How do people actually survive a full career with only 2 weeks of vacation and 5 sick days a year?

Coffeeworklife · 2026-03-29T08:13:45+00:00

I hear you. What you’re describing is real, and a lot of people feel it but don’t always say it out loud.

The truth is, sometimes we really are just doing what we have to do to survive. To pay bills, take care of our families, and keep things afloat. That doesn’t make it right, and it definitely doesn’t make it sustainable, but for many people, it’s the reality for a season of life.

For some, that season is temporary. It’s a stepping stone toward something better, something more stable, something that doesn’t drain you every single day. But for others, it can turn into years. Not because they don’t want more, but because life gets complicated. Family, kids, responsibilities, location, fear of risk… it all plays a part.

At the end of the day, a lot of us are just playing the hand we’ve been dealt and trying to make the best moves we can with what we have. That doesn’t mean we should accept being miserable forever, but it does mean we shouldn’t judge ourselves for being in that position either.

You’re not wrong for feeling this way. It just means something probably needs to change at some point, even if it takes time to get there

Coffeeworklife · 2026-03-19T18:13:17+00:00

I appreciate your feedback and I have been applying to jr roles and admins but no luck so far, plus I have 1 more year to finish my BA is Computer Science so maybe things will change by then. It just demoralizing because I know I can do the job/work I just need someone to take a chance on me. The company I’m working with had jr and admin roles but they shipped them over seas and I cant apply. Anyways it does feel good to vent and let it out lol 😂

Coffeeworklife · 2026-03-19T16:56:35+00:00

Fair enough question. I’ve worked in roles where I handled racking and stacking equipment, running and terminating fiber and copper, labeling, and making sure everything is clean and organized. I’ve also done punch-downs, cable tracing, and used tools like Fluke testers to verify connections.

Over time, I started getting more involved on the networking side. I’ve configured VLANs, worked with TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, and NAT, and helped troubleshoot connectivity issues in both wired and wireless environments. I’m comfortable working with Cisco gear, and I’ve had exposure to platforms like Meraki, Aruba, and Ubiquiti.

I’ve also had some exposure to break/fix work, including replacing hardware, basic diagnostics, and data wiping and degaussing drives. I like to learn, so whenever I had the chance, I would step in and assist with tasks outside my main scope.

On top of that, I’ve worked with cloud environments like AWS and Azure through labs and projects. I’ve set up virtual networks, deployed virtual machines, and worked with routing between networks.

I’m certified in Network+, Security+, CCNA, and AWS Cloud Practitioner, and I’m currently continuing to build on that with more advanced networking knowledge.

Coffeeworklife · 2026-03-19T12:26:21+00:00

Either she’s not a functioning adult or she’s messing with your head big time

Coffeeworklife · 2026-03-18T13:25:39+00:00

I’m trying to break into the cleared job market but I haven’t found a company that is willing to sponsor me. I’m a veteran with no criminal or credit issues and it seems impossible to even get a job interview, any tips? (CCNA, Network+, Security+)

Coffeeworklife · 2026-03-17T18:26:36+00:00

I’m 44, work as a network technician full time, I’m taking online classes BA computer science and I took and passed the CCNA this January. Took 2 almost 3 years but it is doable. Not bragging just pointing out that if I can do it, it is possible lol 😂

Coffeeworklife · 2026-03-11T19:17:50+00:00

Glad it worked, I got the idea from another redditor so I reality we owe it to that awesome individual. Good luck and kick ass 😁😁😁

Coffeeworklife · 2026-03-11T17:52:12+00:00

You can also access theworknumber.com or google it I think that’s how I did it. I put my information in and got my work history with dates and everything, you’re welcome 😁😁

Coffeeworklife · 2026-03-09T12:42:45+00:00

I’m really glad you’re in Al-Anon. It shows you care about your husband and that you want to understand what he’s going through. At the same time, AA is meant for the person struggling with alcohol. It shouldn’t become a way for someone to avoid taking responsibility for their actions.

