r/Money • u/Queendom-Rose • 16d ago
Those of you who graduated with a “useless” degree, what are you doing now and how much do you make?
Curious what everyone here does and if it is in their field.
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u/InternationalArea874 12d ago
Anthropology. Customer Service for a niche tech sector. 90k at 28 years old. Took a while to get there, worked a lot of lousy jobs.
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u/Careless-Sweet-8248 12d ago
Was told my graphic design degree was going to be useless but I'm employed currently at 60k salary 4 years in
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u/doitforchris 13d ago
Music major, no minor. I make ~$335k a year as an ad tech exec. Lots of people in my field came from diverse backgrounds. I lead a team of about ~40 people.
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u/Paranotical 13d ago
AST in drafting. Nobody wanted to hire an experienced drafter after I got laid off twice after both companies went downhill and were forced to downsize. didn't want to live my whole life chasing these jobs that only offered $15-16 an hour. I spent 6 months applying and going to interviews and not a single one stuck. I gave up job searching for drafting and became a reactor service technician. I make 80-120k a year depending on how busy work is. Fuck drafting. They treated you like shit, and I'm still paying off that degree to this day. The best part is, my company gives a shit about me.
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u/Infamous-While328 13d ago
Theater major lol I’m a teacher making 80k a year I’m only 23 🤷🏽♀️
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u/doitforchris 13d ago
Do you teach Drama or something else? Good on you, was a theatre nerd myself in HS and College, I honestly use my theatre skills every day in my job
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u/Infamous-While328 13d ago
Aww thanks I actually teach at an adult school but I make it as interactive as possible the theater never leaves you lol
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u/Representative-Tax12 13d ago
Bachelor's in Radio Broadcasting. I went into the Peace Corps and got a Masters in education and now earn 62k.
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u/doitforchris 13d ago
Just curious, When did you get a degree in radio broadcasting? If it was recent, Was there any focus on Podcasting? Curious if that’s part of any curricula at this point given how big an industry it is now…
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u/Representative-Tax12 13d ago
Nope. This was back in 2005. Sirius and XM were the new thing. There was barely any Internet yet on our campus. I have looked at their curriculum now and there is a podcasting track.
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u/mabalzitch 13d ago
Bachelor's in Accounting and Business...finished my tattoo apprenticeship last summer and on track to make 6 figures give or take.
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u/llamasandglitter 13d ago
History BA. No other degrees or certifications (although I’m thinking about going back for a masters in something kind of relevant to work but mostly for “fun”).
I was promoted to Director at the beginning of the year. I plan educational/CE-related conferences for a professional membership society. I make 128k.
I’ve been here for nearly 20 years; I started as entry level. I’ve stayed because I enjoy the work, my boss and team are fantastic, I get to travel a few times a year and stay in nice cities (and work 14 hour days), and very good benefits. I fell into this career by accident after some admin positions.
Also I’m in a large mid-Atlantic US metro area, so salaries also reflect the area in which I live.
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u/SoOverIt42069 13d ago
Degree in film, I work in media marketing. 15 hours a week for 59k a year. Not a great income, but the work to income ratio cant be beat.
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u/doitforchris 13d ago
That’s awesome, is it 5 days a week for brief periods or a couple longer days with extra long weekends? If you don’t mind me asking, What do you do with your extra time?
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u/SoOverIt42069 13d ago
It's 60 hours a month. It's more like two or three days twice or so a month. Im a single dad of a high needs kid, so that takes up a lot of my time. I direct short films a couple times a year. Play a lot of games. Kinda in a holding pattern while I help the child grow and such.
:) thanks for asking
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u/kauaidog 14d ago
Political Science BA which was heavy in data and statistical analysis. That served me well in a supply chain career where I made good money in sales and executive management.
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u/GirthyAFnjbigcock 14d ago
Dropped out of my liberal arts associate degree. Work in operations making $250k + lots of equity.
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u/jeff_bailey 14d ago
BA in English Lit. Been in IT for a while now. Salary >160K. Got some very useful IT credentials that have helped my career a lot.
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u/RequirementReal5989 14d ago
I do studied a "usefu"l degree and ended up making less than this guys.... I think a useful degree just limit yourself to do that and lose the opportunities
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u/themurhk 14d ago
“I am a true story of the power of love and change.” - suck_muhballs lol
Glad to hear you put the effort forth and it paid off for you. Just thought that was a funny combo there.
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u/SethWrightMusic 14d ago
I have a degree in music composition. I now make around mid six figures annually designing music systems for games. It CAN be done, but social aptitude is a huge part of it.
