He is in Pittsburgh.. UPMC has a stranglehold on hospitals and suppresses wages. He needs to get out of Pennsylvania and find out what his skills are truly worth!
I’ve been a phlebotomist for 1.5 years and make 35k here in Arizona. I’m currently in school for Medical lab tech. Techs here are making 60-65+ a year starting out, I can’t believe he’s making less than a phlebotomist.
Jade said , “ We loaded you up “ , yes they did , gave him facts & truth , he’s young he needs to listen & take action , I’m 66 & still working like a rented mule & thankful to God I’m still able .
it's heartbreaking to hear this call. How can a University grant a $150k loan to a young person who has no hope of getting a job that would pay that amount off? Doesn't that count as predatory lending? Who is running these institutions, the Sopranos?
At first I felt bad for him. But I am a Medical Lab Tech. I had 2 jobs when I first graduated to bring up my take home pay. That kind of money he owes went to living expenses or spring break vacations. There's no way a MT school costs 150K.
He is an adult. He chose to change his major. Sounds like he was also living off the loans. At least he is calling in for help. Rooting for him for sure!
Stupid scenarios like this will keep happening so long as the government is in the business of guaranteeing student loans even if the borrower defaults repaying. Schools don't care how much they charge for tuition because they will get their money regardless
There is a desperate need for tutors in math and science. You can work from home and make at least $40/hour. There are options, but for the love of all that is sane, do not go any further into debt for your education. I
Not that I disagree that it is low, but that 31K is AFTER tax based on his 2600/month take home. People need to just list their salary not their take home. Its incumbent upon the hosts to do this too because there's so many things that can affect someone's take home. Just use the freaking gross.
@mattesser5027 I mean it's not hard to estimate gross or take home based on whatever is given. Whenever dave suggests and insane debt payoff plan its when people give him their gross, so people will complain either way.
@@Cristobal8605you don’t need a blue collar job to earn a lot. With his degree, you can make anywhere from 50k-100k on average especially in biotech at least I did with his degree. He definitely should look somewhere else, they pay there MLT $35-$40 where I live.
He just needs a new job. He’s single, no kids and roommates. Working 7 days a week 12 hours a day is insane, unhealthy and unbiblical. He gave that boy bad advice. He could double his income being an insurance adjuster or something. He needs a new job
Perspective, his options are get a better job and mostly likely a second, or live to work in order to clean up the mess. It's probably the most honest advice this young man has received.
I work 7 days a week, 10 hours weekdays, and 9 hour weekends it’s possible, hard, but doable. And it’s only for a short period. And if you can find jobs that let you grow or you love the ppl even better. Again, he dug this hole. It’s his responsibility. I dug a health care cost hole, now I’m digging out of it.
He has a lot of debt . It just for him to pay his debts during a short period of time. He’s not going to be working 7 days a week forever. Having a lot of debts when you can barely pay them off is not biblical either.
I believe that he was trying to use unrealistic numbers to make a more powerful point. That it should almost feel like he is with how hard he is working. It was hyperbole.
You dont think hes tried that already? Lol finding a better paying job just because you want to isnt easy. Im sure theres hundreds also looking for a similar job so he msot likely wont get it. Life isnt black and white
His story is a sad reminder of the harsh reality many face after investing in a degree with little return. It's crucial to do your research before diving into student loans.
Going to college was the biggest mistake of my life. Took until 32 to not only get sober, but to pay off my debt from school. Not just student loans. Credit cards, cars, personal loans too.
Biochem is a good return degree, he just did not get a good job after graduating, probably for a complex of other reasons. Just getting a grade does not always mean you received knowledge and skills in required amount to land a job offer.
@@mikejones762You don’t get a PhD in medical school. And no, he could work in industry with a BS making AT LEAST $50k a year starting as an entry level quality chemist.
yep. know people who have 6 figure student loan debt barely making more than my friends who did trade school or blue collar factory jobs. college degrees are worthless unless you’re pulling in a minimum of 6 figures.
I think he will get another job in another field. He just has to get over the heart break. Unfortunately, scientists don't get paid what they should (even with advanced degrees).
Sorry that is not true. My husband and I are both scientists with masters degree. We have paid off an over 350k house by age 53. We lived in an apt in a not so great area for 10 years . He can change jobs and get a higher paying job. Then he can get a masters degree for which he will get a stipend. Anyone can be a manager at home depot. Most people can not be scientists. They have to bring people from other countries here to be scientists. That is how many Chinese and Indian students come here. They get a phD here and then get a good job.
@@Kathy-v5g The fact that it took you and your husband so long to pay off your house -- after living in a crappy neighborhood for so long -- really just proves my point. You guys should have been millionaires by 35 (if not before). There have been engineering couples that called to show that were millionaires by 30. I'm sure those Asians (include Indians) are doing better financially than the non-Asians.
