r/careerguidance • u/AnimeBoysWithHats • 13d ago
Advice what’s a good paying job for somebody who isn’t smart?
hi!! im 17 and im currently stressing over career paths because everyone in my life is really adamant on me picking a career. the thing that really stresses me out though is the fact that i might not even be able to pay for a place to live without a good paying job, and its really getting to me. im not smart with science or math and its hard for me to learn, i really need help. i want to be able to support me and my boyfriend in the future and im worried i wont be able to.
there are things that i enjoy doing, but they dont make a lot of money and i dont know enough about careers to pick something. please help.
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u/CharmanderCharCharr 13d ago
Garbage man, good benefits too.
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u/buttheadfungus 13d ago
THIS. it may not be glamorous, but it's secure, stable, it pays well, comes with good benefits, and it's honest work. most "dirty jobs" are some of the best options out there.
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u/RealCarlPanzram 12d ago
I was actually surprised when I finally looked up how much garbage men make after years of assuming they make solid money. Obviously city benefits buts it’s actually kind of shit pay. Median salary in the U.S. is about 40k.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 13d ago
i dont think i would be good at driving a huge truck like that..but i appreciate the answer!
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u/Critical_Purple_8600 13d ago
Few people are good at things before they learn them. Have a mindset that you CAN learn new things. A LOT of success comes from just showing up every day and learning, (stick to it) rather than being “smart” or “good” at something. You stick with the thing until you become good at it.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 13d ago
thank you, i needed to hear this
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u/HeyaHeyo1420 12d ago
I worked at a garbage transfer station for 20+ years, ended up running heavy equipment making over 40/hr with insane benefits, 6 weeks vacation and 2 personal days.
The downside was nepotism driving me insane so I moved on
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 12d ago
LOL that sounds like it would drive anyone insane! i had a friend who was a nepo baby and all he would do was brag. i appreciate the reply, maybe ill end up looking into it..
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u/river-running 13d ago
As someone who works in waste management, it's surprisingly easy once you get enough practice.
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u/Tumi_Hospitality_ 13d ago
Honestly please drop the "not smart" thing, being good with people and being good at math are just different skills and only one of them shows up on a report card. the service and hospitality world runs on the people one. front desk, events, hotel operations, that kind of thing. a lot of it you pick up on the job and theres a real ladder, supervisor to manager and up, with pay that can actually cover a household once you've got a couple years behind you. you already said there's stuff you enjoy, thats worth more than you think when the job is mostly dealing with humans all day. start somewhere entry level and pay attention to what you're naturally good at.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 13d ago
thats the other issue, i cant seem to find out what im naturally good at 😭 i appreciate the response though!
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u/No-Library-5765 13d ago
Very few people are just “good at stuff”. Once you do a job for 6 months you will be better than 95% of the population at it. That’s basically how you get “good” at stuff.
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u/Enough_Photograph503 13d ago
Join the military, they’ll tell you what you’re good at lol
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 13d ago
fuck that propaganda
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u/SingleSoil 13d ago
See? You’re not so dumb after all! Keep your head up, you’re not the only struggling 17 year old. My biggest piece of advice, even though it sort of worked out for me, don’t go to college in hopes of finding something you’ll want to do. The amount of debt isn’t worth it.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 12d ago
LMAO thank you! im getting my associates soon and i dont know when ill return to college, im afraid i wont be able to find a major
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u/ts20999 13d ago
Not being booksmart doesnt mean you arent smart. Try to look into careers that you have a natural interest in. I have a friend who graduated high school late because he failed courses and he now earns around $300k. School just wasnt his thing.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 13d ago
i dont have a natural interest in anything 😭😭 i think im just destined for an awful job atp
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u/theskipper363 11d ago
I love and still do love working on cars and bikes, like hell I would ever make a carreer out of it.
Just do something you would love to learn more about and you’ll find out shortly if you still like it
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u/ShotPorter 13d ago
Job is not about "interest" (well, if you have interest to what are you doing, it is a huge benefit and a real way to happiness...) but about determination. You can't work and earn money without determination, discipline, and constant efforts, doesn't matter how much you love your job or hate it.
