I originally became a paralegal with the goal of becoming a lawyer, so I got that certification and finished my bachelors degree. I then realized I didn’t want to be a lawyer (at least not for the cost and time of law school). Fast forward a few years later, I now make $27 an hour and I hate my job. I kind of like the law that we practice in (employment for plaintiffs) but I hate it overall. I just takes so much focus. It got to a point where I was increasing my adhd meds and drinking a shit ton of coffee to stay engaged and on top of all the work. I’ve slowly gained and extra fifteen pounds (which is a lot considering I’m short) and I no longer have any hobbies because all I do is work.
I make about $5k in bonuses. And have a lame healthcare policy. Pto is ok.
Well now I am pregnant, which meant I could not longer take my drugs or down a gallon of coffee a day.. what I found is that I am miserable. I had to cut my hours because I realized I wasn’t getting any exercise or taking care of my mental health (my husband and I had to make some very tough cuts and decisions and borrow money to be able to do this). Now I am working like 30 hours a week, but I have time to go on walks and just have “me” time.
I don’t think I want to go back to doing this kind of intense work, especially when it requires me to be so drugged and caffeinated.
My younger sister just went to school for like one year to be a dental hygienist and got her first job and is starting out at $43/hr. HOLY SHIT. I’m so happy for her but kind of jealous.
I feel like I am so smart and valuable but extremely underpaid and overworked and now I am wondering if there is any career out here that can offer some me some sort of redemption.
I feel like a failure for my husband and family and I just really want/need a higher paying job that doesn’t compromise my my mental and physical health so much.