@@Kathy-v5gyes you’re in your 50s, times are different in all fields, accounting, medical, some engineering areas, etc. they try to keep new hires in low salary as long as possible and most companies don’t give raises and just replace. And it’s not that most people can’t be scientists, they don’t want to. You think every fellow student of yours from India or China dreamed of going to engineering school or being scientists? I had Indian friends who came over for engineering, one really wanted to be a RUclips and the other smoke weed and travel. Some do but most did it to switch countries. Why do that extra work if a store manager makes 100-150K per year?
I worked at the same hospital system here in Pittsburgh, just on the finance/accounting side. Put up with it for 5 years before moving jobs. The pay is insanely low. I was making $38k/year starting as a financial analyst with a masters degree. In 5 years and a promotion, I was only making under $45k.
Non clinical jobs pretty much all pay crap in large hospital systems. I've been in medical records since 2014 and went from $15/hr up to $22/hr in ten years.
I have an economics degree and I've had to work at fedex loading trucks in the mornings and also in warehouse positions between jobs. It sucks, but sometimes you just have to do things that suck until you get a job you enjoy. Good lucl, man! It can be better 😊
@@FancyRPGCanadathere are definitely some degrees that one can graduate and begin making 6 figures or close to it right off the bat...one just has to make sure they go into one of those fields. Some examples are electronic engineers/computer science starting salary, no experience approximately $108,000. Petroleum engineering starting at approximately $100,000. Operations Research and Industrial Engineering starting $98,000. Nuclear Engineering Technology= $95,000... and there are many more so it is most definitely doable so you probably shouldn't laugh as long as they are going into the right field.
He should be able to take the certification classes to be a medical laboratory technologist and double his income. He could go to a much cheaper school and apply for scholarships. Sometimes, hospitals will help with tuition as well. He could’ve gotten his current job with a an associates degree with almost no debt. He’s way overqualified for the job he has.
I spent around 6 months looking for a job in my field without any luck, then got a temporary job and had to keep looking for another 8 months to finally land a job in my field. It suuuucked.
You got this man. Look for a job in that area or pick up 2 extra jobs. I do 3, and digging out of a medical hole I made. You got this, it will teach you so much!
There is a position for "Medical Technologist - Core Lab/Blood Bank" at the Veteran's Health Administration in Pittsburgh paying $60k a year. You can apply for Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) which can cover repayment of up to $200k tax free ($40k/year over 5 years) in student loan debt. The job posted 4 hours ago. Hope the caller sees this, and good luck.
It’s really insane, I went to a no name cheap college and am working with the same people that went to Duke, UMBC Boston college making the same pay with no student loan debt.
@@YuTv1408 Why do people say things that are so easily proven false with the slightest amount of research? I literally just looked up current tuition for state college in Massachusetts where I live and it’s just over $11,000 a year. Full bachelors degree for $44,000 before you even apply for any financial aid or anything. Room and board is $15,000 but nobody’s making you stay there. Even if you did though we’re still well under $150,000.
Dude should go into banking instead of bothering with McDonald's. It might not be his field of interest, but investment firms love people with STEM degrees (even though it is totally unnecessary for the job)
Was thinking ANYTHING other than retail or fast food....they are not hiring like they used to, and are laying off left and right. Also, how would McDonald's and Home Dept look on his resume VS experience in any other area of business....good luck on transferable skills.
It's funny how teachers looked at me like I was stupid when I said I didn't want to go to university. Blows my mind that people were willing to sink 40-50k in debt to study. My buddy said he was furious when he finally started working the people that didn't go to.uni but had 5 years company experience where his managers. Says it all.
Yeah, but those managers end up in deep trouble when they lose their jobs. There is a learning curve and someone who goes to a university can easily jump over those managers. The problem is that these companies do not want to pay to hire degree holders because they would have to pay more $ to hire them. Meanwhile, these managers are being low balled.
@@wewhoareabouttodiesaluteyo9303 maybe maybe not. I'm speaking from people I knows experiences. I have a friend who skipped uni and climbed the ladder of her job. She's 34 and already does independent consulting in her field and is making a killing with no debt. I can't say the same for my uni friends that didn't even start in there fields till they were 24
Get a second job. My dad had a day job and 2 part time jobs when I was young. We didn't see him sometimes for 2 weeks. He said it was hard but he could handle it while he was still young. My father is my hero.
He should have stayed in Engineering school, made 150k my first year after college, on track to making 200 this year. Edit: I commented three times but somehow they don’t show up. I definitely work substantially more and harder than the others, got promoted in 12 months to Product Engineer in the semiconductor industry in the NW, and I made myself indispensable to the company. But most people won’t be able to achieve this quickly. I’m also an immigrant and my parents are low income (I help them remotely financially now), I came here after High School thanks to scholarships and I can finally conquer the American dream. Do you guys think I’m going to let it slip away?
Omg bro... what field in engineering are you in man? I've been doing this for 7 years and I only do $115k. I wish I were making these $200k salaries y'all be talking about
He could apply to the pharmaceutical industry. There are a number of roles he could do that would pay double that. Some CROs (They manage clinical trials) have training program where he could become a research associate and if he can get to a senior level you can make six figures.