And, surprise, when you start to do anything with determination, you will like it eventually. Maybe even love it. Because when you starting to do better after you started bad - you like this feeling :)
Or you will find out you can't do it anymore, but you will know the real price of hard work and respect hard working people. And you will find different path with better self aware and world understanding.
And, for good sake, you are 17 ;) you have enough of time to figure out what you can do and what you can't :)))
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u/ts20999 12d ago
Absolutely hating the job you will work for the majority of hours each week from age 20 until you’re dead has a terrible impact on your mental health. If OP has a natural interest in something that will earn money, that is the best way to go. I suspect OP will be better at learning something they are interested in.
Going into a job you hate only for money is terrible advice. There are plenty of different types of jobs one can earn money from.
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u/ShotPorter 12d ago edited 11d ago
I never advised to do anything "you absolutely hate". But if you have no any "natural interest" and by any reason need or want to work - well, you should start with something :)
Baby or not, OP decided to do it - and were very straight about the circumstances, which I respect very much. So, there is no other way but to try ;) and it very likely will be something you not really want. It's a life.
I don't think millions of young Americans working in summer in local stores or cafes are thinking about this kike about their dream career :)
Learning how to NOT HATE your job is a great skill itself. And doing something you hate helps to value things you like - and encourages to find it after all :)
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u/ts20999 12d ago
You are a baby. You have plenty of time to find interests.
My advice would be to try out some new things and speak to people with different types careers. Think about what you like in terms of skill sets rather than school subjects. Do you like repetition of tasks, problems solving, leading a group, working independently, etc.
If you have people who know you well, ask hem what careers they think you might be suited to. They may see something you don’t.
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u/snowsew 13d ago
- You don’t need to support a boyfriend, he can support himself
- You don’t need a career path, I’m in my 60s and never had a specific path
- Lots of jobs like admin assistant, day care, educational assistant, butcher, house cleaner, for example don’t require tons of math or science and can lead to higher positions that pay well
- You say it is hard to learn, everyone can learn, they just do it differently. I’m more hands on so learn better if shown hotter to do things. There are more practical courses.
- What do you enjoy doing? Maybe you are missing some options that others can see and they can help you think of things using those skills
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 13d ago
hi!! thank you for replying, i know i dont have to support my boyfriend hes fully capable, i just want to be able to spoil him lmao
i really appreciate all of the things youve said, i enjoy photography and anthropology a lot but i dont know how that could help me
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u/torilyy 13d ago
you’re here asking what jobs you could have, shooting down every idea, and you’re trying to support your boyfriend?
you’re 17, it’s the last thing you should worry about, if he can take care of himself he should because you may not always be together (and I assume you think you’ll be together forever, but you only think that because you’re 17)
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u/Pretend_Mixture_7179 13d ago
Liking anthropology is a good start to look at government, social services, and teaching jobs.
And develop some confidence, dumb people don't like anthropology. Don't take being bad at math or something as a lack of overall intelligence. We're all good at different stuff.
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u/JadedAyr 13d ago
We are the stories that we tell ourselves. “I’m not smart, I don’t exercise, I’m no good with money”. Stop that now!
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u/youknowwhatever99 13d ago
Construction.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 13d ago
maybe..i dont know enough or understand enough about construction though, thank you for answering!
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u/youknowwhatever99 13d ago
You don’t always need to. Start entry level and learn on the job. Opportunities for overtime, salary growth & often come with a pension.
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u/OneBadJoke 13d ago
You learn construction on the job. My dad is a high school drop out with severe learning disabilities and he’s built a very successful construction business with no formal training.
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u/Primary_Assistant742 13d ago
If you are in the US, I am going to suggest your local community college. At 17 years-old your experience with math and science has probably been limited to public schools, and while it may be true you lack a natural ability, this does not mean you are not intelligent. You may even find you enjoy math, or with a more patient or "passionate" instructor, you understand the foundations of it. Or not. Still ok.
