Drowning in student debt, drowning in the wrong opportunities, I make a six figure salary working pharma but I’m in a deep depression. I can’t get out of pharma without taking a significant pay cut.

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Freelance on the cheap for work you want to do. Build your portfolio and make it happen. It is not easy, but can be done.

likeupliftingsmart

I don’t know what to do. Too focused chasing a paycheck to not fuck my credit up with unpaid loans. No awards as a result so jumping to general market with a solid salary seems impossible. What can I do?

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Thinking about things all at once can be overwhelming and make it all seem insurmountable. Break it into parts, make a plan. Then start taking it one baby step at a time.

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You can get out without a significant pay cut- you just need to make a dope spec book and get your foot in the door at like a pr or experiential agency or even shopper agency before making the next step to integrated/above the line shops. That’s what I did, it was a journey but it’s possible- I also never had to take a pay cut but I might have been one of the lucky ones.

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OP would you be comfortable sharing your monthly budgeting here? Perhaps we can help.

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Where you live?

Yes, which? I’ve been trying to get out of advertising but don’t know where else I could use my skill set that’s less cutthroat and stressful.

The only way to get out of it is being optimistic about the future. Easier said than done though don't lose hope. Can always do ibr and take a pay cut. You're health and happiness should come first.

Dont let the pharma conundrum weigh you down. Try to moonlight and pick up non-pharma work. Non-profits are a good way to go.

Yep, I was/still am in the same boat. I’m just picking up lower paying freelance jobs to get new non-pharma work in my portfolio, non-pharma agencies on my resume, and hopefully make some connections that lead to a full time job somewhere.

OP I can set you up with a sick budgeting template. DM me

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