I don’t know what to do anymore. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy, a Master’s in Classical Studies, over $100,000 in student loan debt, and the only job I’ve been able to get is a minimum wage service role at McDonald’s.
I spent years in school, believing that getting a graduate degree would set me up for a stable career. Since graduating in 2023 I’ve applied to countless jobs—education, museums, publishing, administrative roles, even general office jobs—anything that seems even remotely related to my degree. But I either never hear back or, when I do get an interview, the hiring manager asks if I have skills I don’t—usually something related to data analysis, marketing software, or specific work experience that was never part of my education. I feel like my degree has zero practical value in the job market.
Right now, I’m stuck at McDonald’s making barely enough to survive, let alone pay off my student loans. My loan payments are looming, and I have no idea how I’m supposed to afford them. Every day, I wonder if I completely ruined my financial future by going to grad school.
I don’t even know what to pivot to. I’m open to learning new skills, but I don’t even know where to start or what’s realistic for someone with my background. Has anyone been in a similar situation and found a way out? How do I move forward from here?