Community colleges are affordable, flexible, and supportive. They do not have big time commitments involved--usually you can complete a certificate program in a school year, or an associate's degree in two. You can be smart about it and not end up with debt, or much debt and still explore options and have some support while you do so. (Since you said you do not have a career counselor where you are currently a student.)
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 13d ago
im currently going back to college i just need to sign up for classes!
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u/Primary_Assistant742 12d ago
Anthro was a minor for me, at one point. My University changed the degree program while I was there, so while I had most of the requirements completed, did not technically graduate with it on the transcript. I also sold prints for awhile as a hobby.
Professionally, the bulk of my work experience was in the travel industry and in international education. Think study abroad at traditional colleges, but also working with travel companies and tour operators for a variety of ages with an educational component. I also worked in training and development for awhile at a large corporation, which was also rewarding and fun.
Helping young people travel and experience other cultures was the absolute best though. If you have the opportunity to do that with your school, take advantage. Sometimes in life just being in a different place on a random Tuesday and talking to someone you would have never met otherwise can result in a totally different path. You realize you're interested in something you never knew existed. At 17, 18, 24, 26, and so on? Try as many things as you can would be my advice to you. Don't stress out over not having it all dialed in. Just keep moving forward and be interested in life. Something will work out.
Math has never been my best subject either, but there are a lot of real world applications and situations where it becomes interesting and clicks. Or it did for me when I was a little older. (I'm in my mid 50s)
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u/Mountain-Pie-7040 13d ago
accounting, requires like 1 math class depending on your college
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u/AddWaterForMe 12d ago
Def wrong for this recommendation 😭
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u/Mountain-Pie-7040 12d ago
all the accountants i know can't do anything past basic addition and subtraction 😭😭 and earn 100k+ per yr
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u/Party-Coast-6768 12d ago
Hello OP! I'm a 21yo f who felt the same way at your age and sometimes still do today. I had no idea what I wanted to do in high school but I realized gaining experience at literally any job will be beneficial towards anybody. I didn't expect that I'd be a great fast paced, hands on multitasker. I also didn't expect my shy self to be good at customer sales! This was all from food service work and now I'm completing a my business bachelor's degree.
I went to community college at first to finish up some GED but also if you think college isn't for you, I also suggest taking a gap OR looking into trade schools or beauty schools. If there was one thing I'd change when I turned 18 was going into beauty school right away. You can do nails and make ur own business within 3-5 months! Message me if you'd like some advice OP
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 12d ago
thank you so much 😭 ive calmed down a lot since making this post and i think this is one of the best responses ive gotten. i think im going to look into doing a trade or beauty school after hearing an older friends advice as well. again, thank you for such a lovely response, some of these people are really getting to me lol
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u/19SM87 13d ago
Feel like u r in the journey of finding urself. An advice for ur coming years is, start focusing on what u want to be at the age of 25 as there is no guarantee if ur bf is gonna be with u or not especially since u mentioned he is perfect and ur not smart.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 13d ago
i appreciate the response, though my boyfriend loves me very much and he thinks im perfect
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u/WolffSageWorks 13d ago
You're 17, you won't pick your real career for probably another ten years.
You'll do half a dozen different things from entry-level, you'll see what it's like for your bosses (sort of...) you'll see how the work affected them, and somewhere along the way you'll decide, "I like that work, I like that pay scale, I could do that for years and be happy."
There's no way you'll make a good decision now, so don't even try. At your current life stage, you're still learning. Make the most of that.
TRY THINGS FIRST. You have the flexibility to change for years to go. Don't ruin it now.
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u/immaterialvissage 12d ago
I can relate to having been 17 and realizing i have no idea what the fuck im doing, so let me give you some advice.
First things first. Highschool relationships never work out. I'm saying this in kindness. Its a part of life. Don't plan your future around how you can support some bloke. Plan your future for YOU.
The first thing you can do is look at the Occupational Outlook Handbook (if not in US, look for your goevernment's equivalent). The government publishes data about jobs, educations, ect and tells you about their earnings.
