For the last few years I have been struggling as an independent contractor doing Lyft and Doordash (and sometimes donating plasma) while I search for “the right fit” job. For context, my standards for “the right fit” include the following: A full time job that pays at least $15 an hour and offers full benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k). After about 3 years of searching, it seems like this is an unreasonable requirement among most employers. I have come across many “promising” jobs, that offer some of what I want- such as pay- but no benefits, or the job is seasonal, or the job is a temp job, or it's one of those part time jobs that will give you 40 hours but still classify you as part time and not give you benefits. It seems like there is always some sort of catch.
I am beginning to wonder if my expectations are too high, and I need to find something to pay my bills because I cannot keep doing Lyft and Doordash since my car is getting old.
I've been wondering… what if I just pick a decent company, take whatever crap wages they offer their beginners, and REALLY work hard, suck up to everyone, and move up in the company? Has anyone ever done this? If so, will it eventually lead to my basic standard of “the right fit”, and how long on average could it take? At this point, I am exhausted with this endless job search and I feel like I am going to remain stuck unless I just sort of take a leap of faith and do something.
TLDR: If I just pick a job and work hard at it will I eventually build up to the basic standard of getting by where I am full-time, making at least $15 an hour, and able to receive medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits?