You make $65,000 (USD 🤢) in a dead end career doing nothing but showing up sometimes. Guaranteed employment without change in intensity or salary until retirement in 15 years at age 62. You receive 3 weeks paid vacation, reasonably priced medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k matched at 2.5%, and virtually unlimited sick days as long as you don’t call out too often (>3x month). You are given 6 college credits per semester to use at the local university. You’re currently working on a PhD.
You live comfortably and have 1 year’s salary saved. Zero dependents.
Do you ride it out, or do you seek a career change before it’s too late.
I know, infinite unknown variables, but what would you do regardless?
UPDATE: I’m slightly taken aback by how many of you actually took the time out of your day/evening to reply to my personal crisis. I’ve think I’ve replied to everyone, which, in doing so, made this morning surprisingly sunnier. So thanks for that.
Adding some thing I’ve shared in replies. I’m a homeowner with zero debt aside from a very affordable mortgage. Purchased my car outright new in 2024, had household concerns addressed over past five years (new roof, HVAC systems, sump pump, water heater, shed, remodeled bathrooms), have three degrees, and a lifetime of piss poor fortune.


Are you looking for advice? Cause that’s how it sounds lol. The answer and reasons are different for everyone.
Ultimately the question is, how does the job make you feel? If I hate getting up everyday to go to work, I’m probably going to at least look at my options if not straight run out of there crying.
If it’s ok but nothing too exciting. I don’t dread it but, I also don’t look forward to it, I might stay. But only if I can find a way to spice it up a bit. Maybe that’s a new podcast to listen to while working. Maybe it’s finding something to do in my down time, maybe it’s researching a new hobby or something.
If I like the job but I’m not going anywhere but I’m that close to retirement, I’m going to probably stay. Until they give me a reason to hate it. Then, I’m out.
I am looking for advice, and yes, this is totally my current situation.