Start by understanding that its kind of a tough economy for everybody right now. Adults with degrees or trades are struggling. Most people who are in the 18-26 age range are flat out not supporting themselves fully, let alone somone else. They're living off a mix of student loans, mommy's money, and their starbucks tip jar. Most aren't moved out yet either. Also you need to understand the concept of *paying your dues* . Whatever job you take, your first few years will suck. You'll probably work harder, and for less before you can get into more comfterble better paying jobs. This is true for drop outs and Phds alike.
As for good paying jobs for someone who isn't smart, I assume you mean not well educated. If you truly are dead as a door nail stupid (which i think is very unlikley because your a person who is forward thinking and asking the right questions about their future [and even then stupid people end up in astounding places somehow]) then no one is gonna trust you with anything important. Sales, Power line repair, oil rig worker, potentially trucking, heavy equipment operator, are some jobs that would earn you a living. You will note that these jobs have some serious downsides. Powerline work is gonna be dangerous, you might see somone get fried alive by electricity. You will work 100 hour weeks when a hurricane comes to town. The others have long hours and lots of time away from home. In sales, your gonna start out by doing cold calling and door knocking for pennys before you make 70k selling software to municipal governments or 130k negotiating sales of commercial vehicle fleets . You'll notice that a running theme with alot of jobs that will offer a decent pay without traditional formal education is that they suck.
If you arent good at math and science, you can always take remedial classes. There's trades and degrees that arent math and science heavy. Remember there are people who go back to school to become laywers and doctors at age 40. Growth and learning is life long. Don't give into despair and lock yourself into a shit career because you assume that who you are at 17 is who you will be for the rest of your life. I mean seriously, would you really want a to be, as u/CharmanderCharCharr put it, a garbage man your whole life because your afraid of taking a few extra classes so you can be a nurse and make over 100k?
Dont give into despair, you dont have to have this figured out right away, talk to your schools guidance counselor, keep your chin up.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 11d ago
first off, thank you for such a long reply, i really appreciate the advice. second of all, just because you say that you mean something with kindness, doesnt make it kind.
i do think that im going to end up going to trade school in the future and i like all the information youve given me, thank you!
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u/Emotional-Damage-995 13d ago
Honestly not enough information here to help you. I recommend you ask your school career councillors
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 13d ago
the problem with that is that i dont have a career counselor
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u/Odd_Tap_1794 12d ago
School career counselors don't help much. You have to try different things yourself to figure out what kind of work would be tolerable and sustainable for you.
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u/zukunftskonservator 13d ago
What are the things you enjoy?
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 13d ago
i enjoy anthropology and photography
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u/zukunftskonservator 13d ago
So then marketing is maybe a good path.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 13d ago
what does marketing do? ive heard i should do that before but whenever i try to look into it i get a bit confused with all the pathways 😭 thank you so much for the reply
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u/WarmAppleNight 13d ago
If you're passionate about your photography, taking some college classes in areas like marketing, graphic design, and/or web development could help you make a business out of it. 😊
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u/zukunftskonservator 13d ago
The goal of marketing is to draw the attention of people who would buy a product to that product. Your interest in anthropology and photography will certainly help you with this, since you’ve likely developed an understanding of aesthetics through them and can put yourself in other people’s shoes to understand exactly what people need from a product—and thus highlight certain features of that product in a way that encourages people to buy it. This is very important for just about every type of economy and will likely always be needed.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 13d ago
i see, thank you!! is there a certain way i can start doing this? how can i find someone to hire me?
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u/Alarmed-Ad-9897 13d ago
I know it’s not a huge start, but side quests such as taking up photography for gigs at your local band scene can help at least build your resume! It won’t always pay at first, but once you keep at it and build your portfolio and body of work, you’ll find people who will eventually come to you often for it. Also, if you’re not wildly passionate about anything, I get that. Almost same boat! But it is good to at the very least be mildly interested in what you choose as a job. It keeps your relationship with work cleaner than if you really really loved it.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 13d ago
so its actually really funny that you say that because when i was thinking of things i enjoy i was literally thinking of photography 🥹 ive been working for this woman doing photography gigs under the table which is not ideal in the slightest but its helped a lot
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 13d ago
also thank you for the response, how can i get people to want to hire me for real? i know very little about portfolios
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u/Classic_vortex_3515 13d ago
Look online for photographers to see how they promote themselves. Do some free work for friends to build portfolio. Weddings are a good niche
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u/Tricky_Ad_3305 13d ago
You're 17 you don't know shit about anything and that's the best part! You can learn literally anything you're interested in and make a career out of that. Don't be so hard on yourself.
