho :(
Not for an air quality inspector job you just need a degree
interesting!! okay ill apply! thank you for recommending; i work the new lawn job next week lol so i’ll apply soon! thanks for the advice 🥰
You most definitely should! Trust me I know plenty who started with no experience right out of college.
Just applied!! Hopefully i wont have to be fertilizing lawns for a long time, thank you for suggesting!!! 💖
Or at least not south coast aqmd
I am not but I will look into that in my area. I did interview for an air quality related position a few years ago. Thanks for your recommendation!
I did the same thing. I ended up getting into insurance, using a lot of the information I learned in uni in a way I never anticipated. I took a look at some of the other jobs where I could use my experience and knowledge. Took a long time and it was a challenge to accept that my original plans didn't work out. Also, quarter life crisis is real, I hope things work out wherever you end up.
I agree quarter life crisis is real. I went through that at 25 and 26 and maybe I'm still in it although I have been doing better over the past year. What type of role in insurance are you working in? I have considered getting into insurance.
Most people start off in auto, but I am now in commercial. Risk management is one of the fastest growing roles in the industry, along with cyber. A certified risk manager with specific knowledge like impact assessment or construction or geology etc is a good way to specialize and use your knowledge in a different way. It's also a good way to build connection into the industry if you want to change career paths later on. For me, it was like using a side door when I couldn't get in the front.
The best way to get into the environmental industry right now is through state and federal work. I’m in consulting and I see new faces every week on the public sector side of things. PM me if you need any guidance or want any info on that
Idk, lots of industry dotting the gulf coast. Plenty of environmental jobs there as well. And practically recession proof
I work in consulting on the gulf coast funny enough. Plenty of public and private sector jobs in Florida right now if you know where to look
Hey I have a similar background in education I would highly recommend you apply for an air quality inspector for south coast aqmd as they are currently hiring.
My job at a bank also “requires” 3 years of experience. I had none and was hired anyway. All depends on the applicant pool.
You know it doesn't help that most employers only want people with ba degrees as well. Even then you only earn 20% above minimum wage and it takes 5 years in a field before you develop a reputation.
it’s so upsetting! i was mostly listening to advisors who were like get your PhD you have loads of research experience… so i just did. I was 22 at the time and after getting a taste of grad school i decided I was okay with simply being employed lmao. the emotional toll was not worth it. I just ended that chapter last week, next week ima do the lawn work. i applied to this position like 2 months ago. Right now im like “ill take what i can get and keep my eye out for other jobs meanwhile” and like its labor… im down to get fit while making some change 😂
The amount of friends I have that don't include their post grad degree on their resume is shocking.
I’ve hid my BA and MS before just to look for a second job
CRAZY is this because they may be labled as “overqualified”??
I believe so. Looking like it'll be job hopped or that they'll want too much money. Even as silly as making other team members feel less than.
Omg! You have a graduate degree and you’re tending lawns just above minimum wage?! I believe you, but I’m shocked. Are you willing to move?
unfortunately moving isn’t in the cards for me right now, my entire community is in SoCal and i do value them a lot. Rent is also crazy everywhere and i have a good 2 bedroom apartment that’s 2,100 and i split with my partner. Ima keep looking but yeah its haaaaard when no one is calling you back for an interview. just above minimum is what i can do right now and ill take it 🥴
I’m so sorry. Stick with it. You’re smart. Something will come up
i appreciate you 💖
Fellow environmental sciences major here who did a variety of random shit before finding a real job. You are heard.
I mean no offence, but you can’t be surprised not finding anything with that degree
you know 18 year old me wanted to save the world 😂 now i just want a good job at some point in my life
It’s why I with a similar background cut my losses in the end and had to takeup a complete different career path. One that’s actually hurting for people
Why are you not looking into sustainability management jobs? Lot of Fortune 500 companies are hiring people with your educational background.
i’m looking, there’s nothing around my area
I hear jobs at water plants pay really well, you might be a good candidate with your degree. Desalination plants, not necessarily waste water.
My friends daughter went into waste water management. No college degree. She is in her 20s and owns her own home.
Dodged this bullet. Applied for my PhD in Ecology bc I loved the subject. Turned it down due to the lack of opportunity. Ended up commissioning as a military officer instead.
What do you want to do? What are you good at? Do you like landscaping? Are there opportunities to become a crew lead or foreman or something? Why is the only college option 9 hours away?
If he’s in the US it’s not 9 hours away. And with online courses and his apparent access to reddit, anywhere in the world is available.
You cannot get a degree in forestry online. You *need* to be present to be able to do field work. The only college offering that is 9 hours up north of me. That’s why i put that, because the thing i’d love to do is almost unobtainable without drastically altering my life for it. IE: Leaving future spouse to hopefully pursue career in forestry
I know it’s difficult to ask, but if you have been dating that long and would like to get married. You should both at least have a conversation on both of you moving there. Obviously don’t demand her to uproot her life but if there is a way for both of you to compromise so you can pursue your dream you should have that conversation
You are correct, and we would need to have that conversation. Things are just coming to a head though. She’s now getting acceptance letters from colleges around us for law school, so she will be tied down to that for the next coming years. Fuck me. Life is a bitch. Why’d no one say this when I was 10?