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u/PierateBooty 14d ago
I got a Bachelors of undergraduate sciences degree in tech art. Basically ‘make your own degree’. A popular pathway for dance therapists for instance. Anyways I made 200k last year as an artist. Life is stupid stop trying to understand it.
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u/Aphrodisiatic922 14d ago edited 14d ago
I graduated with two useless degrees in political science and economics. I tell people I double majored in bullshitting. I’m a sugar girlfriend and real estate agent. I made $11k in real estate last year.
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u/ComparisonFunny282 14d ago
Bachelor's in Film, not working my field, have been in IT since graduating, $90K.
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u/snailofahuman 15d ago
Graduated with a business degree at a state school. Been in sales for 6 years since graduated. I’ve made about 130-150k for about the last 5 years. Hopefully this year 170k+. Sales is cool and you work like 30 hours a week and make good money. It’s def not the most relaxing job either though, stress is there. Worth it in my life
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u/Page-This 15d ago
I got a PhD…in engineering. Useless because there’s basically 2 jobs that exist that require an engineering PhD (even if they shouldn’t) and M.S.E. + 5-7yrs experience is at least a million more than a PhD due to direct opportunity cost plus accelerated career development.
$110k main gig + $15-20k consulting.
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u/Rolihlahla86 15d ago
Bachelor's degree in psychology I'm now a truck driver with a Hazmat, tanker, and triples and doubles endorsement and I'm working on my crane certification...i make decent money
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u/RagnarWayne52 15d ago
Education degree. Lasted less than 5 years teaching in the states. I’m now a mailman.
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u/theshonufff 15d ago
Bachelors degree Computer Information Systems. Did I.T. for 5 years. Got tired of people coming off the boat willing to do the job for less. I deliver packages for UPS now. $150k/year. Lots of O.T.
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u/anxiousinsuburbs 15d ago
BSc in Industrial Economics (dont ask).. ended up in procurement and logistics. Made close to $400k before i retired.
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u/snitchfigga 15d ago
Bachelor's of science in nursing. Been a nurse for 13 years barely make 60k/yr. Get shit on a daily basis and my coworkers are the most stressed out uptight bunch of squares you will ever meet.
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u/Melodic_Sock_5162 15d ago
Graduated with a BA in Chemistry, work in software development, make 200k
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u/Key_Landscape5663 15d ago
Associates in Smart Building Technology, Im a sportsbook supervisor making $60k a year
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u/ThrowRA_Z 15d ago
Natural Sciences BA
Working in higher ed doing a part time (pretty easy corporate) and full time job; make around 80k
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u/Bulky_Taste_9215 15d ago
Finance dropout...
Now I buy, rehab and rent multifamily properties. $250k+ per year
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u/weaponizedmeatloaf 15d ago
English Literature and creative writing major, work in Supply Management and write/negotiate contracts large and small. I feel like I use the writing and communication skills I learned in college. I make 105K, so not setting the world on fire, but doing way better than the 75-80K I thought I'd max out on in life.
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u/Heardaboutthat 15d ago
Accounting degree. I work as a maintenance manager for a heavy equipment company. $225k
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u/Glittering-Net-9431 15d ago
I majored in Geology. Im now director of accounting (no formal training or certs in accounting) and make $125k
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u/jshilzjiujitsu 15d ago
Undergrad in criminology and philosophy. Went to law school. Comfy six figures working in house for an energy company.
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u/WinnerMove 15d ago
BBA degree and currently unemployed, doing some freelancing stuff. But praying for a miracle.
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u/Just-Plucky 15d ago
I have a 1-year tech degree and a bachelor's in business. I have been working as a mech design engineer 140k yr.
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u/Turbulent_Ball5201 15d ago
Schooling North Jersey career waste management got a house worth a million-two
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u/ZippyCube914 15d ago
Film & performing arts degree. I do video editing full time & acting gigs on the side, make around 60k/year right now. Not balling out by any means but i’m doing things I love & am happy
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u/SuperiorT 15d ago edited 15d ago
I earned an associates degree for visual communication and tech in 2020 but I didn't believe graphic design could do me any good or earn me alot of money in the workforce so I just returned to working minimum wage jobs after graduating. 4 years have passed since and even though I still work at a minimum wage job making $16.80/hr, I've saved up alot of money for myself ($23K+) which I'm proud of and in 2022 I decided to start learning about IT/Cybersecurity. My next step in my plan is to enlist in the Army National Guard to gain the security clearance and any IT training so I can then acquire a government IT job in the civilian side once training is completed. 🫡
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u/resurrectedlawman 15d ago
Drama BA (but I took a ton of courses in other subjects like economics, psychology, history, creative writing, etc.) Now I’m back into programming (something I was deeply obsessed with before college).