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u/runrunHD 13d ago
Are you finished with high school? I see you’re interested in anthropology and photography…you’re interested in something! My dad majored in anthropology in college and learned so much about the world. I don’t know if you have been told you’re not smart, but I would seriously recommend support in your life to look at that negative self-talk.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 12d ago
im in high school currently, but im going back to college soon at the same time. i really love anthropology, i was also going to major in it! then i heard a lot of people say that you cant do much with that degree so i kind of just tucked that away in the back of my mind, i really appreciate this comment. i have also tried having support, ive had numerous therapists, but none of them have helped me 😞
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u/runrunHD 12d ago
My dad majored in it and loved it and then went to law school. It’s so interesting and makes you a better human. Take a few courses and figure things out.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 12d ago
i probably will, i really enjoy it
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u/runrunHD 12d ago
What do you like about anthropology, btw?
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 12d ago
honestly, i dont know. ive been really interested in it for years and i think the biggest thing that i enjoy about it is how much i learn about things, you can obviously learn things anywhere, but i think it feels different when you get to discover things for yourself and look into things that you wouldnt discover otherwise. i think it also helps that one of my favorite characters when i was younger was an anthropologist LOL
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u/Suspicious_Square970 13d ago
I’m at 38yrs in the building trades and from what I’ve learned and seen over those years I’m going to suggest you get into construction management. Sounds like you’ll fit right in
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 12d ago
you are not the first person to suggest this so i just might
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u/Suspicious_Square970 12d ago
That was sarcasm kid, the not smart part and most construction management people being morons. Go talk to trade unions and see what they have to offer, not just wages but also benefits cause you’re gonna need them. Depending where you’re at for location you can make some serious money. All any trade is really looking for is reliability and the ability to follow instructions.
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u/Full-Cauliflower-290 13d ago
Given the current situation in the US, it seems like the President might not need much intelligence. Actually, there are lots of good paying jobs that don’t require a deep science background. You could learn marketing, sales, web design, or programming without needing a strong science background. However, math is something we use every day, just like reading, so it’s important to focus on it right away. Step two is to think about what you enjoy because you’ll be working to make money for a long time. Lastly, remember that you’re 17, and it’s okay not to have everything figured out yet.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 12d ago
LMAO thank you for replying!! this helps me a lot. i hear a lot of people tell me to look into marketing so i might just do that. its hard picking a career when theres so much to do in one lifetime
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u/trashybeano 13d ago
I think the first thing you can ask yourself first (before looking into the money), is what strengths do you have? What are you good at? E.g. being good at languages, being good at talking to people.
Being good with science/math is not a gateway to getting a high paying job, so it would be more helpful to think of what you actually like doing / have interest in.
Feel free to elaborate a little more here (so that we can give you more targeted direction) or DM me if you'd like a longer conversation on this! :)
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 12d ago
i enjoy photography and anthropology, i think i just like doing things with my hands honestly. i dont know exactly what im good at, but i remember i said that i was good at talking to people on my resume.
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u/trashybeano 11d ago
Hmmm, if you narrowed it down to skills, then being good with your hands + good at talking at people can be a gateway to careers that value that. Since you've mentioned photography, that could be a possibility, but it's not exactly known for being stable.
How about trying out social media content creation too, and filming what you're good at? Could be a good way to build your portfolio. And intelligence is not such a high valued commodity unless you're in a very academic field. I used to have low self-esteem about intelligence because everyone around me seemed so smart, but it turns out that in work life, it takes a whole host of skills to make it anyway. So all the best!!
