Random guy is offering to be my "mentor" for free. Is it bait for something?
I work as a sales associate at a retail ski and snowboard shop and the other day some random guy, probably in his mid 50's guy came in with his son. The interaction started out as normal, mainly talking about what equipment he should get for his son. However, at the end of the interaction he suggested we exchange contacts and meet up for coffee sometime. He didn't say what for in particular but he gave the impression that it was for something business/opportunity related. Me, being naive and broke, accepted the offer to meet up.
Two days later we met up for coffee after my shift. I had no idea what to expect but we ended up talking about all kinds of things. He essentially never disclosed what type of business he is in but offered to be my mentor. He went on and on about general philosophies, what he values in people, how people become successful, etc. We ended up chatting for about an hour and I believe he said the word e-commerce once, so I assume thats what this is all about?
The whole interaction left me very confused but his delivery was very convincing. He was very intense and made the offer seem as if I would be leaving a huge opportunity on the table if I told him I wasn't interested. He put a lot of pressure on me as if I was supposed to commit to something immediately. I can't help but feel like he is preying on me. Does anybody know what this is? Am I being manipulated? I am 22 male BTW.
Jobadvisor
Trust your gut. That "confused" feeling you have is your brain’s way of processing red flags that your polite side is trying to ignore.
To be direct: Yes, this is almost certainly a "hook" for a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) scheme or a pyramid-style mentorship program. The script you described is a classic play used by recruiters for companies like Amway or similar "e-commerce" networking groups. Here is the breakdown of why this feels off.
The Anatomy of the "Mentor" Pitch
Salespeople in these organizations often scout retail environments because they are looking for young, "broke," but hardworking individuals with good people skills. Here’s why his behavior is a textbook red flag:
The Mystery: If a successful businessman wants to mentor you, they usually lead with their credentials (e.g., "I run a logistics firm" or "I’m a retired VP at X"). If they refuse to name the company or the industry, it’s because the name has a bad reputation.
The "General Philosophy" Talk: They spend hours talking about "financial freedom," "passive income," and "mindset" without ever explaining the actual work. This is designed to get you emotionally invested in a dream before they tell you the (often grueling) reality.
Manufactured Urgency: Claiming you are "leaving a huge opportunity on the table" and pressuring a 22-year-old to commit on the spot is a classic high-pressure sales tactic. True mentorship is a slow-burn relationship, not a limited-time offer.
The Couple/Mentor Dynamic: Did he mention a "mentor" of his own who "retired at 30"? That is the standard "hook" used to establish a chain of command.
Are You Being Manipulated?
In short: Yes. He is leveraging his age and perceived "success" to create a power imbalance. He recognized that you are young and looking for a way up, and he's using that ambition against you.
A real mentor wants to help you grow in your career or craft. This man wants to turn you into a downline—someone who sells products or recruits others so that he gets a percentage of your labor.
How to Handle It
You don't owe this stranger anything. You were polite, you had coffee, and now you have the data you need to make a decision.
Stop the Meeting: If you meet again, he will likely give you a book (like Rich Dad Poor Dad) or invite you to a "board meeting" or "seminar." Do not go.
The "No" is a Full Sentence: You can send a simple text: "Hey, thanks for the coffee. After thinking it over, I’m not interested in pursuing this opportunity. Best of luck."
Expect Persistence: He might try to shame you ("I thought you were more ambitious than this"). This is just more manipulation. Block the number if he doesn't respect the boundary.
How to get back to a corpo job after 2 years of travelling/skiing?
I am 31F from Europe. After completing uni (BA, MSc) I worked in HR, changed 4 jobs in 5 yrs, then at what I thought is my dream organization, I had a super controlling boss and quit after 8 months. That was in 2023.
I always loved skiing and mountains so I then spent 2 yrs hopping around the world skiing, working at resorts, and in cafes. Now on my 3rd season I am tired, cold, missing the warm office and mental challenges.
I am applying jobs and getting no interviews. I am trying HR, Operations, Project mgmt. Anywhere in Europe, and Remote (I am currently self-employed). I did cool stuff across 3 continents over the past years, but idk what is stopping me from getting noticed.
I am also considering upskilling, but not sure which way to go. Did Workday courses at Coursera, as I only exp with Oracle. I am fluent in English and can send invoices to any country, in case of remote work.
- What upskilling would you recommend to someone looking for a (preferably) remote job?
- Is there any specific niche one could focus on and have higher chances of success when applying, eg. payroll?
- How could I better position my multicultural skills on the international job market? i tried targeting sports brands... should i start sending linkedin messages to people?
Any tips would be greatly appriciated
Jobadvisor
First, take a deep breath. You are 31, highly educated (MSc), and you’ve just lived a life most people only dream of. The "cold, tired" feeling is just your internal compass signaling that it’s time for the next chapter.
The gap isn't the problem; it’s likely how you’re packaging the gap. In the 2026 job market, "career breaks" are common, but "career silence" is a red flag. Here is how to bridge the gap from the slopes back to the office.
1. Reframing the "Gap" on Your CV
Stop treating the last two years as a "break." Treat it as a period of Sabbatical & Global Operations.
Job Title: Independent Consultant / Global Operations Sabbatical.
The Content: Don't just say you "worked in a cafe." Frame it through an HR/Ops lens: "Managed customer-facing operations in high-volume international environments, navigating multicultural team dynamics and logistical challenges across three continents."
The "Why": In your summary, be proactive: "Following a successful 5-year tenure in HR, I undertook a planned two-year global sabbatical to develop cross-cultural leadership skills. Now returning to the corporate sector with renewed focus and international operational perspective."
