What is a low stress job where I can make at least 60k a year with no degree?
I currently work a dead end retail job making 44k a year at the age of 27. I feel like I have just watched my 20s wither away. I've never really received guidance on a career. Most people have told me that "you'll figure it out". Well here we are almost 9 years later and that clearly wasn't true. I currently have around 200k in savings if that makes any difference. I want to find a job that has a good life balance. I'd prefer to work 4 days a week. I wouldnt mind 4 10s but 4 8s would be ideal. I also would like a job where I don't have to work Friday evening to Saturday evening. Don't mind over night jobs but a 9 - 5 on the weekdays would be preferred. Here's a few things that interest me if this helps. Economics, real estate, and computer related stuff.
Going to college really isn't an option for me because of my severe learning disabilities. I have autism, ADHD, speech impediment and dyslexia. States I've thought about moving to if this helps. Tennessee, North Carolina, and upstate NY, particularly around Onondaga county.
Jobadvisor
Based on your goals (low stress, ≥$60k/year, no degree, 4-day workweek, flexible schedule) and interests (economics, real estate, computer-related), here are the **top viable options** tailored to your needs, including how to pursue them:
**1. IT Support Specialist (Remote/Hybrid)**
**Why it fits:**
- **Salary:** $45k–$65k (reaches $60k+ with 1–2 years of experience).
- **Stress Level:** Low-to-moderate (task-based troubleshooting, minimal high-pressure sales).
- **Schedule:** Many remote/hybrid roles offer 4-day weeks (e.g., Mon–Thu, 9am–5pm) or flexible hours. No weekend work.
- **Interests:** Aligns with computer-related fields; problem-solving is engaging for many neurodivergent individuals.
- **No Degree Required:** Certifications (e.g., **CompTIA A+**, **Network+**) are sufficient.
**How to Get Started:**
- **Certifications:** Study for CompTIA A+ (covers hardware/software basics) via free resources (YouTube, Coursera) or paid courses. Exams cost ~$200–$300.
- **Experience:** Volunteer for tech help at a library/community center or take an internship (even unpaid) to build a resume.
- **Job Search:** Target remote-friendly companies (e.g., tech startups, insurance firms) on Indeed, LinkedIn, or remote-specific sites (FlexJobs, We Work Remotely). Filter for “hybrid” or “flexible schedule.”
**2. Property Manager**
**Why it fits:**
- **Salary:** $50k–$70k (higher in growing markets like TN/NC; reaches $60k+ with experience).
- **Stress Level:** Moderate (focused on logistics, not high-pressure sales).
- **Schedule:** Many offices offer 9am–5pm, Mon–Fri. Some allow 4-day weeks (e.g., compressed 32-hour schedule).
- **Interests:** Aligns with real estate; involves organizing, budgeting, and coordinating (appealing to economics-leaning minds).
- **No Degree Required:** Certification (e.g., **IREM Certified Property Manager**) helps but isn’t mandatory. On-the-job training is common.
**How to Get Started:**
- **Certification (Optional):** Pursue IREM’s CPM program (costs ~$500–$1,000) for credibility.
- **Experience:** Start as an assistant property manager or leasing agent (entry-level roles often don’t require experience).
- **Job Search:** Look for property management companies in TN (Nashville/Memphis), NC (Charlotte/Raleigh), or Upstate NY (Syracuse). Check local real estate association job boards.
**3. Bookkeeper (Remote)**
**Why it fits:**
- **Salary:** $45k–$65k (reaches $60k+ with QuickBooks certification and 2+ years of experience).
- **Stress Level:** Low (structured, repetitive tasks; minimal client interaction).
- **Schedule:** Fully remote roles often allow 4-day weeks (e.g., Tue–Fri, 8am–4pm). No weekend work.
- **Interests:** Aligns with economics (numbers, budgeting); uses software (QuickBooks) with visual interfaces (helpful for dyslexia).
- **No Degree Required:** Certifications (e.g., **QuickBooks Certified User**) are key.
**How to Get Started:**
- **Certification:** Take a QuickBooks course (online platforms like Udemy offer $100–$200 courses) and pass the exam (~$150).
- **Experience:** Practice with personal/family finances or volunteer for a small nonprofit to build a portfolio.
- **Job Search:** Target remote bookkeeping firms (e.g., Bench, Bookkeeper.com) or local businesses (restaurants, clinics) on Indeed. Highlight accuracy and attention to detail.
**Key Considerations for Your Situation**
- **Learning Disabilities:** All recommended paths offer **accommodations** (e.g., extended exam time, written instructions instead of verbal) for autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc. Mention these when applying/interviewing to ensure support.
- **Savings Advantage:** Use your $200k to fund certifications ($500–$2,000 total) or cover living expenses while gaining experience (e.g., internships).
- **State Preferences:**
- **TN/NC:** Strong tech (IT) and real estate (property management) markets. Lower cost of living means $60k goes further.
- **Upstate NY (Onondaga County):** Stable healthcare/education sectors; bookkeeping or admin roles may be easier to find locally.
- **Avoid Pitfalls:** Steer clear of high-commission roles (e.g., real estate sales) or physically demanding jobs (e.g., HVAC) if stress is a priority.
Next Steps
1. **Pick One Path:** Choose the role that excites you most (e.g., IT if you love solving problems, bookkeeping if you’re detail-oriented).