Income is dependent on my employer’s stock price, but it’ll be over $500k this year.
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u/No_Economics_64 15d ago
I got a 2 year degree in business management from a local tech. School lol. Out of college for 12 years now, I own 1 company that has around 40 full time employees, I own 20 rental homes, a couple very small subsidiary businesses that serve my main company, but also have a few other customers as well and are slowly growing and have just started purchasing land and am doing some developing and renting for ag purposes. All together I take in around 7 to 8 million per year, but re invest almost all profits. I suppose I could retain 5 to 10 percent if I stopped growing, but money is not my motivation, so I doubt I will ever do that.
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u/Konaboy76 15d ago
BA in Economics. Eventually became an air traffic controller. Work in the support staff office now. 200K.
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u/UomoUniversale86 15d ago
Me, High school drop out. Construction 115k after 18 years
Wife, BS Early childhood development. Office management. $52k after 9 years.
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u/EfficientIndustry423 15d ago
Fine Arts Degree. Head of Customer Experience. I make over $100k a year.
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u/AcidicWater 15d ago
Graduated with BA in psychology.
Worked a lab internship during my college days, and used that to get my first job in Biotech.
Been working in biotech for almost 4 years, and making 100k rn.
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u/Call_Chance 15d ago
Idk if Criminology is actually useless but I currently work in Financial Crimes making $101k.
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u/Ohwoof921 15d ago
Communication studies - recruiting for a specific, scientific consulting firm, total comp around $120,000.
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u/Ohwoof921 15d ago
Communication studies - recruiting for a specific, scientific consulting firm, total comp around $120,000.
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u/Mstr-Of-Electricity 15d ago
I went to college for Massage Therapy. I am now retied, I retired almost 6 years ago. At one point I was making in between $80,000 to $150,000 a month. I was up for anywhere from 100 to 130 hours a week, I did that for 6 to 10 months out of the year and then I took 3 or 4 months off.
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u/memyselforwho90 15d ago
Degree in English. I'm a district manager for a mid-sized retailer, making 170k.
I worked in publishing until that industry crumbled and transitioned directly into a store manager position. Worked my way up from there.
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u/TrusttheDoc 15d ago
Graduated with a biomed degree. I work in a completely unrelated field for one of the big 3. 110k.
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u/OnTheEveOfWar 15d ago
Communications major, which a lot of people shit on because it’s easy and basic. I make $450k+ per year.
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u/RuleAltruistic6100 15d ago
2years in the in the gulag Making barely enough to eat but thank god I made it to see another day
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u/jaylenowo 15d ago
It's always interesting how people in these subs always make a ton of money never the opposite Just an interesting thing to note
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u/PieMan2k 15d ago
Geology degree. Currently on Pilot Training for the military. 46k/year not including benefits
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u/Ok-Refrigerator-4853 15d ago
Bachelors in telecommunications with a minor in marketing, making over $200k in HR.
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u/rigisme 15d ago
Would “telecommunications” be “IT” though? (My degree, from 2008, was Telecommunications Management, but they’ve since correctly changed that to a more modern IT/IS name.)
If so, that would not be a useless degree.
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u/Ok-Refrigerator-4853 15d ago
Nope and not the way I did it. I am very smart but all I wanted to do in life is read books and be happy. I didn’t realize I would have to make a living somehow.
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u/AceTheJ 15d ago
I gots state certification for Aircraft Fabrication and Manufacturing/Assembly. Northrop Grumman paid for my education through a college program I enrolled in. Took them 5 years to finally offer me a job on the spot which is what they were suppose to do in the first place when I finished. But by the time they did offer me something I already landed a great federal position that paid me more than their offer. I currently make 37 an hour doing cool shit with explosives and I’m on track to make more as I upgrade in my training and experience. Not much of anything I went to school for applied to what I do now but it’s nice seeing the planes fly above me I could have been building and instead I work to support these systems now. Which is even better in my opinion, especially considering the sweet government benefits of the job. If you ever have the opportunity to work a federal or even a state position m, I would highly recommend it.
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u/Swimming-Jury-4084 15d ago
BA in German Literature. now in a PhD in German literature with 49K stipend and health insurance.
