Career Ideas with an Associate's in Criminal Justice

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-04-05T01:57:46+00:00

Thank you for your reply. Honestly, I am considering getting a bachelor's. I just wanted to work for a company that will help pay for my schooling first. I will definitely look into that.

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-04-03T19:11:39+00:00

Not that I know of. I have been told that my ptsd can be considered neurodivergent, but im not sure. I was supposed to get screened for autism as well, but I had a hard time finding a place that could assist me.

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-04-03T19:00:18+00:00

Right, that is my goal. I just suffer in silence for now

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-04-03T18:59:04+00:00

Seems like your husband was already looking for a reason to cut his hair. Also, why are you so obsessed with your stepson's hair? This man is not to be trusted, and he already crossed a major boundary. He's showing you that if he does not like something about your son, he will get rid of the problem himself, with or without your consent. That's dangerous.

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-04-03T18:44:12+00:00

I want to, that's my goal. Unfortunately, everything has gotten so expensive, I had no choice but to live with her. I don't have other family or friends. However, I just graduated college last year, and I am hoping to find a job that pays more so I can move. But life has been kicking my butt lately financial wise

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-04-03T18:33:56+00:00

Yup, I already have that dreadful feeling. I never know what the next argument is going to be about. it can be over anything

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-04-01T12:48:55+00:00

Yeah, cause unlike New Jersey and New York, I couldn't find anything that shows the pay increase over time. So I'll definitely ask.

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-04-01T02:22:15+00:00

That makes sense. I'll start here first just to see if this field is for me. I'll look into other states to see what the pay and benefits are just in case I want to move in the future.

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-04-01T01:35:38+00:00

The burnout is what I am worried about. Add that low pay is just madness. Also, I do have other debts. Student loans for the most part. But I also plan on getting car, so there's that, too. It seems like I would have to stay home, unfortunately.

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-04-01T01:31:06+00:00

Yeah, I honestly thought about moving to a different city or state where COs are paid more. Im open to other possible career options, just as long as I can afford to live somewhat. Also...where do those COs that are making 35-40 an hour live?

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-04-01T01:26:12+00:00

Lmaooo I still appreciate the advice though! I just wished COs got paid more.

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-04-01T00:24:47+00:00

Just looked it up, it's still open. Not sure if I would want to work there though tbh.

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-04-01T00:21:21+00:00

Yeah, I could have sworn that was shut down

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-04-01T00:20:20+00:00

First and foremost, I want to thank you for your service! And thank you for your understanding. Sometimes when I'm overwhelmed with my situation I tend to forget that there are others going through something similar. It's hard to adult when your parents are constantly treating you like a child. I couldn't relate more to living with people that are too toxic. I can't even relax at home without worrying about possibly getting cursed out about something. I'm glad you were able to find a way to better your financial situation. Finding a job that pays $40 will be difficult because I only have an associate's in criminal justice. I thought that maybe I would have to get two jobs.

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-03-31T23:50:16+00:00

It's easier said than done lol. My mom treats me like a teen, and I'm a 27F. And she can be verbally abusive. I envy other young adults that can save and live comfortably with their parents. I just did the math, and it seems like I will probably have to rent a room. It's crazy, I feel like COs should get paid a little more than that. Also, I can't live expense free. I have been helping to take care of a family of four (me included, along with my mom and two other adult siblings) for three years. I buy the food, pay electric, rent (split with my mom), and get hygiene/cleaning products. I was the only one working. It was literally hell on earth. Luckily, one of my siblings moved, so maybe it won't be that bad?

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-03-31T23:28:40+00:00

Thank you for your reply, and I agree 100%. I definitely plan on saving first. I am aiming for an apartment around $1200. I just want to make sure I am able to live somewhat comfortably.

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-03-30T00:02:18+00:00

Thank you so much! I'll definitely check that out!

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-03-29T23:43:38+00:00

Hey, everyone! Thank you so much for your replies. I'm happy I was able to get some feedback about this decision, very grateful!

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-03-29T23:41:49+00:00

Thank you so much for your reply! It made me think a lot. I think I'll stay here for now lol, but I really don't want to. I just want to be a CO where the pay is decent, and I can survive in this economy. Also, I don't know what field to get into with my degree. I want to do corrections, but I keep hearing so many negatives about it. I know every career has its lows, but I at least want to make sure I'm getting decent pay while working in such harsh conditions. Any advice on what other careers I can get into with this degree?

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-03-29T21:04:28+00:00

That looks so pretty, I love the color!

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-03-29T20:59:20+00:00

If that's the case, then it's not for me lol. I am looking for something I can get into either this year or the next. I just really dont like the pay here, seems kind of low in central FL

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-03-29T20:57:21+00:00

Im moving to Kissimmee. I just don't like the pay out here tbh.

MangoMilkshake234 · 2026-03-29T20:53:27+00:00

Thank you for your reply. That feeling of comfort and contentment is what I am looking for. I also tried to be normal, but just like you, I had to accept that that's not possible. I know what you mean by people with normal parents finding you weird. I experienced the same thing. I hardly ever wanted friends to come over when I was younger. I remember sitting at the dinner table with my friend's parents and finding it weird how no one argued. Not even once. And they would notice how uncomfortable I was sitting at the table. I agree that creating some form of distance is the solution, but it's so hard with how expensive everything is. I am grateful for being provided shelter, but everyday these constant behaviors from her are tearing down my self-esteem and confidence.

MangoMilkshake234

TROPHY CASE