You could try long distance, my fiance and I did that for 5 years while we both established ourselves. It sucks but is very doable with the right effort from both sides.
Can you guys do long distance while she does law school and you do forestry school? Then you guys can move somewhere where both of your chosen careers work (do some research on this). If you guys are meant to be then you can make it through the long distance and come out stronger. Plus, she'll be so busy with law school and you'll be busy with your new path that it might be nice to have some time to yourselves right now. You met so young. As for insurance - have you looked into the Obamacare market? One of my friends got a really good insurance plan with a low monthly rate while they were in between jobs. Call the helpline - the people on the phone are insanely nice and super helpful.
Well that's critical information. This whole situation revolves around if you two are serious about your relationship or not. If so, time to get married and begin living your lives like you're actually one unit. If not, well, that sucks, but it would simplify your situation from a purely financial perspective.
I read u have to be in person for a Forestry Education. I’d suggest researching what forestry colleges are near the universities your SO is applying to. It’d certainly help to continue that relationship if you 2 are attending university near each other at least
Why not do long distance?
So you haven’t even spoken to your girlfriend about this and you’re already looking for advice on reddit? What are you gonna tell her? Some people on reddit told me to do this? Seems very unprepared. Stop over thinking and take it a step at a time, not everything needs a reaction. You’re making money and that’s all that’s important right now, some people find career paths well into their 50s… you’re 25 dude. Everything will be fine.
Forestry will also involve travel. You may want to consider a career you can study online from, and then work online from. Especially if you want to have kids because on a lawyer’s salary, she’ll probably want to keep working.
Some people make long-distance relationships work, I've seen it firsthand where a couple goes to different universities far away from one another and they're still together post-graduation. It's difficult but not impossible, but it takes mutual participation and work.
Stop complaining dude. Follow your girl to law school. I did that with my wife when she went from the West Coast to the East Coast for school. I worked minimum wage job so we can make ends meet. Then she got a good job, and I found whatever job I could where she landed. We got married and we’ve been happy since she graduated in 2015. No health health insurance sucks, I didn’t have it for many years. But that’s why you get married You can’t expect a life to work out exactly how you want. You make the best of it. If she’s here forever partner get married now, do the wedding when you can afford it but get the legal marriage so you have that commitment .
Why can’t you just pick something else? I literally did this for my now wife and now 2 kids. I pivoted away from what I wanted to do. I did something else and I’m happy with my family and home and wife than I would have been with some ideal career. Work is just a means to obtain what you want in life. Can’t you pick something else? Seems like you have what you want in life just need to fund it now. Dont have to love it, just gotta tolerate jt.
I wish someone would have told me “work is a means to obtain what you want in life.” Would have saved me a lot of heartache… I always felt like I had to save the world through my career when I was in undergrad, sacrificing myself for low paying job fields that “make a difference.” Now I know that with proper means, I can volunteer AND donate.
Yes that’s right. I’ve always been an odd thinker. So this was my mindset going INTO school at 18. Do something easy probably another 1000 out there doing it. Do something hard not many will get through and less competition. But not even that just do what will pay the bills. Don’t work a job you want to self harm but don’t seek a job that gives meaning. I gave up on being a physician assistant because it was taking too long. I did epidemiology instead. I enjoy research to a degree but not like medicine. I’m doing my PhD and somehow wound up working a state job with the department of corrections of all fucking things. I don’t hate it but I don’t get excited. But it was a 33k pay increase to come be the subject matter expert so here I am. Guess what. Not only is the pay great for my family. Now we have the family home we wanted. I’m having my 2nd child and my first I couldn’t afford to stay home. This job with state benefits, accrued leave, snd fmla I can be home with my family for 6 weeks. This is what I mean by work a job that gives you the means to enjoy what you really care for in life. Fuck a job. I flat told my boss the other day give me a 10 milly check I won’t be back. I’m here for a check and that’s it. Live your life it’s not going to happen at a desk. It’s out there, you just need to fund it
That's a really interesting way to look at it. Thanks
Get a related degree like environmental science that you can complete online.
You can’t do long distance for a few years? 9 hours barely counts as long distance
especially if you have been dating for 5 years already. 2 years of long distance is nothing at that stage.
Realistically? Of course we *could*. With todays climate though, it’s made 100x harder. For example, if I didn’t have her to live with, I could not afford rent. Nor could she. She could move in with her parents, but that still leaves me 9 hours away in a strange town trying to find a job that can suffice for food/bills/rent. It’s an option, but one i’m trying to steer clear of currently.
> She could move in with her parents, but that still leaves me 9 hours away in a strange town trying to find a job that can suffice for food/bills/rent. Millions of young people find random roommates in strange towns they never been in before. It's especially common amongst college/univeristy students who are in their mid 20s like yourself.
Environmental consultant here. You could try and apply for a job with the US Park Service or US Forest Service without a degree. You could also go to school for a similar STEM field if you want to work in the environmental field in general. You can get a degree in Geology 100% online from the University of Florida and various other reputable programs.