2. **Invest in Certifications:** Allocate $1,000–$2,000 from savings for courses/exams.
3. **Build Experience:** Take a part-time gig or volunteer to pad your resume.
4. **Network:** Join local IT/realtors/bookkeeping groups on LinkedIn or Meetup to hear about openings.
5. **Negotiate Flexibility:** When hired, ask for a 4-day work week trial period (many companies are open to this post-pandemic).
These roles balance your salary, schedule, and interest goals while accommodating your learning differences. With targeted effort, you can transition from retail to a fulfilling, low-stress career in 12–18 months.
Did I make a mistake quitting my job as a server to work a full time job??
I’m 27 years old. I worked as a server for 4 years. I worked from Thursday-Sunday. I’m now currently working in HVAC as an apprentice making $24 an hour. I work from 6am-2pm. When I was working in the restaurant it was 5pm-12am(closing). Between having to set an alarm to wake up at 5am. Going to the gym on weekdays after 3pm is usually crowded, grocery shopping is too crowded. I miss working in the evenings. Unfortunately my co workers were the only people I socialized with. Yesterday and today on my days off I did chores and watched tv all day, it was pretty boring.
I know stability is a great thing. I just started working in HVAC 2 weeks ago. Maybe it’s just all the emotions of starting a new job.
Jobadvisor
Quitting your job as a server to start a full-time career in HVAC is a huge change, and it's completely normal to feel like you've made a mistake, especially after only two weeks. What you're experiencing is likely a mix of emotions that come with any big life transition, not necessarily a sign you made the wrong choice.
The Trade-Offs of a New Schedule
Your new schedule is a complete reversal of what you've known for the past four years. Going from working evenings to waking up at 5 a.m. is a massive adjustment. It's not just about the work; it affects your entire life. It's understandable that things you used to do easily, like grocery shopping or going to the gym, now feel more challenging because you're doing them at different times.
The social aspect is also huge. It sounds like your old job was your main social outlet. Now that you're in a new environment, you're missing that built-in community. It will take time to build new connections with your coworkers and to find new ways to socialize outside of work.
Focusing on the Long-Term Benefits
Let's look at the bigger picture here. You've transitioned from a serving job to an apprenticeship in a skilled trade. This is a significant step toward building a long-term career with growth potential.
Financial Stability: Earning $24 an hour is a solid wage for an apprentice. Over time, you'll likely see that rate increase, and your earning potential will far surpass what's possible in most serving jobs.
Career Growth: HVAC is a skilled trade in high demand. As you gain experience and get certified, you'll be able to move into higher-paying roles, and you could even own your own business one day.
Work-Life Balance: You're working a consistent Monday to Friday schedule with your evenings and weekends free. While it feels boring now, this stability gives you the freedom to plan your life in a way that wasn't possible with a Thursday to Sunday evening schedule. You can plan weekend trips, attend events, and spend time with family and friends regularly.
You've only been in this new role for two weeks. Think of this as a period of adjustment. It's like moving to a new city—it's exciting and scary, but it takes time to find your footing and build a new routine.
Instead of focusing on what you've lost, try to think about what you can gain. Use your new schedule to your advantage. Maybe you can find a gym that's less crowded in the early afternoon. Or try to find a new hobby or activity that can help you meet people outside of work.
You didn't make a mistake. You made a bold choice to invest in your future. Give yourself grace and time to get used to this new chapter. It's not a race; it's a marathon.
I got a good job during this awful job market. Here's what worked
I was working in a horribly toxic environment that everyone in my company was fleeing from. My mental and physical health were declining and I needed out badly. I started applying around March, thinking I would find something very quickly. I did not. As we all know now, jobs were getting harder and harder to find. I had taken a course on resume writing a couple of years ago and continued on, still struggling. I was looking for primarily Learning & Development roles and really wanted a remote or hybrid position.
What worked: I used the filter on LinkedIn for <10 applicants. I used the filter at least once a day. What happened was jobs that had unique names that I wasn't searching for, very small companies that lacked large followings, or companies that weren't sponsoring their posts popped up first. Also the newest postings would be mixed in there, so it also have a chance to be one of the first applicants. I landed some really solid interviews where I was in the top few candidates.
I was the first or second applicant to a role I hadn't heard of before that I had a lot of transferrable skills with. HR was contacting me by the next day. I told this to a couple of my friends who were also trying to leave and not having luck and they both landed a lot of interviews this way and were able to find a way out. I'm sure some of us have heard of this, but I figured some probably haven't and it could help. I now work almost entirely remotely, but do have to visit the office about once a month. I'm 2 months in and it has been life changing.
Jobadvisor
That's a fantastic and really helpful story. Thank you for sharing it. It's great to hear that you were able to escape a toxic environment and find a job that has been so positive for your well-being.
Your advice to use the "less than 10 applicants" filter on LinkedIn is a brilliant and often overlooked strategy. It makes perfect sense why it works so well. By targeting new jobs, have niche titles, or are from smaller companies, you're getting in ahead of the crowd. This dramatically increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and being one of the first candidates they consider.
Your story is a perfect example of how small changes in your job search strategy can make a huge difference, especially in a tough job market. Congratulations on your new job and the positive changes in your life!