TLDR: How do I find a job that values me and pays me fairly when the jobs I enjoy the most, and that seem to fit my needs the best are in retail, where literally everyone is overworked, undervalued, under respected, abused and seriously under paid?
Background:
I'm (40 they/them) AuDHD and have struggled career wise my whole adult life. I'm smart and all that, but I have realized recently that I am fairly happy and comfortable working in retail.
I like working hard, helping people, the co-workers are always the best, I like flexible hours and being active. But as we all know, the pay is awful, and we are seriously taken advantage of, manipulated and under valued, regardless of the company.
So many managers and work places are so toxic. But I am a huge sucker, a people pleaser, and I don't always recognize when I'm being taken advantage of. I also struggle to advocate for myself. I can tell so many stories but I assume most of us can.
I just don't know where to go from here. I want to contribute more to my household, both financially and energy wise. What kind of job do I look for that implements my skills and is fulfilling, where I'm not completely screwed over at every opportunity or just stuck at a desk all day? I'm tired of working 40 hours of my life each week doing something where I am completely replaceable, and am paid and treated as such. I know this is peak late-stage capitalism, but do you have any thoughts or suggestions? I'm feeling so run-down and kinda hopeless.