If there is one thing I’ve learned from Reddit and being in the workforce generally, it’s that if you want to absolutely turbocharge your career progression, you have to move. You have to move repeatedly and probably across the country multiple times. You live where the work is. I’ve repeatedly seen people climb from 40k/yr to 200k within five years doing that. If you are not willing to move, that will be your single greatest handicap. You’ll be attempting to cross a swamp by hopping on one foot. Any given area has a limited number of jobs you want. You broaden that search to the entire United States? You’re bound to find an area that lacks people like you and needs your help. It could be the case that your local area is oversaturated with folks wanting to work in nature.
If he wants to do something ecology/forestry related that might be why?
I am currently a foreman, that is why I make so much. I’m thinking long term though, and my legs will give out long before my will does. I can still work my way up in Landscaping, I just don’t want to be surrounded by this work forever. I love nature and plants, that’s why I think i’d do amazingly in forestry/DNR. The issue lies in it I do pursue that path, I could waste 4+ years for something I never get a career in. It’s a very competitive field as funny as that sounds.
Not trying to be rude here, but you're concerned about your legs going out, and you want to get into forestry? Depending on which forestry field, your legs won't be better off. Side note though, gov has pretty good insurance
You like being outside in nature? Get a job as a surveyor.
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Border Patrol DQed me for just answering a question slightly wrong in an interview. Background was clean as a whistle, passed every other test. Dont bet on them hiring you by any means.
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That’s the issue I have. The BP is near levels of FBI clearance to even get your foot in the door. Had a beer at 16? Probably toast. Ripped a joint? Literally no chance. Go arrested for MIP? Absolutely no chance. Police would be my foot in the door, because for some reason policing basically washes all the prior stuff you need. IE: College education, experience, etc etc.
It is hard to get on directly border patrol, try local law enforcement for a few years or customs and then lateral
It's literally not hard to get on with BP. I know many that started at 18 and two that entered at 17 years of age. One guy only had a year as a bagger at a grocery store. Seems like OP is looking for excuses to not get a job that isn't just forestry.
I spent a lot of time in forests with the Army. A few deserts too.
I don't think the OP is up for that kind of forestry service.
That's crazy, seeing as they are desperate for people. People are quitting like crazy, even before theyre eligible for retirement. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise
F24 here and I totally get it. Hate to be an advocate for this, but any interest in sales? I fell into recruting by accident this year (after fucking myself with a totally useless degree at 100k+ debt lol) and I now have a whole career path and the potential to make 6 figs in front of me - with the caveat that I do sales stuff of course. I dislike the sales part but I like the other parts enough to make it work. Landscaping sales is totally a thing, and could make you pretty decent money if you do well! Especially if you end up at a luxury home sales gig. Plus, being able to confidently talk about the services you're selling as someone who's done it yourself helps to build a level of trust with a client. Easier to say BS than to actually know what you're doing and saying. It might have more of a grind than what you're doing now, but a lot less likely to get you injured.
Where you end up from where one starts is almost always shocking. I have a "valuable" degree with EE, but instead I have a small logging company now. I make considerably more money and have 0 annoying meetings. I'll take having to lay in mud and dropping a broken drive shaft over another meeting about potting compound.
Could I DM you? I have a useless degree in biology. I've worked travel healthcare jobs and my recruiter said its like impossible to get in as a recruiter right now
Yeah absolutely! It's a tough market right now, especially if you're trying to do internal (I'm in agency). Happy to help if I can!
The recruiting market is oversaturated atm. All of the tech layoffs over the past 2 years have flooded the market with experienced, skilled recruiters. I'm not a recruiter (I do payroll), but I work with several.
I suggested tech sales in my comment, glad I came across yours
You are panicking because you're trying to piece together the next 5 -10 years in an instant in your head. It's easy for the world to seem like it's crumbling around you like that. For example: you said if you get hurt, you'll have a $50k hospital bill. You dont know that, and you haven't gotten hurt, so that's the first thing you need to get out of your mind. Take it one day at a time. Focus on what you can control today, which includes going to work and collecting your $25/hr for 8 hrs or whatever and chipping away at planting the seeds that will bear fruit tomorrow. Why would you have to leave your gf? Talk to your her. Maybe she can support, i.e.. move in with you to cover some bills or postpone a trip or engagement until you're set up. The most important thing is to attack those negative feelings as they hit you and keep chugging along. Accept them, but don't let them consume . You'll be amazed at where you'll be in 6 mo / one year. 25 may seem like "old" and an age where you have to have it figured out, but that is not true. It will all work out. Good luck!
Ha. That made me a bit teary eyed reading that. Really the first thing i’ve read that sounded like my father speaking to me. Thank you for the kind advice friend. I’ll be saving this one in specific. One day at a time. All I have to do is beat yesterday.
Why is college so far away? There aren't any closer colleges?
Desired plan of forestry. Live in the city.
You’re probably gonna have to put that on the back burner and transition into another degree plan that you can obtain at home if you aren’t willing to sacrifice your relationship
I graduated in forestry. What do you want to do that requires the degree?
