I work an easy Amazon job earning $23 an hour but live in NY so things are expensive. I’m also 23 turning 24 later this year. My monthly income averages around $2600-$2800 and expenses from $2200-2400. I feel the burning need to perform more financially but don’t know how to go about it
With my interest, preferences and skill sets it lowers the fields available if I want to venture out. I’m more of an introverted individual but also jack of all trades so I’m quick learner and pretty skillful in different avenues.
My 2 options I thought to myself is replace current job with something higher paying but with thousands in schooling or being at that jobs for years on end increasing pay every now and then. Second option being getting a second job or a side hustle of some sort.
To be honest first option isn’t viable for me since I don’t have thousands to invest in school and I don’t plan to slave away my years to slowly increase income. As for 2nd job I’ve tried that before and completely burned out for months and let’s just say my life went downhill financially because of that. The only option to me that fits me best is side hustle with my current job that has the potential to replace my current job earning wise. If that takes time that’s fine because ide be owning that thing myself and would have more freedom. But I’m not in a position to have capital to invest and not just that I wouldn’t know which field or direction to pick as a side hustle.
Last year I tried to create something with someone close to me and I ended up doing all the work. I structured that business for me to handle 1 side of it and him the other but I was completely doing all sides and only input he had was referring a couple friends here and there. It got to a point that killed my desire to start anything else for a while. I’m mentally at a point now because of that experience and others that whatever I start I can’t depend on nobody to fulfill their role. I know it doesn’t sound pretty but from things as such happening so many times to me it just seems the safest route for me to elevate.
So moral of the story is I want to elevate financially but unsure how I should go about this. If there is anybody who is my age or older, has achieved something similar or even different ide love to hear your 2 cents on the approach. Any help/input would be greatly appreciated🙏
I feel stuck and don’t know how to move forward
byu/username_032 inpersonalfinance
Posted by username_032
4 Comments
Right now your biggest lever isn’t a risky side hustle, it’s increasing income without burning out. That could mean finding a higher-paying role using what you already know (warehouse to supervisor, logistics, ops)those jumps can be faster than starting from scratch. For side hustles, think low-cost, solo, skill-based… stuff like reselling, basic freelancing, or anything you can scale slowly without upfront money. No partners, no pressure… just build it at your own pace. You don’t need a massive leap, just a steady +$500–$1k/month increase… that’s what starts changing everything.
Ask your boss what the path to a promotion is.
Amazon will cover the cost of various certifications and classes as well. You might look into those programs.
The vast majority of people who go to college take on debt to do so. If doing so doubles your salary for example, it might be worth it. Can do the math there for various career options vs cost of degree.
You don’t want to do all the things you should do to get out of your situation. My rec is to try to go to therapy to become ok with your situation or get your mind to a place where you can get a new job. Unless you change, your life won’t change.
I second the amazon tuition and certification programs. They are available to you low cost / free and will level up your career pretty quickly. Whereas side hustle may or may not result in huge increases and comes with an absolute ton of risk.