For a little context; I’m 26F, I was in a job for a little over a year at 50k to start. It was a horrible job but my first salaried job and I was so happy and grateful to be there.
Around Feb my boss lost his marbles with all the stress and everything going on and I became the scapegoat. Things got very aggressive very quickly and abusive and I became scared for my safety and went on stress leave.
This entire thing I planned on being a month or so tops. I’ve been to 7 interviews now in the 2 or so months I’ve been unemployed. I don’t have a degree but I do have a lot of various experience as well as I was in a pretty high up position within my company. I know it wasn’t a lot of experience in this field in particular- but they were okay with this salary for my level of work.
My problem is right now that every job I apply and interview for within the same exact field – are all offering me like 35k-45k ABSOLUTE MAX. They tell me they can try for 45 , most of the time they come back telling me that due to my lack of education and experience they want to start at usually 40-42k….. and my current travel time is 15 minutes. These places are all 30+ so not only am I increasing travel, gas, but earning much less to start.
I’ve been receiving money from the government during this time thanks to my wonderful doctor who has signed every bit of paper I needed- but I’m currently living at home to save. With my job before I was on track to move out next year but this has halted me. My folks are getting really angry because I won’t settle for less pay to start. But I find this insane.
Where I live 50k didn’t even afford me my own place, with a car and food. I’d have to room or partner up. I would resent working knowing I was worth more but settled for the same or similar job.
I am starting to debate giving up this path and doing some bartending for a couple years, make some cash and move out west somewhere where the rent is cheaper and I can “lay flat”. I’ve given up even the idea of a mediocre, comfortable life.
If anyone has any sort of insight on where to go I would so appreciate it.
I do have disabilities so I was never able to handle the stresses of school and work at the same time. i dropped out 3 times. i don't want to go back to that grind when i worked so hard to get where i currently am through shit jobs to move up.
Edit for extra info: I apply to jobs that are within that range. Rarely do I ever pick ones the max is 50. Usually let’s say an offer of 40-55k. And I will ask for 50. But they come back with the lowest possible offer always.