I felt stuck at a sort of dead-end job in Utah. I was unsatisfied with the type of work I was doing. I felt underutilized. And there were no real avenues for advancement outside of getting a different job. Those are sometimes the perils of stability and working for a state government agency. I don’t know how it is in other states, but I imagine it’s similar in most places.

That doesn’t mean I was unappreciative of my job. I loved the stability. I loved knowing what to expect from day to day. But that also contributed to monotony. And, honestly, I wasn’t earning enough money. I bought my house in 2015 in west Salt Lake City and got it at a really decent price. But even with a house under 150k, I still struggled to afford everything I needed. Then I got married.

So I went back to school. My (practically) useless political science degree wasn’t getting me a better job. I decided to study something more technical that I felt I had the aptitude to learn. It wasn’t without its challenges, for sure. Western Governors University is a great option for people who are working and need flexibility. It’s also good for those that want to work ahead and finish quickly. And it’s relatively affordable.

I finished in August 2023 with a BS in Software Development. I thought a degree would get me a job. Well, I was wrong. I’ve applied to dozens of jobs. I’ve had two interviews (not including a five minute preliminary/filtering phone interview I had with a company I had applied to previously and had the same thing happen. I wasn’t selected to actually interview both times). So, two interviews from September 2023 to December 2023. I got really discouraged by December and my applications to jobs slowed down.

So what’s going on? Well, apparently a lot of companies are putting job postings out there but aren’t in a hurry to actually hire. And they’re getting hundreds of applications, particularly for remote jobs. I’m looking for a remote job right now because we’re moving in July. I will no longer live in Green Bay, WI. The last nearly 3 years have been great in so many ways. I will miss this place. But the fact that we’re moving means that remote work is what I need. No one wants a short-term rental on their employees. 

It’s frustrating that I have another degree yet I’m still in the same place I’ve been. My wife supported my decision to study and said it was fine for me not to work after we moved to Wisconsin if I helped around the house and supported her career. I’ve done an okay job with that, but I kind of just want to get back to an actual job where I get paid. I want to feel like I’m contributing to the household in more ways than just cleaning the cat litter and cooking not very good food. I’ll still do those things, but they won’t be my primary thing. 

I’ll just keep trying to develop my skills and put myself in positions to be successful. Hopefully someone will take pity on me and give me an opportunity eventually. Just gotta stay upbeat and put myself in positions to succeed.