What jobs pay 80-85k a year and you can be an absolute moron and excel?

l'm 28 and not working. Graduated in Dec '23 with a bachelor's in psych and a minor in biology. Worked with kids ages 3-5 with Autism, besides that l've worked warehouse like FedEx and ups just unloading semi trailers. I've wanted to be an actor and or do voice work but I realize that's not realistic at all especially living in IL, and the fact that I'd still need to be working a normal job if I did pursue acting of any kind. I met the VA that played Leonardo in the 87 tmnt series and was explaining what blink and you'll miss it part that I found humorous. He went on to ask me if I had done any acting. He asked because of how I described what he did that I particularly found funny. Apparently I was decribing that instant in a way that came off to him like I'd had experience with acting. Part of me feels ridiculous because realistically he was probably just being nice when making that compliment, but part of me is actually wanting to pursue voice work because he went so far as to ask me if l've done anything before. I've taken some acting classes in highschool and a few in community college before I went to a university. But overall I feel directionless and pathetic.

I need to be making enough not only to pay all my shit like:

student loans 60k+ worth, health/car insurance, pay for a new car cuz my current one I got into an accident that rendered the passenger doors both useless, one day to get a dog and give it the best life cuz I'm fuckin miserable since my first and only dog died suddenly in June 2023, my mom's not gonna retire so I wanted to be able to pay to get her to live comfortably, pay for a new roof for my grandparents house where my mom and I live (both grandparents are gone now), pay my dad back for all the bullshit l've gotten myself into that he's paid for, be able to give gifts to my niece and 2 nephews that I don't really talk to cuz I feel like a failure, the normal stuff like gas/groceries,and maybe a vacation once a year. That's not including the hobbies and shit I'd like to do but realistically is just wasting money like collecting figures, bowling, and have a girlfriend one day I can actually have money for.

I'm just trying to be useful right now and clean the house and fix my mom's dryer which literally is the easiest repair, replacing heating valve coils, and just getting it opened took an hour or so for each step that had to be done which was like 3 er 4.

Feel like jumping off a cliff and saving everyone a buck in the long run

Oh ya totally forgot being able to move out and afford rent and a house and to afford kids one day

Jobadvisor

I understand you're feeling a lot of pressure and are looking for a clear path forward. It's tough when you're carrying student loan debt, wanting to help your family, and trying to figure out your own future. Let's break down your situation and explore some options.

First, I want to address your statement about wanting jobs where you can be an "absolute moron and excel." It sounds like you're feeling down on yourself, and that's understandable given the stress you're under. However, every job, especially those paying $80-85k, requires a certain level of competence, critical thinking, and dedication. Instead of focusing on jobs that require minimal effort, let's focus on finding roles where your existing skills and interests can be leveraged, and where you can grow and feel successful. You clearly have some strengths, like your communication skills (as noted by the voice actor) and your willingness to learn and fix things (like the dryer).

Regarding your career aspirations and financial goals, here's a structured approach to consider:

1. Re-evaluating Your Skills and Interests:

• Psychology and Biology Background: While you haven't pursued a traditional path with these degrees, they provide a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, data analysis, research, and scientific principles. These are valuable in many fields.
• Experience with Autistic Children: This demonstrates patience, empathy, communication skills, and the ability to work in a structured environment.
• Warehouse Experience: Shows reliability, physical stamina, and the ability to follow instructions and work in a team.
• Acting/Voice Work Interest: This is a genuine passion, and the compliment from the voice actor suggests you have a natural aptitude. Don't dismiss it entirely. While it might not be your primary income source initially, it could be a fulfilling side pursuit that potentially grows into something more.
• "Fix-it" Mentality: Your willingness to tackle the dryer repair, even if challenging, shows a practical, problem-solving mindset.

2. Realistic Job Paths to Consider (Aiming for $80-85k or a path to get there):

It's important to understand that reaching $80-85k straight out of a warehouse job or without significant experience in a specialized field might take some time and strategic career planning. However, there are fields where this is achievable, especially with further training or by leveraging your existing background.

Here are some job categories that often pay in that range or have a clear path to it, and where your psych/bio background and other skills could be beneficial:

• Healthcare (Non-Clinical/Support Roles):

  • Clinical Research Coordinator/Associate: Your biology background, attention to detail, and understanding of scientific principles would be beneficial. These roles involve managing clinical trials, ensuring compliance, and collecting data. With experience, you can definitely reach the $80k+ mark. Many entry-level positions exist, and you could look for companies in Illinois.
  • Medical Device Sales: This is a commission-based role, but successful reps can earn well into six figures. It requires strong communication, sales skills, and an understanding of medical products, which your bio background could help with. It's high-pressure but can be very rewarding.
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Similar to medical device sales, this role involves selling medications to healthcare providers. It requires strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of pharmacology, which your biology background might touch upon.
  • Healthcare Administration/Management (with further education): While you might not start at $80k, an entry-level administrative role could lead to management positions with an MHA (Master of Health Administration) or MBA with a healthcare focus.
  • Health Information Management/Technology: Roles like Healthcare Data Analyst or Health Informatics Specialist are growing. Your biology and psychology background could help you understand the context of the data. These often require some technical skills (SQL, Excel, possibly Python/R) but training is available.