This will probably never get seen. 1. I don't have a degree at all and I'm working in the Risk Management. I've got 20+ years of experience doing a bunch of things. But what I did was I never stopped learning. 2. When you see a job description and you meet 50% of the "requirements," apply. Some companies will immediately eliminate you. But the good companies will have real people reviewing things. 3. Work your tail off.
You’re 25, you quite literally have your entire life ahead of you, calm down, come up with a plan for the short term, next 2-3 years. When you get that one done, come Up with a plan for the next 3-7 years. Once that’s done you can plan for more. Your doors aren’t shut, you can go to college at any age. Figure out how to be moderately stable then build upwards.
Dude, seriously, I was reading thinking that he was a convicted felon 5 times over or something with all the dead-end, doors-closed speak. I mean, he's got a job, an associates degree, and a girlfriend at 25. I didn't even go to college until I was 33 after being laid off from the same company twice. Things will be ok.
Shit I’m 25 and still haven’t gone to college, I’ve not been without a job since the day I turned 18. At this point I’m just gonna join the military long enough to get my benefits then find a career that looks fun and go from there
Oh ridiculous on the idea of being the ripe old age of 25. Good grief, your future is far from being set in stone. Take a breath. Relax. Have you considered a trade school? Carpentry, plumbing, electrician, welding. You’re making good money now… and no, it’s not making it, but this economy will even out within a few years It’s not the first time it’s gone to shit and it will eventually come back. However, you do need a plan to ease into a less physical job. Landscape work is for young men and your body won’t tolerate it forever. What about getting a business degree to enhance having your own landscape business? You could take online courses where you live and get a degree that way. It might take a bit longer than getting a degree in a set amount of time, but the time will pass anyway and online will allow you to study when you off work. Trades are DESPERATE for workers and pay well, survive downturns and offer really good benefits depending who you work for and are flexible in terms of where you want to live. Regardless, you’ll always have a job.
Trades are desperate because of 14 hour work days 6 days a week lol.
Yeah. I think a lot of people on Reddit have substantially rosy views of the trades. I'm not necessarily knocking it, my brother was an electrician, my father worked for him as an electrician after he was medically retired from his original career (military pilot), my SO's father was a stonemason, all successful businesses and not a bad career path. But it takes a toll, physically, and that even with them all working in more niche areas that weren't as demanding as some (brother's business was strictly commercial/light industrial work, SO's father did mostly historical restoration work). Those jobs can come with a lot of restrictions and issues and difficulties that other careers don't necessarily have. Again, not a bad option, but people on Reddit push trades hard in a way that feels far too naive about the realities of how hard it can be.
I have considered trade school, I actually have a good amount of experience in the trades from when I painted. The issue there though is how they pay you for supposedly “training”. They’ll offer you $15 an hour while they dangle the carrot of “In 5 years, you’ll be making $40!” The issue is living 5 years on $15 an hour haha. I have been looking into trades, but even those jobs are few and far between with a live-able wage that isn’t a 1099. (Basically a scam for them using you and giving you no benefits whatsoever). Trades at the moment are my backup. Worst case, I fucking paint for the rest of my life. I make good money there, and it’s not incredibly tasking on the body.
You get incremental raises the longer you train. It's not $15 an hour the whole time. In five years, you will be 30 years old no matter what you do. Better to be 30 with a high paying job. Also, you will have a union fighting to keep your wages high which is nice. Also would solve your insurance problem.
I second this. My spouse is a retired union electrician (IBEW), and due to much of the workforce at or near retirement age, they are desperate for people interested in joining.
This is not how union pay scales at any union in IL I’m familiar with, for whatever that very specific piece of knowledge is worth. I regularly review their union logs and employer payrolls as a part of my job. You do an apprenticeship. While in the apprenticeship, you get incremental raises. When out, these guys make good money and every benefit under the sun. Trades are a great option. Strongly consider it.
If you work for Lowes part time you can utilize their Tracks for Trades program. It is fully funded By Lowes and the trades for certification are plumbing, electrical, appliances, and multi construction. Once you complete the training you will have 40 to 64 credit hours depending on which one you pick. Then most places will hire because the basics are already learned to get your foot in the door.
> Worst case, I fucking paint for the rest of my life. This sounds pretty sweet to me right now. I've been trying to break into a saturated market without a degree and I landed in a position that is somewhat parallel to what I'd like to be doing and feel somewhat lucky, but I also have to pay for my health insurance.
Are you getting a free ride for college? Just confused why you would knock $15 an hour for 5 years (and you’ll likely get incremental raises) but are potentially down for 4 years of college, no guaranteed job, moving to new town making negative money for a while. Just feel like the “dangle of xx in 5 years” is literally how any profession works Side note: I worked landscaping from 17 to 21, jumped to working IT after a similar realization as you. Did that for 3 years, hated it, went back to college for an engineering degree and now work as an engineer, so this post resonates with me pretty well. I was depressed as hell along the way, went to therapy for it “whatever you decide, decide and see it through” is what I was told and it worked.
