I’m 27 and I work at Papa John’s. How do I get my life together??

Hello I’m 27 years old. I work as a pizza delivery driver from Thursday-Sunday at nights. After taxes I make about 3k per month. I’ve been working dead end jobs all my life. No degree, no trade experience. To be honest I’m pretty miserable. I hate coming home at 1am. My car is falling apart. I can’t find any other jobs that involves a normal schedule. It’s difficult to go to social events nor date with this current work schedule.

Maybe I’m freaking out because I’ll be 30 soon with no real work experience besides dead end jobs. I have no savings, no retirement, I live with roommates. I can’t afford my own apartment. I just feel like a loser in all aspects of life.

Jobadvisor

It's completely understandable to feel the way you do. Many people hit a point where they realize their current path isn't sustainable or fulfilling, and that realization can be a powerful motivator for change. The good news is that at 27, you have plenty of time to build the life you want. You've identified some key areas of dissatisfaction, which is the first step towards improvement.

Here's a breakdown of how you can start getting your life together, focusing on actionable steps:

1. Financial Stability: The Foundation

This is crucial because it gives you options and reduces stress.

• Track Your Spending: Before you can save, you need to know where your money is going. For one month, write down every single expense, no matter how small. Apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need A Budget), or even a simple spreadsheet can help.
• Create a Budget: Once you know your spending, you can create a realistic budget.
  • Prioritize Needs: Rent/housing, food, transportation (car repairs!), utilities.
  • Identify Areas to Cut: Are there subscriptions you don't use? Can you cook more at home instead of eating out? Even small cuts add up.
  • Allocate to Savings: Even if it's $50 a month to start, commit to putting something into a savings account.
• Emergency Fund: Your immediate financial goal should be to build an emergency fund of at least 1-3 months of living expenses. This will act as a buffer for unexpected costs (like car repairs!) and reduce stress.
• Address Car Issues: Your car is your livelihood. Prioritize getting essential repairs done. If you can't afford them outright, look into payment plans or small personal loans from credit unions (avoid high-interest payday loans). A reliable car will save you money in the long run and reduce stress.
• Explore Higher-Earning Opportunities (Short-Term):
  • Ask for more hours: If available and you can manage, even a few extra shifts can boost your income.
  • Look for other part-time gigs: Can you do some Uber Eats/DoorDash during your off-hours, or dog walking/babysitting? Even temporary income can help build that emergency fund.

2. Career Transition: Building a Future

This is where you'll make the biggest long-term changes.

• Self-Assessment:
  • What are your interests? What do you enjoy doing, even as a hobby?
  • What are your strengths? Are you good with people? Organized? Hands-on?
  • What kind of work environment do you prefer? Indoors/outdoors? Team-based/independent?
  • Research: Look into careers that align with your interests and strengths. Don't limit yourself.
• Explore In-Demand Trades:
  • HVAC, plumbing, electrical, welding, carpentry: These jobs often pay well, are in high demand, and don't always require a four-year degree. They offer stable, hands-on work.
  • Community Colleges/Vocational Schools: Look into programs near you. Many offer certificates or associate degrees that can be completed in 1-2 years, often with evening or weekend classes.
  • Apprenticeships: Many trades offer apprenticeships where you learn on the job and get paid. Search online for local unions or trade organizations that offer these. This is an excellent way to get paid while you learn.
• Consider Entry-Level Roles with Growth Potential:
  • Administrative Assistant/Office Support: Many companies hire for these roles and offer opportunities for internal growth or tuition reimbursement for further education.
  • Customer Service (not just call centers): Look for roles in stable industries (e.g., healthcare, insurance, tech) that might offer career paths.
  • Logistics/Warehouse: Often has clearer paths to supervisor roles or specialized equipment operation.
• Networking (Even if it feels awkward):
  • Talk to people: Ask friends, family, and even customers about their jobs. You never know who might have a lead or advice.
  • Online Platforms: LinkedIn is a powerful tool. Start by creating a profile, connecting with people in your area, and exploring companies that interest you.
• Skill Development:
  • Online Courses: Websites like Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning, and even YouTube offer free or low-cost courses in various skills (e.g., basic coding, data entry, project management basics). These can make your resume stand out.
  • Certifications: Are there any industry-recognized certifications that could boost your employability quickly? (e.g., CompTIA A+ for IT, ServSafe for food service management if you want to stay in that industry but move up).

3. Personal Well-being: Reclaiming Your Life

This is just as important as finances and career.

• Address Your Schedule: This is a major pain point. As you work towards career change, actively look for jobs with more "normal" hours. Even if it's a slight pay cut initially, the improvement in your quality of life can be worth it.
• Prioritize Sleep: Working until 1 AM and feeling miserable are linked. Good sleep is fundamental for physical and mental health.
• Social Connection:
  • Make an effort: Even with your current schedule, try to carve out time for social interaction. Can you meet up with friends for brunch on a Sunday, or grab coffee before a shift?
  • Find activities that fit your schedule: Are there any groups or events that happen during your off-hours?
• Physical Activity: Even 20-30 minutes of walking a few times a week can significantly improve your mood and energy levels.
• Mental Health: Feeling "miserable" is a sign you need to address your mental well-being.
  • Acknowledge your feelings: It's okay to feel this way.
  • Practice self-compassion: You're not a loser; you're a person trying to navigate a challenging situation.
  • Seek professional help: If feelings of misery persist or are overwhelming, consider talking to a therapist or counselor. Many offer sliding scale fees based on income. Your local community health center might also have resources.
  • Mindfulness/Meditation: Even a few minutes a day can help manage stress.
• Set Small, Achievable Goals: Don't try to change everything at once.
  • "This week, I will track my spending."
  • "This month, I will research three trade programs."
  • "This weekend, I will call one person about a job lead."
  • Celebrating small victories will build momentum and confidence.