When I see all those videos on student loans… I’m happy to live in Europe. The costs for studying at a good university are between 300-500 bucks PER SEMESTER. So 5 years for a masters costs 5k… All you need is to take care of your costs of living… My god 🙏🏻
Turning down a ‘free’ education was his first mistake. Happiness with your career is wonderful, but you can’t be happy if you’re under a massive ton of debt. Student loans are hell. Racking up tens of thousands of dollars in debt is rarely worth it today. Not in this economy. If you don’t have money, go to community college, transfer to your local college or learn a trade. Starting off so far in the hole is a recipe for disaster.
I had the same thought regarding throwing away a free education and replacing it with all that debt for a very low, negative? ROI. Not sure if it was "follow your dreams, do what thou wilt!", or if he just couldn't handle the courses (I have first hand experience that they aren't cheese), but damn what a decision. Knowing nothing about this profession or his credentials, me thinks he's getting screwed on salary. Time to take that experience and apply for the next gig.
I feel this dude's pain. It's a rough road. I was in a similar situation, Signed up for $140,000 of student loans for art school at the age of 18 back in 2008. Luckily I never gave up on my craft and paid them back in full at the age of 35. I hope he finds his path and comes out of this.
I have a journalism degree. As good as I was, I made $25,000 a year with ZERO room for advancement working in a building that deserves to be condemned. I bet on myself, changed careers, climbed the corporate ladder and tripled my salary in 5 years. It's ok to move onto the next chapter. It's a pain, there will be sacrifices, some days will be easier than others...but when you can find a work/life balance and lay down without losing sleep over bills I promise it's worth it.
You only need bachelor's for pharmaceutical sales. Those people make more than the scientists. He has lots of options if his hospital job is not paying. Jade and John are not giving him good advice. But hopefully he reads these comments and gets some ideas. He needs to move on from the hospital where they can't pay him because they have to pay the doctors the big bucks. But he is getting good experience.
@@Kathy-v5g The entry level sales rep salary with just a bachelors is less than 6 figures, but still better than his $30k. They don't make more than the PhD level scientists unless they're a top sales rep earning a ton of commission. The caller needs to apply to grad schools, honestly the Biochemistry stipend he'll get from the program will be as much or higher than his current salary, and he won't take on any additional debt.
I got a biochemistry degree, graduated in 2018. It depends on where you live but most times you need a masters with certifications and 5 years experience to get a decent job (40K-50K salary). A lot of jobs in my area wanted a PhD, certifications and 3+ years experience for jobs paying 55K+.
I am an MLT( medical lab tech) in California. It is a licensed position that requires an associates degree and continuing education to maintain your license. I personally make 6 figures with an AA. You can also go further and obtain a bachelor's degree and become a clinical laboratory scientist. I guess this means location matters, but this job position can be extremely lucrative and fulfilling.
He would also need to pay to get that certificate. I'm in his current situation as well: 2 degrees, no certification= lab assistant @ $20/hr. I'm going back to school for a stupid nursing license because of the same bullshit
@wewhoareabouttodiesaluteyo9303 nah join a union and do commercial/industrial you'll make a solid wage without having to push residential sales. The guy on the phone who spent 157k to make 31k is the guy with the big risk not me
@@thomaskaraindros28 See, I have all these HVAC shops around me and I had to call one to find an issue with mine. Here, they tend to go with upselling people on buying a whole new unit. I told the guy I called over that I thought it was the capacitor and he agreed. I dodged that bullet.
6:43 thank you Jon. Sometimes Dave does upset me, “just get something making 80,90,100. If it was that easy everyone would do it! I make so much now (not my normal 15$ an hour) but I literally work 3 jobs, over 65 hours a week, and minimize my expenses like crazy, have a roommate, and right now trying to learn more to make myself mor e marketable. But Dave’s answer of “go get a make 90k paying job” is so unrealistic. It took my 4 years of college of 2 years of experience in a well paying field to even make what I make now.
Crazy that if a 19 year old wants a $5000 loan to buy equipment for a lawn mowing business they'll be denied for no credit but if they want a 150k degree in a field that pays 50k for the first ten years it only takes one click to get it
I rarely would advocate to be a teacher, however secondary science teachers are in high demand. Your starting salary would be mid forties or better to start with tutoring opportunities on top. Often a sign on bonus is a perk offered. Also depending on where you teach, (Title 1) you may be able to get partial loan forgiveness as well.
I agree, better than what he has now, and there are ALWAYS students who need tutoring after and before school. Adults and children. He might not make a WHOLE lot, but it's just another step to get some wind beneath his wings, I want him to eat well, and maybe even pay his rent a few extra months in advance then he can go HAM
My manager friends have told me that people with biochemistry and biochemical engineering degrees are applying for all kinds jobs unrelated to their degrees because there's either no jobs or no money in it.
I work as a lab tech... biochemistry with just an undergrad degree pays about the same as a teacher, about $50-$60k... to make more money, people need at lest a masters and some jobs want PhDs... and these jobs pay about the same as a truck driver ($100,000).