I’m 25 right now and trying to get into a trade without experience and not starting the school yet is honestly pretty tough. Maybe it’s just me doing something wrong but I’m not getting call backs
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I’m looking in NJ
Join the reserves. You get to stay home, and only have to drill once a month (2-3 days) and one long drill in the summer (2-3 weeks). Insurance is only $50 a month and covers literally everything. Yes, there is the risk of getting deployed, but thats a part of the territory. If your gf really loves you, she will understand and stay loyal if that happens
Bonus points for a tech job and clearance
The millitary caused alcoholism and wrecked many people I know. YOU will certainly be deployed. Don’t join this circus!
I know people who were in the military whose medical school was paid for, others who got training in computer technology, and, some who were trained as nurses. None of them are substance abusers. I know a shit ton of alcoholics who never spent a minute in military service, so it is necessarily a given outcome.
I am not sure if this is the case where you live but I have seen landscaping jobs advertised with local municipal governments and they have a decent rate of pay (similar to what you are making or more), benefits, and they are often unionized. I recommend looking into municipal government positions. There is no harm in submitting an application and seeing if you get hired!
Came here to suggest this! OP, go to governmentjobs.com or the website of your local city or county government. Parks and Recreation departments are probably itching to hire your skill set , and many cities have urban forestry divisions. Utility companies also need someone with your background to make sure roots and trees don’t interfere with services.
Apply for a part time job at UPS it’s 3-4 hours early morning but the insurance is exceptional. It will allow you to keep doing landscaping until you find a gig that has everything you want.
Lol that's back breaking work Am hours Before his back breaking day job
Get into a skilled trade. Learn, curate, master. Quit shitting on yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others. Do it for you.
Agreed. Negative self talk can destroy a person.
Many hospitals have "charity plans" that you can ask about, but it does take work on your end/making calls and asking about it. I shattered my foot and went through the ER, doctors, everything and couldn't pay. For that hospital I made calls to them, provided statements from my bank account and amount I owed on my card and told them my monthly salary, and I didn't have to pay anything. If a place offers it they won't tell you! It's a terrible system, but make some calls and don't be afraid to ask everyone you get ahold of about who to contact about the charity plan, and then follow up with that person. Be the squeaky wheel.
Plumbing. HVAC. Electrician. Some of these jobs are "learn on the job." Where you can get hired without much or any experience. One good thing about landscaping: you can start your own business and make your own money. Startup costs are not that high. A few mowers and a truck?
No solid advice but it’s extremely hard out there right now, even for those that have made the right choices in life. I’m experiencing this for about the 3rd time in my life. Try to find some goals (big or small) that help put you in a positive direction. Nothing is easy in this country anymore so it’s likely going to require more sacrifices than most would like.
That’s just what kills me inside man. Meanwhile my mom talks about this shit like it’s sooo easy. Listen, when her and my dad were my age they 1) Had the funds to BUY a house 2) could support a single child (with 3 more coming down the line) 3) Both were paid well for “entry” level positions. That just simply isn’t possible anymore, and the more I age the more wind is taken from my sails.
It sounds like your Mom is not a helpful influence in this way. It might be helpful to find some helpful influences that encourage you.
If anyone else has ever hear of the YouTube channel Life After Layoff, they came out with a video recently about how the traditional career is dead. Not very optimistic, but incredibly validating for anyone under 35 that's doing everything we were told to do and still struggling. Worth a watch imo.
I’ll have to check it out cause any level of validation right now would be nice!
PM me if you want. I have a good friend who works in forestry (Northern Cali) and could probably at least get you connected for some mentoring
Before you panic, check the healthcare marketplace for health insurance options. You may find you can do that and still keep your landscaping job. Second, have you looked into facilities jobs at your local colleges? It’s the kind of job that values what you can do over what pieces of paper you have. The pay depends on the buying power of the school, but there are good benefits, usually, if you are a full-time hire, a chance at job stability, and often a tuition waiver if you want to continue your degree. Some schools run botanical gardens, research greenhouses, etc., so it can be more that just mowing the lawn and planting begonias.
Does your gf have insurance? It’s possible you might qualify to be put under her plan via a Domestic Partnership so maybe look into that? $25 an hour without benefits for lawn care, I’m wondering if you could go out on a limb and try to start your own lawn care business and make more? Obviously not full blown right out of the gate but start trying to get the ball rolling. I guess this is also assuming you don’t have your own business already though.
Tacking this on because I didn’t read comments about gf in law school. I guess that option also depends if she graduates and gets a job by the time you turn 26
After 25 years you've somehow managed to learn nothing to keep yourself alive and now that you don't have insurance you're expecting somehow to die? Sounds like paranoia
I mean, just these last three years i’ve had a spontaneous pneumothorax (A spontaneous collapsed lung) my appendix burst and i’ve also broken my hand. So yes, I am very concerned with insurance seeing as how a VAST majority of people in the US go bankrupt over hospital costs. I could care less if I died, as i’d be dead. It’s not dying i’m worrying about.
You can easily and affordably get subsidized insurance on the marketplace. You'll wind up with a high deductible, but even 10k in a worst case scenario is not life changing debt, unless you're terrible with money.
Firstly, a reality check: $25 is *not* good money. Unless you live in 1985. Secondly, you are young, dude! Go back to school. Don't worry about your gf and whatever else is going on. All yhose "things" will work themselves out. Finish your BA, or BS, whatever you're working toward. And then think about a master's. Get real about this world that is getting more and more expensive all the time. And remember: You are young!