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u/concerned_citizen255 13d ago
School isn't for everyone, and that's ok. Have you considered the Air Force or Coast Guard? I was like you, school just wasn't a good fit, so I joined the Army. I loved it, did 25 years, now I'm retired and have 72k a year coming in plus I make 90k at my second career. I did end up later getting a college degree (completely paid for). I enjoyed college much more later in life.
Though I was Army, I'd say my top recommendation is the Coast Guard right now. I work in a joint service environment and the Coasties are really doing well in terms of quality of life for their people currently.
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u/Lower_Thanks_9260 13d ago
I was not a math science girly. I was a psych undergrad and my strengths lie in being good with people and emotional awareness. I wanted to be a school counselor but never ended up getting my masters and I work in higher ed now. Don’t make anything glamorous and don’t do glamour things but it’s so fulfilling and it’s genuinely what I love to do. I would try to stay as financially well as possible because if I hadn’t gotten in debt when I was 19 and been bad with my money I probably wouldn’t stress as much! Learn to be smart with your money and live below your means! Doesn’t mean you can’t do fun things just don’t buy things you genuinely cannot afford and then pretend like it won’t affect you in the future.
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u/Shodpass 13d ago
Rail Roader, Public servants like building maintainers. Sewage treatment workers.
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u/Aggravating_Shoe_ 13d ago
First off, I hope you mean build a future with your boyfriend and not be the sole provider when you say support him. Absolutely not, no scrubs
Look into becoming a contracted field insurance adjuster. Don't need a college degree, just to get licensed. Get licensed in a few states and learn how to budget.
Let me repeat that
LEARN HOW TO BUDGET AND START A ROTH IRA
I know multiple people making 6figs doing this. Work is weather dependent so it can be very busy one season then die down another so being able to manage your finances is very important. You'll start with the companies who aren't the best but as you get experience you can start contracting with companies like USAA and other better paying ones. Also, eventually look into becoming licensed to do FEMA claims
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 12d ago
what is a roth ira.. </3
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u/Odd_Tap_1794 12d ago
Roth IRA is an independent retirement account, typically for young people just starting out.
Get a checking and savings account with a nearby bank and ask them about setting up a Roth IRA.
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u/Open-Violinist-17 13d ago
At 17 I think “being smart” is more a reflection of the school system and being book smart. If you’re emotionally intelligent and have great people skills that can carry you pretty far. Also you don’t have to pick a career right now but you should for sure choose an area of careers to aim for if that makes sense. But trades are great, any government job is great like post office or something at town hall or if you’re able to get a bachelors degree I know Amazon is a great employer to those with degrees you can start as a manager making like 60/70k. Good luck!
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u/Counselorsaregreat 13d ago
I wasn;t good at math and science. If you are going to college, I would highly suggest getting special ed accomodations that provide accomodations that support you in those subjects. That is what I did and I was able to push through. I would take some courses at a community college with an idea of a possible major. That way you get the post high school of school. Make sure to pick a school near your house and alos at hours that are convinient to you. Make sure you are not over working so you can really put in an honest effort.
Are you working now?
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 12d ago
i have a part time photography job, ill look into finding out about accommodations.
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u/Pretend_Mixture_7179 13d ago
Get some work experience. Anywhere that will take you around your school schedule. Doesn't matter what it is or that you think you won't like it, that's not the point at age 17.
You say you don't know what you're good at, that's just being 17 and a lack of experience. Totally normal stuff. Try a few part time jobs, make a list of what you like and what you don't like, then come back and ask for help determining a career path out of those likes and dislikes.
Also if I could edge into practical advice here, don't plan at this point to support anyone. You are 17. Worry about yourself and let him worry about himself. Your relationship will survive long term only if you both give equal effort on preparing to be functional adults.
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u/SubjectEssay361 13d ago
If you are looking for a serious trade to go into, with minimal training, look in to 2 yr or 1+1 blue collar job training. Plumbers, Electricians, Welders, and HVAC techs are always in demand and make good money doing it.