Just 2 cents As someone working in a hospital - Biomed is where he needs to be working at, not the Lab. Biomed dept techs take care of medical equipment that are not computers. They make around 6 figures where I work. and the hardest part is getting your foot in the door which you already did. You can do this!
My husband was a BMET while in the Air Force. He then retired from AF and went to work for our city hospital. Just retired in January of this year. The money and retirement benefits are great, too. Also, the AF sent him to a year of school, so there were no student loans . He was medical, and I was dental, so everywhere we lived, we had jobs.
This right here is why I am so not in the market to get a college degree. I don't want to go into debt just to leave with a piece of paper that may or may not pay the bills.
Dude, you are still young. When I was 23, I was working 7 days a week at 2 jobs for 3 years in Los Angeles. I bought my first house at 27 years old. I had one job Monday thru Friday at 10 hrs. a day, and Saturday and Sunday at 8hrs. and 5hrs. I was saving money like crazy. I have 2 nieces who are twins and now they have 2 jobs and are following my footsteps, they are both 21 yrs. now, I keep telling them to save money. One thing now is that there in a different situation where everything is expensive here in California.
One of the things I didn’t hear them ask is if he’s contributing to a 401k at his job. Sometimes people are contributing hundreds of dollars a month in the name of their future while they’re completely drowning today and literally taking years off their life with the stress.
Dude move back home live with mom and dad,,, for 4 years ,,,save and pay off this student loan,,, there is no way out of this,,,, even if you take a second job,,,,
The way out of it, is to get a better paying job. 31k per year isn't enough. He needs to make some serious adjustments to his life and how he makes money
Using parents, no such thing as a sink or swim. Teach young people to live off their parents backs. And some get a path of least resistance where they truly do not have to be self financing.
It's truly a lack of guidance from the schools and families. He dropped an engineering degree with scholarship to take on a degree that would require an advanced degree to make decent money. Reminds me of someone who got of full-ride engineering degree. Lasted 6 months and returned home(he was homesick) to work as a waiter in a bar. Dad did not even tell him to reconsider.
I was in a similar situation as this guy around 9 years ago. Graduated with a degree in biomedical engineering (3.74 GPA) and the highest paying job I could get was 41k (300+ applications). People I worked with who had 10+ years experience were only making around 55k. Some of these people had masters in their respective fields. These degrees aren’t necessarily easy to obtain and it’s really unfortunate how low the ROI is relative to the cost of college + time taken to get through the curriculum.
$200 can feed a frugal person in a month if he can prepare his food from home, grocery shop at a Walmart, Cotsco or Aldi and if doesn't drink alcohol. He can even eat out about 3 times a month at an inexpensive chain e.g Panda Express. He will live on food like simple sandwiches, spaghetti and meat balls, rice and chicken etc.
For a hospital worker > Explorer Public Service Loan Forgiveness and see if your employer qualifies. It's at least worth applying for and seeing what the ten-year terms could be.
An undergrad biochemistry degree is completely worthless in medicine and research. His only way out is an advanced degree where he will have to borrow more debt, but will 5x his short term income and 10x his long term income.
That is complete nonesense. A biochemistry degree can get him a job at pharmaceutical company. He may need to get a masters but at right company they could help pay for it. But if he does masters full time. He gets a stipend and he won't go into anymore debt. He has lots of options he just has to find a higher paying job.
You do not need to borrow debt for a phd. I'm getting one right now in chemistry and my tuition is fully paid, and I also receive a stipend for living expenses (higher than what this caller is making at his job). The school also pays my health insurance premiums, and reimburses any healthcare expenses up to my out of pocket max. My package is guaranteed for the next 4 years. I have no student loan debt from undergrad so when I graduate I will have a BA and a PhD debt free :)
I obtained a bachelors degree in biochemistry a long time ago and now have my CPA license here in Canada. I was in the same situation as the caller and believe me, there are literally no decent exit opportunities in biochemistry except for students that want to get their grades up to get into medical school.
Yup... many STEM degrees without professional degrees like medicine etc don't pay as well most people believe. Most jobs requiring biology degrees or biochemistry pay about $50-$60k... About the same as a skilled tradesman WITHOUT ANY DEGREE or even a highschool diploma and just a GED.
In America people have to come up with a plan and stay focused not to fall into the hole of debt begin offer every day of the year. People fight for our freedom, it you want to be free.
One of the unfair things in life is how some people, who go to school for years, end up making less than someone at a retail store or custodial jobs. It don’t make sense.
@@kevgret they don't know that and besides, that's irrelevant. Nobody was "grifted". He had the option to get his degree for cheaper and he chose the expensive route.. you can't just say everybody with student loans is a victim of some non-existent scam lmao
@@droid2D2C3P0 every college knows the median income of every profession for every state. They knew this mans $150k would never be returned back to him
Did anyone made him understand making that change in college path was going lead to extreme a mount of debt for no reason. He should have finished the degree with the scholarship
Sounds like some bad decisions were made. Career opportunities for engineering majors are vastly better than anything biology related. The fact that he lost his scholarship to switch double hurts.