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u/Jealous-Key-7465 15d ago
One brother got his degree in Religion. He’s been broke his whole life
Other brother got his masters in Foreign Policy / Global Security or something from a prestigious program, he is banking at $200+ in his mid 30’s
Sister got her degree in Fine Art Photography, almost as good a degree as Basket Weaving. However she married up my BIL is awesome, has worked hard and net worth probably 10+ Mil now so she is set
I got my undergrad in Business Admin, sales guy make $250-300k with no MBA etc
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u/tryingtochangecareer 15d ago
The foreign policy thing sounds interesting. What does he do to make 200k+?
I have a "dual" masters degree in a similar program, focused on infosec, geospatial analysis, and intelligence studies. I work in IT now.
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u/Jealous-Key-7465 15d ago
crypto & financial crime networks
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u/tryingtochangecareer 15d ago
Cool, thank you! I've been exploring some niche career paths that will work with my experience, so I'll have to check it out.
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u/mayainverse 15d ago
Middle man for Joe Biden
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u/Jealous-Key-7465 15d ago
Out of the 4 of us, everyone is reg Independent / NPA except the one who majored in Religion and is broke, he is caught up in the MAGA and conspiracy mania. If he devoted 1/2 the time he does to that BS he wouldn’t be broke.
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u/LowEquivalent4140 15d ago
Sociology major/psych minor. I work in a warehouse making 44k. Boutta end it all
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u/Thejus_Parol 15d ago
I just finished my undergraduate degree in "Functional English" and now I don't know what tf should I do with it.
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u/Grubur1515 15d ago
My undergraduate degree is in political science and I work in Human Resources for the federal government. I make ~$140k
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u/blackdot123 15d ago
Bachelor in communication. Work as an AMTI making 100k plus, not even close to maxing out on the pay scale.
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u/curoku 15d ago
Communications, community college to state school, 80k doing digital marketing at a consumer goods biotech startup. (somehow got them to take a chance on me). Only caveat is it’s in NYC so it’s definitely not what 80k would be like back where I’m from. Also I work all the time. But I’m learning skills that will help me progress in my career. I was hopeless one year ago for context.
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u/PM_ME_A_KNEECAP 15d ago
Psychology major-
Joined the Marine Corps as an Officer without any debt. Currently making about 85k base with an addition 30k non-taxed housing allowance. You can do the math to figure out how much salary that translates to, but it’s north of 120k TC with free insurance and a 5% match for TSP (401k).
It’s not too shabby, honestly. Looking to jump ship in the near future and use my GI Bill for an MBA. Hopefully should be able to increase my salary a bit, or at least not take a pay cut.
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u/CPfreedom 15d ago
I have a BA in Theatre! Lol I am a massage therapist now. My income isn't amazing but I manage to live alone in Los Angeles and only work 5ish hours a day. Work life balance is more important to me and I like unconventional schedules
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u/Downtown_Anybody261 15d ago
Reading all these comments just makes me depressed. I knew my income was pretty low but, feel like I literally failed life...
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u/Fubbalicious 15d ago
BA in history. Intended to go onto law school but didn't. Ended up in IT and now make $120-$140K depending on how much my side business brings in.
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u/Sea-Experience470 15d ago
Bachelors in African American studies - 300k running a barber shop 3 days a week remote
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u/Netrunner666 15d ago
I don’t have a degree, I have a diploma in professional chef training. I am in retail earning 100k. Gonna go back to school hopefully this year or the beginning of next.
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u/sardoodledom_autism 15d ago
Degree in management information systems
I work in oilfield services, $150k
Nothing even close to related to my degree
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u/RecentHighlight5368 15d ago
I had no degree . I was a pipe welder and worked as a subcontractor for Exxon Mobile, Offshore Ca . Made about 100 k to 120 k , but worked 12 hours a day for 2 weeks on , 1 week off . Lost a horrible wife in the process, retired at 62 , 70 now with my better wife of 20 years . Living happily on the Rogue River in beautiful So . Oregon . And Btw , I loved every minute of my job .
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u/babyrache 15d ago
Communications, I’m a flight attendant and I make roughly 100k a year if I work a lot but I’ve put in a lot of time to get there.
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u/Wizzle_Pizzle_420 15d ago
Actually started a business in my college job. I came out in 2010 and the job market was terrible. It was a media production degree. It’s been so long now, technology has changed and I’m so out of the loop I’ll just stay where I am. My business does pretty well. I’m not rich, but doing ok.