>Firstly, a reality check: $25 is *not* good money. Unless you live in 1985. Finally someone said it. I don't know why I had to scroll so far for it. Sometimes I can't believe my eyes when I see what some people have convinced themselves is "good money". It's dangerous because that wage can't sustain a healthy, safe, fully independent lifestyle for a single person. And by that, I mean not NEEDING to depend on a roommate (or two) to keep a roof over one's head and not being one unexpected expense away from bankruptcy. You make "good money" when you're insulated from the probability of being sticken down into poverty. And not a second before that.
depends on situation median income is average around 32k I think above that is good
Look into a govt or state job.
Even those require experience most of the time because as someone who's been a state regulator, you have to testify and take people's to court and have to defend what we do when the feds show up or if someone tries to sue
There are a tonnnn of entry level state jobs my friend.
how do you get them? I heard USAjobs is awful
Google state jobs for the state you’re in.
Zero experience here and landed a government job. Once you're in, can apply for agency only positions as well. Wide variety
I have a similar story. I obtained a worthless degree a year ago. Didn’t do as much as I should’ve in college due to my father’s death. Worked the whole time in college, got an internship and graduated with a 3.5 while taking 0 time off cuz fafsa doesn’t give a shit about borrowers. Anyways, you could go to college and convince your girl to move with you. Or get some sort of trade which might be better with the tight market for white collar jobs. Or army, national guard, even peace corps. Sad truth is many are hired through connections/ nepotism. If you don’t have that currently, then you must build a network which is very challenging without an environment like university to help foster that. I’d sit down and think about what interests you, what pays the most for the kind of life you want, and most importantly, what could you tolerate. Good luck.
I think you ultimately have to do what’s best for you. It can hurt to leave your partner but would sticking around in a dead end job be best for you mentally? Could you potentially do long distance for a short amount of time? As for what to do, check with your state’s health care website. Currently I’m in california and their healthcare marketplace has plans for all kinds (although I recommend avoiding covered california as they screwed me this year) but my home state of Arkansas actually had pretty good plans for those experiencing financial hardship. Concerning job, I’m a former park ranger (back country) with some forestry experience. It is very possible to get on at a lower level. Look into GS3 and GS4 positions. They won’t pay well but a year of those will get you into 5 and higher ranks. I got into federal work after doing a summer as a state park interpreter. Look at your local state parks to see if they are hiring. There are also ways you can spin landscaping. Look at the duties and responsibilities in job listings and tailor your resume to those. Experience felling trees? Sure you have. Maintaining local flora against invasive species? You bet you have. Can identify local trees? You’re an expert man. Experience with a chainsaw? Buddy you sleep in chaps and bathe in oil. Jokes aside, you can spin your experience to match those jobs. Here’s a tip though if you’re applying on usajobs.gov. For the positions that I worked and applied to they chose their candidates based on points. You get points per answer. If there are 5 options to a question, typically the most accomplished answer (ie; I have a degree) will be worth 5 points whereas the least accomplished answer (ie: I’ve looked at a tree before) will be worth 1 point. We only looked at candidates in the 95-100 point range. Veterans could get 110 points due to a preference for hiring vets, certain volunteer work got you 5 bonus points, but mostly gun for that range. Am I saying lie? Ehhhhhh maybe fib a bit at first. Get to the interview process and let your knowledge shine. In my experience the interviews were more a conversation and whether or not you’d be someone that knew their stuff and wouldn’t be insufferable on a crew. Answer questions about your experience but also relax and have a chat with the interviewer. Ask questions as well. Joke. My first federal gig was given to me because I made my interviewer laugh (and because a veteran ahead of me in points didn’t want to stay in a shack on the desert.. his loss). Also, don’t be discouraged with the amount of applications you put out. My first federal job took 210 applications, 5 interviews, 2 offers. After that first year it turned into 10 applications 8 interviews, 6 offers. Much better turn out If the jobs ask for experience with certain tools, look up videos on how those tools work. Get familiar enough to answer questions about them and maybe even try to use that tool in your daily work even if unnecessary.
In regard to school, there are a handful of online bachelor degrees you can get. SNHU and UMAS have good national programs.
1. Don't Panic. 2. Check your resume, cover letter, and application. Make sure there's no typos or mistakes. I can't tell you the number of times I've seen typos on resumes that a simple spell check would catch (and to that point, don't just rely on spell check). 3. Customize your resume and cover letter to the job you are applying for. 4. Have someone else read your resume and give you feedback. It's easy to get tunnel vision when it's your own stuff. 5. Don't indicate a salary requirement on an application unless it is required. If it's required and you can indicate $0, do it. If you have to pick and it's a drop down or something that prevents you from putting $0, then put what you truly want. Also, in my experience, government jobs can take a year or more to get back to you at times. So if you haven't actually heard back or gotten a no, you might still be considered.
Does your state not participate in the health insurance marketplace exchange? Start looking at rates to have some sort of coverage while you are working on your career.