• Technology/Data (Entry points may be lower, but rapid growth potential):

  • Data Analyst: Your psych/bio background has given you exposure to data and research. Many companies are looking for people who can analyze data and draw insights. You'll likely need to learn tools like Excel, SQL, and possibly Python or R. Bootcamps and online courses are abundant. With experience, $80-85k is very achievable.
  • Business Analyst: Bridging the gap between business needs and IT solutions. Requires strong communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Your psychology degree can help with understanding user needs and organizational behavior.
  • Project Coordinator/Junior Project Manager: Many industries need project management. Your organizational skills and ability to manage tasks (like fixing the dryer) could translate. With experience and PMP certification, project managers regularly earn well over $80k.

• Human Services/Applied Behavioral Science (Potentially with certifications/further training):

  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): Given your experience with children with Autism, pursuing BCBA certification could lead to a well-paying career. This usually requires a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and supervised fieldwork. While it's more education, it directly leverages your previous experience and demand is high. Salaries for experienced BCBAs can easily reach $80k+.

• Sales (Beyond Healthcare):

  • Software Sales/Tech Sales: Many tech companies offer entry-level Business Development Representative (BDR) or Sales Development Representative (SDR) roles, which often pay a base salary plus commission. If you're good at communication and enjoy persuasion, this can be a very lucrative field with high earning potential (well over $80k for successful reps). They often look for people with strong communication skills, which you demonstrated.

3. Strategies for Getting There:

• Targeted Skill Development: Identify the specific skills needed for the roles that interest you (e.g., SQL for data analysis, specific software for clinical research, sales methodologies for sales). Use online courses (Coursera, edX, Udemy), bootcamps, or community college courses to acquire these.
• Networking: Connect with people in industries that interest you. Use LinkedIn to find alumni from your university or people with similar backgrounds who are in roles you aspire to. Informational interviews can provide invaluable insights.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight transferable skills from your psych/bio degree and warehouse experience. Emphasize problem-solving, attention to detail, communication, teamwork, and your ability to learn new things.
• Consider Certifications: Many fields have certifications that can boost your resume and earning potential (e.g., PMP for project management, various data analytics certifications, sales certifications).
• Internships (if feasible): Even at 28, an internship can be a great way to gain experience in a new field and make connections. Some are paid.
• Start Somewhere, Aim Higher: You might not land an $80k job as your first professional role, but aim for positions that offer a clear path to that income level within a few years. Growth potential is key.

4. Addressing Your Personal Goals and Well-being:

• Financial Planning:
  • Student Loans: Look into repayment options. Income-driven repayment plans can adjust your monthly payments based on your income, giving you some breathing room while you get established. Don't ignore them.
  • Budgeting: Start creating a realistic budget now. Understand where your money is going. This will help you see what you need to earn to meet your goals.
  • Debt Repayment Strategy: Once you have a job, create a plan for paying down your debt.
• Voice Work/Acting:
  • Don't give up on it entirely. Since you're in Illinois, look for local acting workshops, improv classes, or voice-over coaches. You can pursue this as a serious hobby or side gig while building your primary career. Many voice actors work from home studios. The compliment from the VA is a genuine sign of potential.
  • Start small: Get a decent microphone, learn some basic editing, and practice. Look for local opportunities for commercial voice-overs or even volunteer narration for audiobooks or podcasts.
• Mental Health: You mentioned feeling "directionless and pathetic" and contemplating jumping off a cliff. These are serious feelings, and it's important to address them.
  • Reach out for support: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or consider speaking with a therapist or counselor. Many universities offer alumni counseling services, or you can find affordable options through community mental health centers.
  • Focus on small wins: You fixed the dryer! That's a tangible accomplishment. Celebrate these small victories.
  • Take care of yourself: Make sure you're eating well, getting enough sleep, and engaging in some form of physical activity. These basics can significantly impact your mood and outlook.
  • Your dog goal: This is a wonderful, motivating goal. Keep that picture in your mind of providing a loving home.

You're not a "moron" and you're not "pathetic." You're a 28-year-old with a degree, work experience, and a genuine desire to improve your life and help your family. That's a strong foundation. The path forward might not be immediately obvious, but it exists. By combining your existing skills with targeted learning and strategic job searching, you can definitely build a fulfilling career and achieve your financial goals.