Education
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
If you are a math major, learn Python for machine learning.
The concepts will be easier to grasp and it is a high-demand skill.
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Get your CPA certification.
You’re still young.
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Consider tutoring children as a career path; one source notes it is in high demand globally and offers social value.
It provides work of actual value and decent pay.
- Demand may drop during war or famine.
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Focus on communicating what value you bring to a potential employer rather than just stating what you want from the job.
Many applicants fail to communicate what they 'brought to the table'.
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Complete an Associate of Arts degree at a community college to save time and money before transferring to a university.
It saves time and money and makes transferring to a university easier.
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Finish a degree you have already invested significant time and money into to demonstrate that you can accomplish things and work hard.
The credential signals to employers that you are capable of finishing tasks and working hard, even if you do not plan to work in that specific field.
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Acknowledge that meritocracy often fails to recognize equal talent in those without financial backing.
People of equal talent may live and die in labor-intensive jobs like cotton fields and sweatshops instead of achieving recognition.
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Consider pursuing a master's degree or upgrading education after hours to move into another field.
Having one degree does not prevent moving to another field.
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Realize the world is cold and unfair, but exercise your options since survival in the wild is not required.
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Ask if the person is genuinely interested in their field of study or career path.
Burnout or lack of interest may be causing avoidance.
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Consider joining the Air Force reserves to learn a new skill while keeping your current job.
You can maintain your current employment because employers are legally prohibited from firing you for military obligations.
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If you are in school, learn basic programming and scripting to help secure administrative or technical roles.
One person secured an admin post largely due to an Excel project that leveraged their scripting skills.
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Develop organized study habits early.
Natural academic ability may not suffice in higher education.
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Attend a dedicated conservatory rather than majoring in art or music at a standard university.
A standard university major won't drive artists and musicians anywhere better than a conservatory would.
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Advertise yourself as flexible in your programming career rather than specializing narrowly.
Flexibility is required in the programming career.
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Pursue higher education as it acts as a lubricant for upward social mobility.
Higher education facilitates upward social mobility.
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Consider alternative teacher certification if you cannot afford unpaid student teaching semesters.
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Learn one software program thoroughly to help with easier mastery of similar programs later.
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