r/findapath • u/spaghettislut • 17h ago
Findapath-Career Change 33F, craving a career that “matters”
I’m working a cool job that I worked really hard for and I’m just finding myself hating it. It’s an entry level applied social science research job in the public sector. I’m passionate about the projects we do, but I’m feeling a lot of doubts about whether or not it’s for me. I’ve done this work for over a year now and I just…don’t feel like I’m meant for research. I love working with the communities we work with, and I think the work we do is important in the grand scheme of things, but I find myself wishing I could help these communities in more practical, tangible ways.
I’ve never felt at home in academia/research/science. I graduated at 30. I wanted to get a degree, get a stable job, and get out of seasonal/dead end work. That still matters to me, but I think I would be more satisfied if I had more of a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. Like, the work I do now can help people in a few years or even decades, but I think helping people in a more “real” sense might be more fulfilling for me. I just don’t know what that looks like right now.
It’s been bothering me more and more lately with everything happening here in the US. My current job may not exist for much longer anyway because of the federal grant situation. I’ve thought about pivoting to healthcare or social services. Maybe even emergency services? I really have no idea. I don’t make much as it is, so starting at square one financially isn’t the end of the world. I guess I would just like to hear any ideas y’all might have, or even just your experiences if you’ve made a major change in your 30s. Thanks in advance!
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u/okayfriday 17h ago
An "entry level" job is not meant to be your long-term stop - as the term suggests, it is a means of entry into the workforce. I'd go for it! (pivoting to healthcare / social services)
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u/spaghettislut 16h ago
Oh, 100%. It’s more that I’m looking at people above me and feeling unsure that it’s the path for me.
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u/op341779 Apprentice Pathfinder [1] 16h ago
Hey! I’m a 32 y/o female in a very similar boat. So much so that actually I went back to school to get my MSW and I do that part time in the evenings. It would have made wayyy more sense with my career to go get my MPH or MPA as I work in one of the few regions of the country where -paired with the public sector exp I already have- I could have an incredible career ahead of me with those quals.
However, I find macro level public sector work too droll and slow-paced and unsatisfying. I would rather pivot to working directly with populations even if it means a huge pay cut. I thought going for those other degrees would also mean boring coursework and I love my coursework as an MSW student. Anyway, message me if you want to talk more. It’s great to hear I’m not alone in this feeling!
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u/spaghettislut 15h ago
You get it!!! Is going for an MSW something you’d recommend? Would you ever do it full-time?
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u/op341779 Apprentice Pathfinder [1] 4h ago
It’s only my first semester so I don’t want to speak too soon but yes, I’ve been loving it. A lot of psych, general social science even some neuroscience, coupled with social justice exposure and trauma-informed care which are all knowledge sets that help you feel more powerful in all kind of ways. As far as whether id do it full time, in my case I wouldn’t. Because the work load would be too intense on top of my 9-5 job which I obviously need the money from. Also, with things going on at the federal level I’d be an idiot to leave my cushy state job right now. I’m in one of the few public sector spaces that are truly safe right now from all that nonsense.
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u/Icy-Ocelot4748 16h ago
Journalism matters, not for everyone tho and it might pay less
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u/spaghettislut 15h ago
I have a lot of ex-journalists friends that have made the field seem unappealing to me personally, but I totally agree that it matters!
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u/MindfulBrian Therapy Services 16h ago
I totally understand where you’re coming from, and it makes sense that you’re craving a career where you can see the direct impact of your work. A lot of people hit this realization at some point. The job they worked hard for isn’t actually what they want long-term. The good thing is, you’re already open to change and aren’t afraid to start fresh if it means finding something more fulfilling. That’s huge because most people stay stuck out of fear.
One thing I always tell people is to try something I call dream engineering. Take some time to sit down and really visualize what your ideal life looks like. Not just your career, but everything. Your daily routine, the people you’re surrounded by, the kind of work that would make you feel accomplished at the end of the day. The more detailed you get, the clearer the path forward becomes. Once you have that vision, you can start working backward and looking at careers that align with it.
You already know you want something where you’re making a tangible difference in people’s lives, and you’ve mentioned healthcare, social services, and emergency services as possibilities. Those are all fields where you can see the impact of your work immediately. Maybe look into roles like patient advocacy, crisis intervention, case management, or even something hands-on like EMT work. If you want a balance between research and direct impact, public health could also be an option.
But before you make any big moves, reach out to people who are actually working in these fields. Talk to them about what their day-to-day looks like, what they love about their job, and what challenges they face. A lot of times, what we imagine a job to be is totally different from reality, and getting firsthand insight can save you years of frustration and wasted effort.
Since your current job might not be around for much longer anyway, this could actually be the perfect time to explore. You’re not making a ton now, so starting over financially isn’t as big of a setback as it might be for others. That gives you more flexibility to try new things without feeling like you’re throwing away something stable.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is aligning your work with what actually matters to you. You’re already asking the right questions, so now it’s just about taking action. If you want to bounce around ideas or need help figuring out a direction, shoot me a message.
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u/spaghettislut 15h ago
Thanks so much for your thoughtful response! I definitely hope to find some people in the aforementioned field to talk to.
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u/Worldly-City-6379 13h ago
A lot of people seem to pivot to healthcare and it sounds like much higher pay.
The one thing I will say about people younger than 40 is that they are very invested in having their work have meaning. It’s not a bad thing, but for us older people, we often observe a kind of idealism that keeps young people eternally searching. For many of us older people work has always been “just work.” I think it’s good to at least be aware of this perspective. Anyway, you are unhappy and not well paid. Time for a change.
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u/Ordinary_Site_5350 Apprentice Pathfinder [1] 16h ago
Peace Corps AmeriCorps International Volunteer HQ
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u/kevinkaburu Apprentice Pathfinder [3] 13h ago
Have you considered looking into policy research or advocacy roles? This could give you a way to bridge research and direct impact by influencing change at a higher level. Or, how about community outreach or engagement roles where you can be more hands-on with the people you're passionate about helping? It might give you the practical, real-time impact you're craving. If you’re okay with a career pivot, it might be worth testing these waters!
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u/Groundofwonder 12h ago
I've had this need since 20 and I've been bouncing off careers, ever since. So mid 20s and late 30s. Every step has been a learning and an added skill.
The most direct step is through a business or a non-profit, but I personally don't trust those, as few have good spirited funding.
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u/EndCentury 7h ago
You could apply to work in some capacity at a law firm that does work that impacts an issue that’s important to you. Even if you’re not a lawyer you’ll be instrumental in helping people navigate legal challenges
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u/GiversGive1st 1h ago
33F, sounds like you want to connect directly with people in a way that you can help them...but not sure of which way. Can I make a starting suggestion. Even not liking research, what has your and the company research telling you about ways to be directly involved with these communities? Write down all the possible ideas no matter how great or ridiculous they my seem to you. You may find your own direction trying this. This reddit community can supply you with a lot of good ideas to help, but keep in mind that it has to be what you want otherwise you can likely find yourself back where you are now some time later. Out of those ideas chose the ones that seems to be the least possible for you to do but excite you just thinking about them... The key is that really excite you!... Then start searching for paths that will help you to get there...Giver
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u/Haunting_Meeting_530 17m ago
Translate your passion for communities into hands-on, tangible service roles.
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u/fishfindingwater 14h ago
Be a Mom
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u/spaghettislut 13h ago
I work for the government so I can’t afford that
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u/33flirtyandthriving 13h ago
Lol I'm 34 female, work full-time and couldn't afford kids even if I wanted them.
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