That's what these companies do for cheap labor. They want you to get a degree but when you do, they start your pay at 40k, if you are lucky. When he gets 3 years of experience he'll get a higher paying of jobs. Our system sets us up. First 3 yrs after college is cheap labor regardless of your degree(s).
I don't understand how someone could drop an engineering degree with a scholarship and take on biochem without a scholarship. He would have known the upfront costs. Sad no one convinced him to switch to something more lucrative or cheaper.
Unfortunately, this young man cannot hold a position as a Medical Laboratory Scientist because he has the wrong degree. A Medical Laboratory Scientist requires a bachelors degree in Medical Laboratory Science. It is a bachelor's degree and is very difficult to obtain as there are required courses in parasitology, chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology, immunohematology, molecular diagnostics, microscopic analysis, management, statistics, etc., etc. With his degree, he cannot sit for the board examination. He simply has the wrong degree for medical lab work. I doubt that he will never make a good salary with his biochem degree in a medical laboratory. I suspect the lab hired him because there is a shortage of medical laboratory professionals, but he will not make enough because he cannot be certified which is the key for a professional salary. He needs to find a way to change fields or go back and get the Medical Laboratory Science degree which may take two to three years. I know this as I am a professor in a Medical Laboratory Science Program at a major university. Good luck to him and I hope he finds a way out.
He was living off those student loans.. I went to a private catholic university and my student loans are $19k and that's because I was only paying minimum of stopped paying at times....
The problem is that he is already in $150k debt... if we went to medical school his debt could EASILY become $300-350k and he would make a median income of about $200k after like at lest 7 years total (4 medical school, 3 residency). His income would be less thN his total debt and he wouldn't have solved anything much.
He's a lab tech. You don't need a degree for that job. It isn't his field. I'm not sure he even knows what his field is. I think he jumped ship from engineering and landed at Biochem with no plan.
@@pamelaburleson2063You sure as hell *do* need a degree to perform laboratory testing and release results that doctors use to make 70% of clinical decisions.
Just got a diagnostic/lab medical bill in, $21,000. Obviously the lab workers aren't getting much of that. Hospital share holders need to up their game and pay their workers a survivable wage.
Dude seemed to think reality will bend to his will. He went to college without a clear understanding of what he wants to do or why he was there... switched majors....racked up a bunch of unnecessary debt and is now aimless and broke. Sucks, but people need to just stop blindly believing college pays for everyone. Reality is, most dont need it.
It sucks, but when you are on the other side of it, it's amazing. I went crazy on paying off my student loans when I was 24 and had them paid off by 26 because I was working 4 jobs. Every moment tucked, but my 34 year old self is benefiting from that hard work. Now, I'm on track to retire in 10 years because I put in the work early.
He is never getting out of debt. This is why making bad choices will ruin you. Don’t go to college unless you’re going to be a doctor. That’s it, AI has taken all other options off the table.
I work a very similar role and he can easily 3x his salary if he moves to an independent clinical lab. Hospitals are known to pay much less for the same lab role in this industry.
Every high schooler going to college should listen to this call. If you can’t pay for it with cash then don’t go to a university that you can’t afford. Community college and public universities all the way! Degree that matters
This whole loan scam is why college costs so much. When money is easy and anyone can get a loan despite no ability to pay the supply demand curve gets out of whack and universities can charge what they want.
He should get on the SAVE plan for his federal student loans. Based on his income he’d pay 0$ a month and not a due interest on the loans. Since they base the payments on the previous tax years income he’d have an entire year of pocketing an extra 250$ to put towards the private student loan debt. Next thing I’d do is see if he can refinance the private loans through Sofi or something. Often they’ll bundle them all and give you a lower interest rate with a lower monthly payment. Next ask for a raise. Doesn’t hurt to ask he’ll be there for 1 year pretty soon. I’d ask for a raise then look for any other odd jobs around the hospital.
I'll bet he's not a REGISTERED lab tech, who went through an accredited program, for clinical laboratory medicine. He's probably a lab assistant. His biochemistry degree is worthless. Registered techs make a LOT more than that.
If you're reading this, try going to a smaller hospital where you can train to be the lab manager or a larger one that pays more. I think you have a problem you can solve. This doesn't sound right. Also try tutoring online at night.
My suggestion to the lab technician is : don't quit your job but do side jobs to make more money. I was a lab technician (except not in clinical but in medical research), experience matters and your salary goes up with experience. Once you are out for a few years, your potential employers would hesitate to hire you back for reasons easy to understand. That means your years of education would not be translated into your employment and you'll be forever stuck with minimum wages. In short, keep your job and supplement with any other jobs you can get.
Swing and a miss by John here. The caller shouldn’t just go out and get some low tier jobs… He needs to leverage that degree for a higher pay.. not go out and manage a McDonalds…
Thats not bad advice. Get a higher paying job until you can leverage. But i thought he didnt graduate? If he did, idk why hes not already using his degree.
You can’t leverage a degree for higher income. You leverage skills and practical job knowledge for higher income. He said himself that he can’t move up much without going back to school which would only increase the problem. If he wants higher income, it’s not currently attainable in his field. Sometimes reality overrules dreams.