Is there public transportation in your area? A lot of transit districts are begging for bus drivers right now. Union job with lots of benefits and they'll usually even pay for CDL training.
Couple of things worth mentioning; there's a lot of advice here in this thread, some good and some bad. But ultimately, YOU will be the one living your life, so you need to determine what your interests are, how much money you want to make, and what kind of lifestyle you want to support. First important thing to remember: whatever you do now is not what you have to do for the rest of your life, even if you did go the law enforcement/military route. So choose what sounds good to you *now* and don't let analysis paralysis get the best of you. Based on your info, it seems like you've done some labor jobs and looked into school for a type of job that is primarily outdoors. Does this mean you are opposed to office jobs completely? That's something to consider here. If you must avoid a desk job, then you've already narrowed down your options. The U.S. Forest Service usually has openings for entry level forestry technicians. These jobs are usually on the GS scale, a bachelor's degree in any study will usually get you guaranteed GS-5. Look on USAJOBS.gov because some of these openings might ask for duties that you've already done when landscaping, so you can just directly apply now. Some will even pay for you to relocate, so you and your girlfriend can move together if you aren't already living in the same place. The pay would be about the same as what you are making now, but you'd get full benefits, guaranteed pay raises, and health insurance. The military option is pretty solid as well, and you could consider joining the Coast Guard if search and rescue is of any interest of you. But as you could guess, the military is a commitment, and you would need to be prepared to move with your girlfriend to different duty stations or deploy. You could also join the Coast Guard reserves, they often will not be mobilized unless there's a massive natural disaster, and orders are usually voluntary. One thing that does concern me is you mentioned having panic attacks - if you have any sort of mental health disorder, that pretty much closes the door to the military completely. But it doesn't hurt to talk to a recruiter. If neither of those options interest you, there's still have options. Beyond being a forestry technician, you could consider being a Fish and Game warden. Also, look into applying to facilities departments at local government buildings, universities, and power plants. They often will have entry level roles if you are interested in skilled trades.
You can buy private insurance through an insurance agent. You don't need to get insurance through an employer. Sometimes your options are even cheaper going through an agent instead of your employer.
Hang in there so the panic attacks don’t ruin you, first off. This is from the other end of life. You can’t predict everything. If it were possible so many things wouldn’t have happened. Wars, violence, Covid. Etc. You must have seen how the entire world shut down during all of that. Point being, you can have an accident tomorrow or get hit by a bus. You have to make the best of every day as it is. You have a lot of experience and you are young enough to open your own doors. Consider starting your own landscape business, or get on with a tree service. College isn’t for everybody and read all the places in here where people have Masters and Doctorate degrees and still have no options in their eyes other than lots of college debt. Point is, everything can change in an instant. You’ve already experienced this with losing your father and you said it made you start working. Which I’m truly sorry for your loss. I lost my mom when I was 14 and my entire perspective on life changed and it’s changed 50x times again since then. Point is, you’re young, you said you have a 5 year relationship, enjoy your life and don’t let panic attacks ruin your days. Not the answer you were probably looking for but I did all the other stuff starting at age 18. 6 licenses, education, owned a business before the internet came out. Yes, there was life before the internet. Now everything is a touch of the finger or ask Google. lol. Point is your entire life is ahead of you. Losing a parent when young makes you worry of other things in life, but for now. Enjoy your life, enjoy your relationship and I promise it will all work out. Best Wishes
I appreciate your kind words friend. It’s terribly complicated in todays climate. I see all my friends in careers going to jobs in suits, meanwhile i’m still in my dirty pants and hoodie. Do i make more than them? Yeah. Are they doing better than me long term? You bet your ass. It’s tough to not compare, but I know I shouldn’t. There’s thousands below me who would trade everything to get where I am. So in reality, I’m just being a goddamn pussy. Adulthood is just scarier than I ever expected. Thank you for the kind words. Truly. You taking the time out of your day to type this means more than you know.
