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Pre-FDS (2019), right out of college, I was told that the job market was saturated with people in my field in the industry. It was implied that I would not land FT by the time I retired. The thought of being in "career limbo" and living on an entry level salary for the rest of my life was depressing.
Another reason why I struggled with my job was with work politics. I don't like talking to people and I have trouble understanding motives behind conversations.
Two years in as an entry-level contractor and finding FDS, I desperately wanted to level up and improve my life. I did some research in hopes of increasing my salary, I discovered that if I went back to grad school, I'd max out my pay grid. NBD 🤷🏻♀️ , I went back to school. 25% of my tuition was paid off through scholarships.
As of today, I received official word from HR of my salary increase. What this means for me is that I now have the freedom to work and travel within my company with health benefits. My salary is the same as any FT employee. In fact it might be even be better since some FT employees don't even get the increase until much later on. I no longer have to engage in workplace politics since I'm known as a transient employee. I'll appear out of nowhere and disappear like thin air.
If I ever decide or find a place I would consider working FT, my new salary will just be a continuation of my current salary since I maxed out early. The only downside is finding another gig once my contract ends, otherwise I'll just end up doing temp work.
Upon reflection, I am in a good place all thanks to FDS. Before finding this community, I was scared shitless of the uncertain and did not believe in myself, or that it would be possible to be financially comfortable. What FDS has taught me is to never think that I don't have options, and that I no longer feel the pressure of being cornered/confined due to my decisions. In the past, I've taken on roles that we're not meant for me because I wanted financial security and it took a toll on my sanity. I've been told that I had no options due to my career choices as a way of being forced into shitty situations that other people don't want to do.
People did not understand why I chose to go back to school and at times it was discouraging to be around them. Clearly, they couldn't see what I envisioned. In the end, I chose to leave those people behind forever.
I have created a situation for myself where I get to pick and choose where and what I can do for work while retaining benefits and a higher salary. My next step is to apply what I've learnt from work into all areas of my life and to never feel like I don't have options.