@@crashtestdummy1972 it's bad advice as Mcdonalds would look at his resume and see he is overqualified and will quit the moment he finds something better. They wont bother wasting time training him knowing that.
@@Kysen10 so basically just be jobless until he finds a good job? That doesn't make sense. Also, you can just leave some stuff off your resume too. Don't lie but if you omit a degree to help you get a job that is ok
John Oliver on Last Week Tonight did the debt forgiveness thing. He created a debt buying business and bought medical debt. He then had a charity or something do their process on getting it cleared.
I wouldn’t expect the same hospital to add on too many additional jobs, they won’t want you to schedule you over 40 hrs per week in total, because no matter what they gotta pay you time and a half. Unless the directors of the other departments are allowed to do that and are willing to pay it. But OT is generally not something you can rely on long-term. Kinda have to get other side gigs, work in more than one organization.
I've got no degree, I'm driving a truck, but I'm debt free. Thank you Jesus
I’ve got a degree, I don’t drive, I’m debt free.
@thanks to your parents
@@loves2smooch384 yes, but actually in my country education is free.
@MartinVillagra you mean you pay higher taxes over the course of your life to pay for 'free' 'education'
@MartinVillagra oh why you even comment then bro ! We don't know that you're from brazil
My daughter is a pheblotomist and makes more than that. Find a new job...find a new hospital.
He is in Pittsburgh.. UPMC has a stranglehold on hospitals and suppresses wages. He needs to get out of Pennsylvania and find out what his skills are truly worth!
What state are you guys in
@@freshonez88 she's in Wisconsin
@@colleenindy6479wages are stagnant
I’ve been a phlebotomist for 1.5 years and make 35k here in Arizona. I’m currently in school for Medical lab tech. Techs here are making 60-65+ a year starting out, I can’t believe he’s making less than a phlebotomist.
Jade said , “ We loaded you up “ , yes they did , gave him facts & truth , he’s young he needs to listen & take action , I’m 66 & still working like a rented mule & thankful to God I’m still able .
it's heartbreaking to hear this call. How can a University grant a $150k loan to a young person who has no hope of getting a job that would pay that amount off? Doesn't that count as predatory lending? Who is running these institutions, the Sopranos?
Careful they might break your kneecaps saying that. Capese?🤌
@leightri The government
At first I felt bad for him. But I am a Medical Lab Tech. I had 2 jobs when I first graduated to bring up my take home pay. That kind of money he owes went to living expenses or spring break vacations. There's no way a MT school costs 150K.
They have smaller-than-normal-sized hats 🎩
He is an adult. He chose to change his major. Sounds like he was also living off the loans. At least he is calling in for help. Rooting for him for sure!
Damn....you can hear it in his voice. He sounds so deflated. Best of luck to him.
At least he said their advice was relieving
Stupid scenarios like this will keep happening so long as the government is in the business of guaranteeing student loans even if the borrower defaults repaying. Schools don't care how much they charge for tuition because they will get their money regardless
Your hospital likely offers OT for patient sitting. It’s incredibly boring but it’s an easy way to boost your income.
That's a great idea! I hope he sees this.
There is a desperate need for tutors in math and science. You can work from home and make at least $40/hour. There are options, but for the love of all that is sane, do not go any further into debt for your education. I
31k/year is insane. I made more working the backroom at Walmart.
That’s the problem, these people won’t do those jobs and prefer to stay in debt instead of doing too much of a blue collar job.
Security guards in southern states, typically the cheapest to live in, make more than 31k a year.
Not that I disagree that it is low, but that 31K is AFTER tax based on his 2600/month take home. People need to just list their salary not their take home. Its incumbent upon the hosts to do this too because there's so many things that can affect someone's take home. Just use the freaking gross.
@mattesser5027 I mean it's not hard to estimate gross or take home based on whatever is given. Whenever dave suggests and insane debt payoff plan its when people give him their gross, so people will complain either way.
@@Cristobal8605you don’t need a blue collar job to earn a lot. With his degree, you can make anywhere from 50k-100k on average especially in biotech at least I did with his degree. He definitely should look somewhere else, they pay there MLT $35-$40 where I live.
He just needs a new job. He’s single, no kids and roommates. Working 7 days a week 12 hours a day is insane, unhealthy and unbiblical. He gave that boy bad advice. He could double his income being an insurance adjuster or something. He needs a new job
Perspective, his options are get a better job and mostly likely a second, or live to work in order to clean up the mess. It's probably the most honest advice this young man has received.
I work 7 days a week, 10 hours weekdays, and 9 hour weekends it’s possible, hard, but doable. And it’s only for a short period. And if you can find jobs that let you grow or you love the ppl even better.
Again, he dug this hole. It’s his responsibility. I dug a health care cost hole, now I’m digging out of it.
He has a lot of debt . It just for him to pay his debts during a short period of time. He’s not going to be working 7 days a week forever. Having a lot of debts when you can barely pay them off is not biblical either.