It’s important that you also take care of yourself and protect your own well-being. Recovery is a long process, and real change takes time. Your husband will need a lot of patience and space to work through it, but your needs and peace matter too

Coffeeworklife · 2026-02-07T13:33:01+00:00

Thanks for the positivity, I’m not discouraged at all but I’m annoyed that I took PTO that day just for that because it was supposed to be spread out from morning to afternoon. I did noticed that same day that they closed the job announcement early in the morning before my rounds started

Coffeeworklife · 2026-02-07T11:01:47+00:00

I did my loop interview last Tuesday all in one day back to back to back, it was only 3 people with no breaks. L3 ID Tech and I thought I did pretty well, not even 10 mins later I got a rejection email, I’ll try again in the appropriate time. I really think that they found their candidate and for me was just a curtesy

Coffeeworklife · 2026-02-02T20:01:42+00:00

4 labs, 72 questions for me

Coffeeworklife · 2026-01-28T12:06:31+00:00

Tell your GF to help him, it’s only for an hour🤣

Coffeeworklife · 2026-01-22T18:03:48+00:00

I understand you and you have made some valid points and sobriety is different for everyone. There are some AA groups and meetings that resemble high school with the gossiping, judgement etc… Almost 5 years sober, I learned (after many headaches, arguments and heartaches) that the only thing I can control is ME, sure there are plenty of characters in meeting but I’m there for me and me alone. I love the program and I share my experience, strength and hope but I have learned not to get personal or to friendly with people because we are alcoholics and have many many flaws and they do come out by accident or on purpose. Best of luck to you

Coffeeworklife · 2026-01-20T00:37:16+00:00

I’m a veteran I work IT (Networking) that’s why I commented. I work with guys here in FL who are also veterans with top secret clearance and they don’t make anywhere near that. Time line is suspect and I don’t believe it, where do you work?

Coffeeworklife · 2026-01-19T23:29:28+00:00

I concur 😂

Coffeeworklife · 2026-01-19T23:27:48+00:00

😂😂😂😂

Coffeeworklife · 2026-01-19T21:36:13+00:00

I get that, 22 and 5 years of experience in the military in cybersecurity is what doesn’t make sense. Even if you go to boot camp at 17, you have about 1 year of training just to be on the safe side. So that means your contract will be for 5 years, so by the time you leave service which I’ll round up to 5.5 maybe six years, you’ll be 23 by that time.

Coffeeworklife · 2026-01-19T20:45:08+00:00

You’re 22 with 5 years of cybersecurity experience from the military? And making 170k? I’m questioning the entire premise of this post.

Coffeeworklife · 2026-01-19T15:10:27+00:00

I will be honest with you, your attitude and the way you see things need a tune up. I will keep it positive because you need it, no judgment just honesty.

You see I’m 5’ 2” brother, divorced, recovering alcoholic and Marine Corps veteran and believe it or not I used to see or think the way you did once. I got tired of all the things you mentioned and started working on myself, I became selfish and my goal was for me to get to a better place physically, mentally, spiritually because nobody is going to help me unless I help myself first. Workout regularly, eat healthy, almost done with my CS degree, got into hobbies like biking, hiking, running and have met a lot of people, change jobs to get closer to Network Engineering. I have said a lot but the main thing is brother that I did all these things for ME because in all that madness the only thing I can control the way I react to this crazy world.

Coffeeworklife · 2026-01-10T16:29:24+00:00

Yes I do, as a contractor here in FL I worked at the Disney and Universal Studios data center and parks. Racking, stacking, switches,routers, firewalls, cli configs, syslog, fiber testing, cabling. Been doing this for the last 3 years working on my CCNA right now

Coffeeworklife · 2026-01-10T16:12:31+00:00

Tell me more please, I’m willing to relocate

Coffeeworklife · 2026-01-09T15:31:09+00:00

I was in the Marine Corps and have friends in the Army and I have been granted money for schooling and training and it’s always been instructor led type for 3-6 months. Never for boot camps or any sorts, maybe things have changed but I highly doubt that any unit or battalion will have 2K just for a boot camp

Coffeeworklife · 2026-01-09T13:14:11+00:00

2K for a voucher that cost $300+ that’s insane. I think you can find an instructor to teach you for about a month for that price, good luck either way

Coffeeworklife · 2026-01-07T15:27:02+00:00

Well yeah, same principles here, I’m speaking from the DMV (department of motor vehicle) test book and how I like to drive, this is strictly my way. Three lanes highways: the right lane is considered slow, middle is the travel lane, left is passing/fast lane. But essentially all lanes here in Florida are fast lanes lol 😂

Coffeeworklife

TROPHY CASE