So let me start by saying that I know that no one here or on the internet can truly answer what I need to do. That said, I value the opinions of those here because I know most of you have been through a lot and might have some good advice in your own retrospection that might give me some food for thought. I appreciate it in advance.
About me:
- I am 24, will be 25 in march.
- Live in a small town in mountains on the East coast (<5,000 people) with parents
- BS in Management Information Systems
- Just graduated this past May
- Interested in Finance and CS
- Have worked in retail for past 4 years
IncomeUntil about 3 months ago, I was making pretty terrible at the retail job. If I stick with the job from this point forward, I'll make about $37k a year. It would probably be higher since we get a lot of overtime and the Holidays usually bring more $. That said, I think the max I could ever make at this job would be around $50k, and I doubt the boss would even go for that. I feel I make pretty good for what I do (pretty menial but soul crushing work). I suppose I am "Assistant Manager" at this point, but titles are vague and often irrelevant, hence the "not much room for advancement" that was insinuated.
As stated, I live at home which saves me a ton of money. Most of my income goes straight towards savings. So far, i haven't put anything into retirement accounts because I don't get a 401k and I just haven't felt the need to save <$1k in taxes so far. I also have investments and a rental bringing income in. I basically have no bills and there aren't many shiny things getting in my way since we live in the middle of no where. My personal finances are in good order, so this isn't exactly a case study.
What would you do?My question is, should I get out now or keep going? Like I said, I am able to save a ton doing what I'm doing. But I keep wanting to get my own place and start an actual career where my possibilities are endless. I feel like the longer I keep staying and pinching minimal raises out of my boss, the more time I'm wasting not being somewhere. I'm also not exactly ecstatic to go in to work everyday or come back to where I live. My family and I get along great and they love me, so that isn't an issue, I just need my own space I think. My rental is also part of the same house, so sometimes I can't sleep well due to the noise (bedrooms right next to each other).
I really haven't traveled that much in my life so far and it's something I want/think I need do. But, I feel like I am giving up a good thing at the same time. The logical part of me says stay. The adventurous, yearning side of me says go. I know I'm young enough to make some mistakes and still recover, but I still feel like sacrificing now will pay huge dividends the future if I keep the path. But, not doing (meaningful) work related to my degree is also, as previously mentioned, soul crushing.
More about the job:
- No 401k, no benefits
- 1 week paid off, no Holidays off
- I rotate working Saturday
- Overall, I have it pretty easy. I just help customers and do a little backend work
- Boss is a good boss, we have a good relationship
- Again, just now getting paid what I should be getting paid
I have enough cushion to leave the job at any time, so there is no concern there. I am just concerned that if I leave that I won't find something else for a long time, still technically being a "new graduate" since I assume my experience at this job won't be very meaningful to a career type employer. Places I am interested in moving to are halfway across the country and it wouldn't be feasible for me to drive or fly to interviews out of pocket. I don't think many employers are going to want to fly me out as someone who hasn't had a proper career yet. So, I think I would have to travel around and find what cities I like, then start putting in for positions while I'm there.
Other motivations for wanting to move are being able to potentially go car-free and bike everywhere, proximity to more grocery stores (I currently have the choice of Walmart or a regional chain here), being around stronger real estate market where I can invest in property, and meeting more people that will motivate me further.
I CAN go part time at this job, but it still seems to keep me unmotivated from doing anything else.
I've tried to include every possible relevant detail without creating a tl;dr scenario.
What do you think? What would you do?