Action Plan Steps You Can Take NOW:

1. Start Tracking Spending: Download a budget app or get a notebook and start today.
2. Research Local Community Colleges/Vocational Schools: Look at their program offerings and see what interests you. Call their admissions office for information.
3. Update Your Resume: Even if it's basic, get it ready. Focus on transferable skills from Papa John's (customer service, time management, responsibility, fast-paced environment).
4. Fix Your Car (Priority): Get an estimate for the most critical repairs and start saving specifically for that.
5. Schedule One Social Outing: Even if it's a quick coffee with a friend, make an effort to connect.

This is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be good days and bad days. The key is to keep moving forward, even if it's just one small step at a time. You have the power to change your situation, and recognizing that is the most important step.

Apprentice keeps coming to work sick

If it's the flu or gastro, you can guarantee he'll come in. He came in with stomach problems and I kept telling him to go home but he said "I don't like taking sick days"

I said, "c'mon kid. Think of other people. You're an apprentice, you're always up in people's space."

Then he said "I don't have any sick days" I live in Australia. We get 10 sick days a year as a legal requirement. Go the F home.

He came to work with the flu last week. Now I have the flu. I was meant to be visiting family this weekend but had to cancel and I have a really important appointment at the hospital tomorrow. I've had to postpone that too.

Why do people do this? If you get sick days then use them when you're sick FFS.

I think next time he comes in sick, I'll just refuse to work with him. He can spend all day sweeping the floor. Also gonna buy some Glen20 and spray the kid whenever he walks near me.

Jobadvisor

It's incredibly frustrating when colleagues come to work sick, especially when it directly impacts your health and plans. Your apprentice's behaviour is not only inconsiderate but also goes against basic workplace health and safety.

Here's why people might do this, even with sick leave available, and what you can consider doing:

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Why People Come to Work Sick

• Fear of losing pay or falling behind: Even with sick leave, some individuals worry about financial repercussions if they've exhausted their days or are concerned about the perception of being "unreliable." They might also fear falling behind on work tasks, especially in a busy environment.
• Work ethic misconceptions: Some people are taught that coming to work no matter what, even when sick, demonstrates a strong work ethic or dedication. They might genuinely believe they're doing the right thing.
• Lack of understanding of contagion: Despite public health campaigns, some individuals don't fully grasp how easily illnesses like the flu or gastro can spread and the impact it has on others.
• Pressure (real or perceived): While Australia has good sick leave provisions, there can still be subtle or overt pressure from management or colleagues to be present, even when unwell.
• "No sick days" confusion: Your apprentice's comment about having "no sick days" is particularly concerning given Australian law. He might genuinely misunderstand his entitlements, or he might have used them up, which would then bring financial fears into play.

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What You Can Do

Your apprentice's actions are affecting your health and ability to meet your commitments. Here are some constructive steps you can take:

1. Talk to Your Apprentice (Again)

Have a direct conversation with him when you are both well and calm.

• Educate him: Explain clearly and calmly how contagious illnesses spread and the impact his coming to work sick has had on you (e.g., cancelling your family visit and hospital appointment). Mention that it's not just about him, but about the whole team and potentially customers too.
• Clarify sick leave: Reiterate that in Australia, everyone is entitled to 10 sick days a year. Ask him why he thinks he doesn't have any. It could be a misunderstanding of how they accrue or that he's used them up.
• Reinforce expectations: Make it clear that staying home when sick is a requirement for the health and safety of everyone.

2. Escalate to Management/HR

This is crucial. Your apprentice's behaviour is a workplace health and safety issue.

• Report the incidents: Document the dates he came in sick and how it affected you. Explain that he claims he has no sick days, despite Australian entitlements.
• Suggest a policy reminder: Ask management to send out a general reminder to all staff about the importance of staying home when sick and clarifying sick leave entitlements.
• Seek their intervention: Management needs to address this directly with the apprentice. They can provide him with the correct information about his leave entitlements, explain the health and safety implications of coming to work sick, and potentially implement disciplinary action if he continues to disregard policies.

3. Protect Yourself

While the above steps are being taken, you need to protect your own health.

• Maintain distance: If he comes in sick again, you are absolutely within your rights to refuse to work near him. Your idea of having him sweep the floor is a reasonable temporary measure.
• Hygiene: Continue with strong personal hygiene practices like frequent hand washing.
• Glen20: While spraying him with Glen20 is understandable in your frustration, it's probably not the most professional or effective solution. Focus on airing out shared spaces and cleaning surfaces.

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You mustn't shoulder this burden alone. This is a workplace issue that management needs to address to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone. Good luck with your appointment when you reschedule!