ReverseApacheMaster

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It depends on what you want to do. Would you be happier somewhere else -- geographically -- even if your financial situation is worse? Would you be happier in DC but doing a different job?

In other words, what are YOUR goals?

If you would be happier somewhere else regardless of the financial situation, then you should move as quickly as you can and find an entry level job, maybe two jobs, and get out of there. If you would be happier where you are but in a different role, then you need to continue looking for a new job but also spend your free time networking, making new friends, enjoying the environment.

If you need both a different environment and the cash then you're going to have to work a lot harder. You will likely need to look at deferring moving away while you build up more qualifications (advanced degrees, certifications in your field, membership in social/business groups in that field, etc.) so that you can get a job easier.

You are going to have a hard time in your current situation. You are clearly overqualified for many entry level positions and seemingly underqualified for the positions you want. Right now there is 10% of the country (30 million people) actively looking for work and probably a larger number looking to move up. There's a lot of competition. Right now you do have a job paying the bills and time to carefully consider your position. If you make a move in any direction, will you be more miserable with the stress of trying to eat/pay bills/have a social life if all the pieces don't work right?

It sounds like you really need to figure out for yourself what is most important to you and what steps will get you there. Nobody else can answer that for you.

Houblon

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Say your making good money, then suck it up and throw every damn penny at your debt till it hurts and I mean hurts.

Double or triple or more your monthly payment, watch every penny coming -n- out and if your reallly making good money within a short amount of time your debt will be fading fast.


Gotta get the monkey off your back.

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PirateBrewer

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I definitely agree and I've been trying to find work that will make me happy despite a potential cut in pay. If I have to call my student loan companies to negotiate a lower payment than so be it but I'm definitely ready to be happy! Of course, taking a cut in pay is not desirable but you're right that it's the only life that I get and shouldn't get stuck in a never ending rut. I'm definitely doing what I can to change things!

That's a really good point you make and I definitely think I can be happy in DC if I had a different job. I also think I can be happy elsewhere. I've been applying for new positions here, as well as, Las Vegas and Long Island/NYC where I have relatives I could at least stay with while getting my feet on the ground should I relocate.

I would definitely have to say the unhappiness comes more from the job than location so I thank you for making me realize that!

Well, I do make good money for someone my age but with that being said, I only make enough to really afford all of my expenses (including student loans). I very rarely go out to bars, out to eat, etc. I'm really trying to focus 2011 on saving while also paying down debt so that hopefully in a few years I won't feel as constricted as I do now and can have more freedom to make the life moves I desire!

completegeek

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write an ebook and make some money online. Sounds like you have very specific knowledge in a narrow field which is awesome for an ebook. Just a thought. I personally want a life of freedom, not being a slave to a job and working away the best years of my life because it's what I'm "supposed" to do.

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
-Mark Twain-

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