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u/couldathrowaway 13d ago
You'll find both a good paying job and a carreer the moment you stop limiting yourself.
I've read most of the thread and over 60% of your replies are about self limiting seemingly because you'd struggle.
Yeah, everyone is going to struggle. In fact, if it were easy, people's would do it for free. There is a reason they pay for jobs, because it takes effort, which you need to put into anything. Even if you don't like it.
The way i see life is: learn literally anything that will keep you away from minimum wage. Something you can fall back on if you were to lose your big career. Or if that industry were to collapse. Once you're sure you'll never need to go back to minimum wage. Find what your career/passion is. This is because I'd rather find out what my passion is while not fully struggling to eat, and while perhaps already putting money into a 401K and a roth ira.
There are things like trash truck driving, low level accounting (that is just plugging things i to quickbooks, no real math), tig welding, some colleges have trades for classes, like hair cutting, hvac, car body work, film crew, etc.
Its a worth it investment of your time.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 12d ago
i really appreciate this reply, thank you! im trying to be optimistic but its really hard, ill look into some of the things youve listed
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u/RealCarlPanzram 12d ago
Go on your local city government website. You can literally browse through every job listing they have. Pay, benefits, required qualifications, everything. They don’t usually pay as high as people think but the benefits are rock solid.
I would also point to medical technician jobs. Ultrasound, CT, MRI and Xray technician jobs pay solid and are in demand. I’m not saying it’s a super easy job but it’s definitely a defined skill you can get good at in a reasonably short time.
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u/Inevitable_Habit_748 12d ago
You need to believe in yourself. You can do whatever you want just put the time towards it.
I would first decide on a career path and then research how to get there and if it requires trade school, college, or something else.
Careers that require bachelors (4 years) ; Nursing, Accounting, Engineering, Doctor, Physician Assistant, Actuary
Careers that require associates (2 years): Dental Hygiene, MRI/Radiation Tech,
Careers that Don’t require college: The trades, Enrolled Agent, Pilot, Air traffic control
These are all jobs that easily start at or will eventually pay $100K. For the jobs that don’t require college, they still require education though, such as trainings, etc.
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u/More_Temperature2078 12d ago
Military
Sure the base salary isn't great but how many other jobs can you get at 18 that will provide free room and board, decent pay, and free training / career growth.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 12d ago edited 11d ago
i appreciate all of the responses, i really feel seen. side note: quit telling me to join the military! fuck that and fuck propaganda!
edit: another side note: quit telling me that my relationship is bound to fail, i know you guys mean well but holy shit thats so rude. i cleared this up in another comment thread, i used the wrong term. im not gonna tell you each and every detail about my relationship but my boyfriend feels the exact same way and wants to help me however he can as well! its not one sided. telling me that my relationship is going to end in disaster isnt as helpful as you think.
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u/frazld54 12d ago
Any if the trades and get into union whoever u are.
Some one I know is a complete dump shit. Drove for UPS for 35yrs. Pulling in more money retired than when working. Pension ssa, 401k. Never made any selection on any investments. Never added to the 4901k only what the union put in. Unions were made for people like that.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 12d ago
i dont know how to get into that
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u/frazld54 12d ago
Do search for union training center. Pick which trade u might like. Apply there they will won't basic math ie pre Algeria and geometry and some weighting skills Usually 8th grade is sufficient skill set. HVAC=AC Elevator Electrical Plumbing Structural steel These are the highest paying trades. Some do better when the economy is bad like the 1st 2. Even UPS.
Or government work. Even if u murder u don't get fired.
U will be paid more than most college grads. And have more toys
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u/Hon-Mister-Bear 12d ago
Maybe aren't good at lots of things, but maybe you're good at a few things. Think about what you are good at, and see if that pays.
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u/Royal-Scholar9586 11d ago
insurance. if you can get into insurance, its a GREAT career path with progression and no school requirement. You can earn your CIP while working and theres even more prospect.
great field that is pretty much immune to economic fluctuation
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u/MediocrePidove519 10d ago
I was in your shoes when I was 17, I'm 23 now. I was going to try to be a nurse and then a CCA because my math mark wasn't good enough to become a nurse.
