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PaperclipPerfector  3d ago (text post)   2199 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for August 10, 2025

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What are some viable career paths in a small american city (~100,000)?

I have experience in tech (ops, presales) but I don't like the fact that I have to work a remote job. I'd like to be more integrated into the local community. I've thought of teaching (which I like) or doing some sort of IT work (big pay cut, probably pretty boring). I'm open to nearly any kind of white-collar work where I can transfer my skills. In my mid-30s I'm too old for an easy complete career reset.

I'm in a somewhat similar position as you. Currently employed as a postdoc at the local university, but not interested in becoming a professor, so I'm pretty much on borrowed time. I just want to avoid a career change while the kids are still small, and my prof is very relaxed so I earn well in comparison to the actual work I'm doing while having lots of free time to spend with family.

Teaching is definitely a good option if you enjoy it. I'm also looking into insurances since it's well-paid, quite safe and I studied math anyway so it's comparatively easy for me, but dunno how much of an option that is for you. Just general large local employers are usually always looking for many different positions as well.

Insurance companies are definitely always hiring tech, but I worry a little about their tech culture being very backwards (e.g. everything tech is "IT", tech is considered a cost center, etc). But I suppose that's part of the price I might have to pay. I think I do like teaching, but I haven't done it in years so I'd need to dip my toe back in to see if it's something I would enjoy doing when my livelihood depends on it.

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