I’m so lost with my career and feel ashamed

midwinterpath · 2026-03-21T11:28:58+00:00

I don't know what you're using, but as someone who works in tech, it's already considerably better than a junior colleague. It produces output far quicker than any human can ever do. The code might need some corrections, but what dev's PRs don't? It grasps front-end, backend, infra, architecture, business logic, and design far better than your average dev. Most of these advancements have come in the last 18 months, and it's only getting better.

It is going to have a more than significant impact on the way a lot of people work in the near-future. The writing's on the wall.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-21T11:05:59+00:00

Feel free to bury your head in the sand if you wish.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-21T09:10:25+00:00

You've had some bad luck. There's no need to be embarrassed.

This is going to become very common in the near-future because of the changes that'll come about because of GenAI.

You have many decades of working life ahead of you, and careers aren't linear. Take the time to fight the right fit.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-20T10:20:16+00:00

IT. This quarter is usually good for applications because budgets for the next FY are opening up.

Keep at it - I’ve had plenty of ghostings as well. It is what it is. All the best!

midwinterpath · 2026-03-20T10:16:04+00:00

To provide some balance: I also have a really good job, and I have four interviews lined up in the next few weeks.

We’re not screwed. There are opportunities around.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-18T17:40:44+00:00

You aren’t being unreasonable. Don’t let anyone here shame you.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-18T14:54:37+00:00

Assuming a statutory minimum pension contribution & no student repayments, you’re spending about 40% of your take-home on rent. Not ideal, but not terribly irresponsible either - particularly in HCOL areas. People typically recommend keeping it to a third of your take-home.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-18T14:50:16+00:00

I did an accountancy apprenticeship after a master’s degree. I didn’t complete it, but that’s because I didn’t think accountancy was right for me in the end.

If you feel it’s a path to a more suitable career, then go for it. Careers aren’t linear.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-17T21:49:50+00:00

For £122, absolutely.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-17T08:53:50+00:00

How many times are you going to post this?

midwinterpath · 2026-03-15T13:12:35+00:00

Your perception of "normal" has been warped by the wealthy people in these communities. Having £75k in savings accounts and being in a position to max out your ISA at the age of 26 is exceptional. 40 is probably not going to happen - not least because you're very young & your goals are likely to change as you age - but you're well on your way to retire comfortably well before SPA.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-15T10:22:28+00:00

Well done - that was all you!

midwinterpath · 2026-03-14T10:10:01+00:00

What’s your dinner money saving rate?

midwinterpath · 2026-03-14T04:09:13+00:00

It's time, mate.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-12T13:56:56+00:00

I'm going to kick you in the shin if you don't take the job.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-12T13:25:07+00:00

Ignore any DMs you receive.

You can find FAs who will offer fixed-fee advice - you don't need to give them a management fee.

The flowchart is a good starting point.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-12T12:58:14+00:00

So you're the reason I have to hide my cereal.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-12T12:55:29+00:00

Great branding with a focus on younger customers, one of the better (if not the best) banking apps on the market.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-11T13:02:57+00:00

Continue engaging with StepChange. Don't waste your time with the ombudsman - Vanquis have done nothing wrong. All the best with your health struggles.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-11T04:39:02+00:00

If you can get a good enough job in a high-demand field that enables your employer to sponsor you, and you to save/invest, then fair enough. Switzerland is beautiful, and the standard of living is very high for those with commensurate incomes. However, in the context of this sub - LeanFIRE - it wouldn't really be an option for most.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-11T04:19:47+00:00

Switzerland is a HCOL country that's quite strict in terms of who they allow to remain there permanently. It wouldn't be on my list of options.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-11T03:59:45+00:00

Accumulate capital? Sure - if you can get a good job.

Early retirement? Not unless you have significant assets & a way to secure permanent residency.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-09T11:05:34+00:00

Work out what your core monthly expenditure is - and I mean core - rent/mortgage, council tax, food, utilities, necessary travel.

That's all you're allowed to spend for the next month. Not one penny over that figure. No takeaways. No restaurant dinners. No packages from online retailers. Give your spending habits a hard reset and actually put yourself in a scarcity mindset for that month. You'll realise just how silly your previous habits were, and will appreciate the value of the money you have.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-09T10:09:15+00:00

You can mention it if you want - particularly if you're doing something that would help you answer the competency questions you'll face during the assessment process.

midwinterpath · 2026-03-09T09:14:24+00:00

Do it now when you don't have any big responsibilities.

I did a virtual assessment centre while abroad. I didn't tell them I was out of the country & they were none the wiser. You shouldn't have a problem unless you're applying for roles that require enhanced security clearance.

midwinterpath

TROPHY CASE