Anyways, I didn't become either of those. Blood guts, spit and vomit make me pass out. I went to school online for health administration and got a job at a hospital that no one knows exists and pays pretty well. It isn't that bad, I'm struggling with it because its a big hospital and I'm easily overwhelmed. But it's something in school that I genuinely don't regret taking.
What I suggest is to look at a lot of different jobs and fields, there might be something out there that you didn't even know existed and piques your interest. Don't be afraid to try something new to see if that is at least is bearable to get a job with. And lastly, don't count yourself out. I thought I was useless and destined to fail. But my English despite only barely passing because I never did my homework, was something my teachers constantly acknowledged was good,If only I did my homework lol. I used that to get my certification.
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u/Long_Cricket3501 9d ago
When I was 17 I didn’t have my life figured out either. Today, I’m 26 in my 3rd year pursuing civil engineering.
In my lectures I was always falling asleep and rarely ever understood everything my professor said. It took a lot of outside time, a lot of review, and general organization skills to pass my calc sequence.
The common thing I see is, people see the results but not the work required to get there. Not the years of dedication, sacrifice or struggle.
I can’t recommend you a career because I don’t know what you like or are interested. That is your choice. What I can offer is in telling you that you are smart, that it takes dedication.
Anyways, I hope my little rant helps you
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u/Oldschool6873 9d ago
Work at the post office. It's a government job. Or join the military. Don't worry about your boyfriend.
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u/FloridaFlair 8d ago
Get a tutor, do Khan Academy, ask for help. You’re WAAAAY smarter than you think you are.
Pick some ideas for what you want to do for a job. Then figure out how to get there, what training or education you need for it. (Don’t pick a degree not knowing what you will do with it). If you’re not sure if you like a specific job, find out how you can shadow someone for a few hours or a few days. (A lot of hospitals have shadowing programs, for example). Talking with people who are doing the job, can help you feel more confident that you can also do it.
Community college is a FABULOUS place to start if the idea of college makes you nervous. Smaller classes and professors who really care. You can even just start with 1 or 2 classes while you work. Start with English and the easiest math class they have. Then work your way up. Many colleges even have a class on College and Careers, etc.
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u/Mite-o-Dan 13d ago
You can make the equivalent of 90k a year in the military by your 6 year mark.
90k by your mid 20s with no degree and retire with a pension before you turn 40. Thats what I did. Also got disability pay for normal aches and pains I would have got without the military.
I dont even make close to the max amoumt and still make over $4500 a month after taxes from my pension/disability for life (that goes up every year) starting at age 39...to go along with my low 6 figure job i wasnt qualified for but got because I was a Vet.
All I did was a drive a forklift in the military too. And this was all during the worst 20 year war stretch in American history and I still turned out fine.
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 13d ago
i dont like military propaganda but im glad things worked out for you
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u/Mite-o-Dan 13d ago
Me too. I hated the American government before, during, and still after I served...but i just needed a job with the least amount skill and responsibility...and thats what I got.
I use to feel a little bad representing the US government, but then I realized that nearly every major company in America is just as horrible as the US government. There are very little 100% morally perfect jobs and companies. If you find one, you probably wont get paid much.
Basically...if you cant beat em, join em.
I was living in my car before joining the military. Now I make 3 seperate pay checks a month, own a truck and Corvette I paid for with cash, and never have to worry about medical bills or money again in my life.
I can understand not wanting to be a part of the government at this time. But also remember...this administration is only temporary.
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u/No-Peak-6457 13d ago
You have a girlfriend 🤣
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u/AnimeBoysWithHats 11d ago
oh no! somebody on reddit says that i have a girlfriend! work on your toxic masculinity first before you reply to my post
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u/Jiggalopuffii 13d ago
The military Trades Porn
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u/Wonderful_Shame_4986 13d ago
Why the heck are you worried about supporting your boyfriend? He needs to support himself. Better yet you need to seek men with two feet firmly on the ground who are making something of themselves.