I believe that he was trying to use unrealistic numbers to make a more powerful point. That it should almost feel like he is with how hard he is working. It was hyperbole.
You dont think hes tried that already?
Lol finding a better paying job just because you want to isnt easy. Im sure theres hundreds also looking for a similar job so he msot likely wont get it. Life isnt black and white
His story is a sad reminder of the harsh reality many face after investing in a degree with little return. It's crucial to do your research before diving into student loans.
Going to college was the biggest mistake of my life. Took until 32 to not only get sober, but to pay off my debt from school. Not just student loans. Credit cards, cars, personal loans too.
Biochem is a good return degree, he just did not get a good job after graduating, probably for a complex of other reasons. Just getting a grade does not always mean you received knowledge and skills in required amount to land a job offer.
@@StaciaBielkabachelors in bio chem is useless unless you go to medschool for phd
@@mikejones762You don’t get a PhD in medical school. And no, he could work in industry with a BS making AT LEAST $50k a year starting as an entry level quality chemist.
yep. know people who have 6 figure student loan debt barely making more than my friends who did trade school or blue collar factory jobs. college degrees are worthless unless you’re pulling in a minimum of 6 figures.
He doesn’t sound like he’s going to do anything they said !
I think he will get another job in another field. He just has to get over the heart break. Unfortunately, scientists don't get paid what they should (even with advanced degrees).
thought the same thing, when he said “uh huh, makes sense” you could tell he turned it off….
Sorry that is not true. My husband and I are both scientists with masters degree. We have paid off an over 350k house by age 53. We lived in an apt in a not so great area for 10 years . He can change jobs and get a higher paying job. Then he can get a masters degree for which he will get a stipend. Anyone can be a manager at home depot. Most people can not be scientists. They have to bring people from other countries here to be scientists. That is how many Chinese and Indian students come here. They get a phD here and then get a good job.
@@Kathy-v5g The fact that it took you and your husband so long to pay off your house -- after living in a crappy neighborhood for so long -- really just proves my point. You guys should have been millionaires by 35 (if not before). There have been engineering couples that called to show that were millionaires by 30. I'm sure those Asians (include Indians) are doing better financially than the non-Asians.
@@Kathy-v5gyes you’re in your 50s, times are different in all fields, accounting, medical, some engineering areas, etc. they try to keep new hires in low salary as long as possible and most companies don’t give raises and just replace. And it’s not that most people can’t be scientists, they don’t want to. You think every fellow student of yours from India or China dreamed of going to engineering school or being scientists? I had Indian friends who came over for engineering, one really wanted to be a RUclips and the other smoke weed and travel. Some do but most did it to switch countries. Why do that extra work if a store manager makes 100-150K per year?
I throw trash and make more than he does. Def feel bad for this guy! ✌🏻💕
No way what state are you in
@@freshonez88 Colorado
And probably have good benefits lol
This is soo depressing to listen to. Please don't have any kids on top of this.
Yeah, that would be about the only way he could make things worse.
Yeah what an idiot. He should be jailed and forbidden from reproducing.
It may last for a season. But God is bigger than all of this and this too shall pass?😊❤
He might be depressed which could lead to wanting something more, and accidentally having kids.
"Bro, you're broke!"-My wife.
"You're BOTH broke."
- Dave Ramsey
@@jrey1 we we 😅
I worked at the same hospital system here in Pittsburgh, just on the finance/accounting side. Put up with it for 5 years before moving jobs. The pay is insanely low. I was making $38k/year starting as a financial analyst with a masters degree. In 5 years and a promotion, I was only making under $45k.
COL is low over there so they pay like shit.
Florida hospitals pay worse and somehow our COL is higher 😬
Non clinical jobs pretty much all pay crap in large hospital systems. I've been in medical records since 2014 and went from $15/hr up to $22/hr in ten years.
What are all of those $10,000 medical bills we pay for having a blister going toward??
All the best to you man. I hope you make it out of this hole. Take care.
I have an economics degree and I've had to work at fedex loading trucks in the mornings and also in warehouse positions between jobs. It sucks, but sometimes you just have to do things that suck until you get a job you enjoy. Good lucl, man! It can be better 😊
I really think people phone in to the show expecting a magic wand to be waved, its all common sense at the end of the day, unbelievable !!
It makes me laugh when kids that go to college say that there going to be making 6 figures when there done with college 😂
Yeah that only happens with doctors after they’ve had their own practice for a few years.
@@FancyRPGCanadathere are definitely some degrees that one can graduate and begin making 6 figures or close to it right off the bat...one just has to make sure they go into one of those fields.
Some examples are electronic engineers/computer science starting salary, no experience approximately $108,000. Petroleum engineering starting at approximately $100,000. Operations Research and Industrial Engineering starting $98,000. Nuclear Engineering Technology= $95,000... and there are many more so it is most definitely doable so you probably shouldn't laugh as long as they are going into the right field.
@@FancyRPGCanadathat's not true.
they're*
I did. Mechanical Engineering does wonders in the job market. The key is getting relevant work experience during college.