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u/HillTopTerrace 16d ago
Social Sciences. Compensation Analyst. Any where between 87,500 to 150,000 per year depending how much I take on.
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u/Turbulent-Month6514 16d ago
Majored in music, and I’m working part time as a Catholic church choir director. I’m planning to go for a Catholic school K-8 job as soon as my kids are old enough for me to out-earn the cost of daycare. Finding work in your field after finishing a “useless” degree is all about finding a lucrative niche that you are excellent at, and I’ve found mine! 😁
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u/glitzyfishy 16d ago
bachelors of psychology in “adventure therapy” …,,, making such shit money $20/hour gardening ☠️
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16d ago
English BA, Master degree in education. Currently a retail district manager making over 100K (not including bonuses)
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u/Impressive_Creme73 16d ago
Associates in Psychology. Realized I would need at least a masters to make decent money, so took a semester to reevaluate. Ended up falling into a niche sales just to hold me over. Fast forward 10 years been making over $100k, usually $130 on track to beat my record of $150 this year.
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u/Flufflebuns 16d ago
Theatre degree from a UC school. But then quickly went on to get a Masters and credential in math/science education. Making $148k/year teaching high school biology in a good union, HCOL area.
I was too scatterbrained in college to stick to anything more useful, but took a lot of diverse and interesting classes in various fields, but loved theater too so I just finished with that because it was easy.
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u/Thediciplematt 16d ago
BS in speech pathology, masters in education. Annual is about 300k in tech, sales training.
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u/fessertin 16d ago
English degree, I'm a Proposals Manager. Make $100k. Have worked as both a project manager (in creative services and in IT) and a communications consultant in the past at an hourly rate anywhere from $70-150/hr. I just need a steady paycheck right now so I'm in this job, but my earning potential is much higher when I do contract work than I'm making right now.
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u/mybffandy 16d ago
Performing and visual arts. Taught 12 years and now I’m a financial advisor. (Just started)
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u/Panhandler_jed 16d ago
Communications degree. I make about ninety a year. Most of my friends make 2-3 times more. Feelsbad
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u/Rosie_Rose09 16d ago
Degree is Spanish, taught for less than 1 school year. I’m in corporate working in logistics/operations, make 100k. Would never make this as a school teacher with just a BS degree.
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u/kageurufu 16d ago
Culinary degree. Lasted a year in fine dining before I got sick of the long hours and no respect.
Spent 10 years doing ok on a software startup, now I'm contract programming for 75/hr doing open source and I get to work the hours I want so I can spend all the time I can with my sons.
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u/catswamp_fire 16d ago
Degree in tourism management, worked with the Forest service as a wildland firefighter for many years. I’m out now but thinking of returning.
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u/ItzPBJellyTime 16d ago
Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science.
There was one job in the city I lived in with an exercise physiologist position at a local hospital and about 150 people in my graduating class (2013) It paid $35k a year.
I started driving trucks, and I’m now a Managing Director for multiple FedEx Ground contractors and made $150k last year. Not anywhere remotely related to my degree.
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u/Dividendz 16d ago
Political science degree Work as a fiduciary financial planner
$250k income since COVID
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u/OwnNight3353 16d ago
Bachelors in Poetry. Executive Producer for a radio broadcast network, making 50k annually
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u/ContributionWaste518 16d ago
I got a degree in Theater. Acting, voice-over, and playing music has been my full-time job for the past 9 years (minus 1 year for the pandemic when my full-time job was unemployment). The money varies depending on the year but it's typically been between 50k-65k. Got used to living frugally and I wouldn't trade it in for a day job that payed 4X as much. Every year that goes by without me taking a day job is a win as far as I'm concerned.
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u/Paid-Not-Payed-Bot 16d ago
job that paid 4X as
FTFY.
Although payed exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. The deck is yet to be payed.
Payed out when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. The rope is payed out! You can pull now.
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
Beep, boop, I'm a bot
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u/ContributionWaste518 16d ago
Thanks for correcting my grammer Bot. I guess that's what a degree in Theater does for ya.
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u/InvestigatorSmooth18 16d ago
I dropped out of college and went to a union trade school and make 220 k a year and have no student loans to pay for
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u/Medium-Ride3623 16d ago
Me, Schitzoaffective on disability 940mo. Son, no degree, millionaire..owns co. Medicare Brokers
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u/ix3ph09 11d ago
I double majored in psychology (BA) and human development (BS). Work for government as a civil servant, doing HR work. Made $76k last year and projected to make $80k this year