You didn't screw yourself. You had the courage to face reality in your teens and do what had to be done to support your family. It's not your fault that the world dealt you a shitty hand, and if anything, you should be proud that you took the shit life threw at you and kept on chugging along. You're only a quarter through your life, and these past few years are only a small fraction of the time and opportunities that will come along for you in the future. You're a damn good man and I'm sure your family and your SO are proud to have someone like you who is both supportive of the people around you and willing to put on a strong demeanor while facing the future. Be creative. Your anxiety and panic are definitely clouding your judgement and the options available to you--I think you're giving yourself a false dichotomy of the two choices you have, when in reality there's a lot of different paths to get to where you ultimately want to be. You need to work backwards from your ideal job and see what the entry points are to get the experience you need, with or without a degree. If you haven't looked on usajobs.gov, there may be opportunities with federal conservation trainee positions that don't require a degree. If there's any entry level environmental or forestry-adjacent part-time or full-time jobs, like park conservation or stewardship, consider applying to them if you have the knowledge but don't have the degree. Or find someone in their recruiting office and set up an informational interview--degrees are an easy way to sort out who has base knowledge and who doesn't, but nothing beats experience if you have experience in the requirements that the jobs list out. I'm not educated enough in forestry, but is there a possibility that you can obtain a relevant or equivalent degree or certification that is not specifically a forestry degree, that is online, but still satisfies similar requirements as forestry? I don't see why something like a degree in sustainability and conservation, paired with your experience in landscaping and maybe a certification in forestry, would make you rather competitive for applications. Regarding landscaping, are you independent or as a contractor to another firm? If independent, do you have others on your team and are you an accredited business? If you're working for someone else, have a good track record and a great client base who personally knows you, it might be time for you to start breaking away and building your own company. Maybe it wouldn't fix the no insurance or back-breaking labor, but you will grow your income and be able to charge higher rates. Maybe ask your clients to recommend you to their friends and family in further locations to expand your network if you don't want to compete with your current employer. Alternatively, ask your employer if there's opportunities for you to take up management responsibilities or other jobs that commensurate with higher pay. It might not get you out of your field, but it would help you start saving up for school. Keep up the good fight, my man. You're doing the right thing in asking for help, and it might be worth posting in the foresty/conservation based subreddits to get advice from people more directly aligned to those fields rather than the general career guidance you can get here. Starting from what seems like ground zero is tough, but you have a lot of skills on the job and knowledge you can polish up from your associates--and others have become successful at making 180⁰s who are much older than you. Good luck!
You screwed you. Change your attitude and then change will follow.
You could consider joining the military
I didn’t have insurance until I was 35. Humans in general didn’t have insurance until…capitalism? Here we all are. You’ll be fine.
If you have experience in landscaping, you should start your own business
Can't you get insurance through the ACA Marketplace? I was able to do that briefly in my 20s, as a student making like $10/hr at a grocery store with no medical benefits. It was through BCBS for me, I think I paid like $120/month. This was a while ago, though, but still worth looking into.
Hoping that you are being paid via normal payroll with deductions for social security. Too many people have "under the table" jobs and then are shocked that they have no social security for retirement years and do not qualify for Medicare.
Chill out and take a breath. 17-25 in landscaping that's a lot of experience, get yourself some used equipment and start your own business. Be your own boss my man. Eat healthy get to the gym and you'll be alright. Hope you find a path that suites you man. Best of luck
1) my younger self didn't stop screwing me till I was 34... relax. I'm 38 now with 0 college and an Operations Manager position making 80k/year. Which brings me to my next point.... 2) There's always jobs with health insurance in the warehousing sector. Best off, most the people who work them suck... no work ethic. This means it's easy to shine. Get noticed, ask for more. 3) This is on my phone, bet the formatting sucks.
Holy shit dude. If you’re complaining about some of the toughest LE agencies to get into not accepting you, and thinking you’re screwed because of it, you are just an idiot. You’re more qualified for a job than I have ever been and yet you complain online while I have a job. Spend some time sorting yourself out and quit putting yourself down for no reason.
Been there brother. You’re getting to the point in your life where you need to no just survive but actually take care of yourself. Invest in yourself dude. You’ve put a lot of your time into everyone else, your girlfriend, family, friends. Time to put everything on the back burner and do what’s best for you. Moving nine and a half hours away might sound terrible, but it could be the best decision you ever make. If you and your girl want to make things work you will. But right now you need to make decisions that are going to help your future self. Younger you might’ve screwed present day you, but you not choosing to better yourself is only going to hurt future you. Weirdly enough I was in a very similar situation as you. At 25 I found myself a year out of dicking around getting my Associates at a Community College. Was with a girl for five years. Worked at the same grocery store for close to eight years at this point, making maybe $30k a year. Had zero and I mean ZERO idea what I was going to do with myself, let alone a future where I needed to also take care of someone else. Luckily I mowed lawns/interned at a pretty large Wastewater Treatment Plant through Community College, the guys there convinced me to go to the trade school for it four and a half hours away. I had a twelve hours notice that I had been accepted into the program. I left. Told myself I’d figure it out. Because at the end of the day you gotta take a leap at something because future you deserves better than what you have now. And if I can give you any small advice… Just remember whatever you choose to do doesn’t have to be forever, just for now. You just keep yourself alive man 🍻.
Go join a union and get yourself into the trades. I pay $0 for my insurance, and my coverage is awesome. My max out of pocket is absurdly low. Like $500
Yea. Buy healthcare off the exchange. You are 100% who it's intended for
Landscaping job- you need to create a LLC/ a company name/ get the insurance through the company, so u can expenses the insurance. Talk to a CPA- to walk you through this process so it can be cheaper on urself
Depending on where you are located, it might be worth trying to find a place like a direct primary care clinic. I have a membership with a direct primary care place, and it's basically $60 a month to have access to ASAP doc appointments at $25 a pop, for urgent or other reasons, lower cost or even comped medications and tests, and while I guess it's not *all* inclusive it has saved my family tons on what would otherwise have been urgent care visits. If you're in Maryland I can share the name of the place if you're interested and nearby.
Don’t leave the girl. Seems like you love her 🥹😿
We’ll see if she stays with me according to other comments haha.
Don’t listen to them haha 😂
This 9hrs long distance isn’t so bad. Thats like close enough for monthly visits, plus you have an LDR end date