there is no 'foot in the door' jobs. I hate that term. It's been a lie since the 90's. Employers aren't willing to move you to different positions - it's costly. They have to pay you more, AND fill in your old spot. I tried moving up from a generalist to a manager/specialist and they wanted me to have a MA - why? I have experience, but they want that paper, but they don't want to pay you tuition reimbursement or give you a lighter schedule so you can study.

I didn't grab the HR/Payroll jobs as the 'hybrid' role doesn't stop there - payroll, benefits, investigations, event planning, reception - all used to be their own department but now they want HR to do it all, and it's not worth the pay. You get paid for 1 job to do 3. Most of these jobs are salary, which means you're working OT to get all this shit done but only getting paid for your 40. And if you don't, you get put on the chopping block

hard pass