2. Strategic Upskilling (The "Remote" Toolkit)
Since you already have Oracle experience and are doing Workday, you are on the right track. However, 2026 HR is heavily focused on AI Integration and Data.
The Niche: Global Mobility & Remote Compliance. This is a massive pain point for companies hiring across Europe. If you can help a company navigate the "can I send invoices to any country" legalities you mentioned, you are golden.
Certifications: Look into AIHR (Academy to Innovate HR).
Specifically, their "People Analytics" or "Digital HR Transformation" certificates. They are highly respected for remote-first corporate roles. Payroll vs. Generalist: Payroll is "safe" and highly remote-friendly, but it can be repetitive. If you want "mental challenges," look into HRIS (HR Information Systems) Analyst roles. Your Workday/Oracle combo makes you a perfect candidate to bridge the gap between HR and IT.
3. The "Multicultural" Positioning
Targeting sports brands (Patagonia, North Face, Burton, Salomon) is smart, but they are flooded with "ski bum" resumes. To stand out:
The "Insider" Edge: You aren't just a skier; you understand the seasonal workforce lifecycle. HR for the travel/outdoor industry is a specific skill.
LinkedIn Strategy: Do not just "send messages." Provide value. Find HR Managers at these brands and comment on their posts about "Company Culture" or "Global Teams."
Specific Outreach: "Hi [Name], I've spent the last two years on the ground in international ski hubs, seeing firsthand how [Brand]’s culture translates to seasonal staff. With my MSc and 5 years of HR experience, I'd love to discuss how I can help streamline your international ops."
4. Niche Roles to Target
Instead of "HR Generalist," search for these high-growth, remote-friendly titles:
People Operations Manager (Focuses on the "how" of work).
Global Mobility Specialist (Focuses on visas, taxes, and remote work across borders).
Workday/HRIS Coordinator (Focuses on the software side).
Employee Experience Lead (Focuses on culture for remote teams).
Comparison of Paths
| Path | Difficulty to Enter | Remote Potential | Salary Ceiling |
| Payroll/Comp & Ben | Medium | Very High | High |
| HRIS (Workday/Oracle) | Low (since you have exp) | High | Very High |
| Global Mobility | High (niche) | High | Medium/High |
| Generalist/Ops | High (competitive) | Medium | Medium |
Is money really worth it?
I always see these stories of people who got degrees in subjects they didn't actually want/didn't know what they want, and got jobs with good salaries but later on regretted it because, again, not what they wanted to do in life?
but then, how DO you know what you want to do in life? and isn't money worth it?
I'm just genuinely curious, because financial security is so important, especially in this day and age. im still young and considering options for college. whether to do a degree in a subject i find interesting, or a degree in a subject that statistically, pays well.
im hovering between sociology and economics. I haven't studied either subjects in high school, and there is no career guidance around where I live/come from.
I absolutely plan to do a Master's, even PhD.
Could anyone please offer their insights on what i should do?
Jobadvisor
It is the age-old tug-of-war: passion vs. paycheck. The reason you hear so many "regret" stories is that humans are remarkably bad at predicting what will make them happy ten years down the line.
You’re asking the right questions. Financial security isn't just about buying things; it’s about autonomy—the power to say "no" to a toxic boss or "yes" to an unexpected opportunity.
Here is a breakdown to help you navigate the Sociology vs. Economics crossroads.
1. The Reality of "The Golden Handcuffs"
When people say money "isn't worth it," they usually mean they’ve traded 60 hours a week of their soul for a salary that they’re too tired to enjoy. This is the trap of the high-paying degree you hate.
However, the opposite is also true: Passion is hard to sustain when you can't pay rent. * Economics: Generally offers a higher "floor" (the minimum you’re likely to earn).
Sociology: Offers a high "ceiling" if you become a top-tier researcher or consultant, but the "floor" can be precarious.
2. Sociology vs. Economics: The Hidden Secret
Here is the good news: These two fields are cousins. * Sociology is the study of social behavior, patterns, and culture. It asks: Why do we act this way in groups?
Economics is often described as the study of scarcity and incentives. It asks: How do we make decisions based on what we value?
In the modern job market, an Economics degree with a focus on "Behavioral Economics" is essentially a blend of the two.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Sociology | Economics |
| Core Focus | Power dynamics, inequality, institutions. | Markets, resource allocation, incentives. |
| Skillset | Qualitative research, theory, empathy. | Quantitative analysis, data modeling, logic. |
| Common Jobs | Non-profit, HR, Policy, Social Work. | Finance, Tech, Data Science, Government. |
| Math Level | Lower (mostly statistics). | Higher (Calculus/Statistics). |
3. How to Choose Without Regret
Since you plan on pursuing a Master’s and a PhD, your undergraduate degree is a foundation, not a life sentence.
The "Safety" Strategy: Major in Economics and minor in Sociology. This gives you the high-value "quantitative" stamp on your CV (making you employable immediately), while allowing you to explore the social theories you find interesting.
The "Intellectual" Strategy: Major in Sociology but take heavy coursework in Statistics and Data Analysis. A sociologist who can code and handle large datasets is extremely valuable in the tech world (User Experience Research).
4. Finding "What You Want"
You don’t find your "calling" by thinking about it; you find it by doing.
Audit a class: Go to YouTube and search for "Intro to Microeconomics" and "Intro to Sociology" lectures. See which one makes you want to keep watching.
Look at the "boring" work: Don't look at the cool parts of the job. Look at the data entry, the paper writing, and the late-night reading. If you can tolerate the "boring" parts of Economics, you'll love the career.
A piece of candid advice: Financial security provides the "mental bandwidth" to be happy. It is much easier to pursue sociology as a hobby or a side-research project with an Economics salary than it is to fix your finances with a degree that isn't hiring.