He should be able to take the certification classes to be a medical laboratory technologist and double his income. He could go to a much cheaper school and apply for scholarships. Sometimes, hospitals will help with tuition as well. He could’ve gotten his current job with a an associates degree with almost no debt. He’s way overqualified for the job he has.
I spent around 6 months looking for a job in my field without any luck, then got a temporary job and had to keep looking for another 8 months to finally land a job in my field. It suuuucked.
same. i was waiting tables for almost a year before I found a job... that paid like sh**
You got this man. Look for a job in that area or pick up 2 extra jobs.
I do 3, and digging out of a medical hole I made. You got this, it will teach you so much!
There is a position for "Medical Technologist - Core Lab/Blood Bank" at the Veteran's Health Administration in Pittsburgh paying $60k a year. You can apply for Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) which can cover repayment of up to $200k tax free ($40k/year over 5 years) in student loan debt. The job posted 4 hours ago. Hope the caller sees this, and good luck.
That job requires a certification beyond the degree. This poor kid didn't plan very well for his education 😒
I'm a custodian and his take home is not much more then me. And I have no degree
$150k for a bachelor's degree is ludicrous.
It’s really insane, I went to a no name cheap college and am working with the same people that went to Duke, UMBC Boston college making the same pay with no student loan debt.
@@hankwells2637I went to UMBC... a very affordable school with bright people.
Its reality. A normal state school + dorm is more than 150k.
@@YuTv1408
Why do people say things that are so easily proven false with the slightest amount of research? I literally just looked up current tuition for state college in Massachusetts where I live and it’s just over $11,000 a year. Full bachelors degree for $44,000 before you even apply for any financial aid or anything.
Room and board is $15,000 but nobody’s making you stay there. Even if you did though we’re still well under $150,000.
and I thought my 40K business degree was bad ...
Dude should go into banking instead of bothering with McDonald's. It might not be his field of interest, but investment firms love people with STEM degrees (even though it is totally unnecessary for the job)
Interesting..
Yeah, that is totally odd. I thought they would take all the business and finance majors.
100% true, we have more engineer, Bio, math and Stats grads than business degrees in certain areas of my bank
Was thinking ANYTHING other than retail or fast food....they are not hiring like they used to, and are laying off left and right. Also, how would McDonald's and Home Dept look on his resume VS experience in any other area of business....good luck on transferable skills.
@@muzerhythm2242 They are the two biggest industries. How do those look on a CEO's resume? They just get another CEO job.
It's funny how teachers looked at me like I was stupid when I said I didn't want to go to university. Blows my mind that people were willing to sink 40-50k in debt to study. My buddy said he was furious when he finally started working the people that didn't go to.uni but had 5 years company experience where his managers. Says it all.
Yeah, but those managers end up in deep trouble when they lose their jobs. There is a learning curve and someone who goes to a university can easily jump over those managers. The problem is that these companies do not want to pay to hire degree holders because they would have to pay more $ to hire them. Meanwhile, these managers are being low balled.
@@wewhoareabouttodiesaluteyo9303 maybe maybe not. I'm speaking from people I knows experiences. I have a friend who skipped uni and climbed the ladder of her job. She's 34 and already does independent consulting in her field and is making a killing with no debt. I can't say the same for my uni friends that didn't even start in there fields till they were 24
Get a second job. My dad had a day job and 2 part time jobs when I was young. We didn't see him sometimes for 2 weeks. He said it was hard but he could handle it while he was still young. My father is my hero.
Terrible advice unless you hate your family. I'm sorry, I don't aspire to miss out on my kid's childhood, and you shouldn't either.
@@Excalibur2 Where did he say he aspired to miss out on his kid's childhood?
The caller is a single guy, no kids, he can work 80 90 hrs per week@@Excalibur2
@@jroberts7387 "my hero"
@@jroberts7387 when he said "my hero"
He should have stayed in Engineering school, made 150k my first year after college, on track to making 200 this year.
Edit: I commented three times but somehow they don’t show up. I definitely work substantially more and harder than the others, got promoted in 12 months to Product Engineer in the semiconductor industry in the NW, and I made myself indispensable to the company. But most people won’t be able to achieve this quickly. I’m also an immigrant and my parents are low income (I help them remotely financially now), I came here after High School thanks to scholarships and I can finally conquer the American dream. Do you guys think I’m going to let it slip away?
@@JpegJakeup But writing well.....will not.
He probably couldn't handle engineering. It's one of the hardest degrees.
Omg bro... what field in engineering are you in man? I've been doing this for 7 years and I only do $115k. I wish I were making these $200k salaries y'all be talking about
@@marquisstrongchild7535 I’m a product engineer for an equipment manufacturing company in the semiconductor industry in the North West.
Does your dad own the company? That does not happen for first year hires.
I am an RN. That job he has does not require a college degree. He borrowed 150K for absolutely zero rate of return. It got him absolutely nothing.
Well, he got one hell of an expensive lesson. That's something....
It is not 0 ROI.
You can get a nursing degree abroad for like 10K USD too.
He could apply to the pharmaceutical industry. There are a number of roles he could do that would pay double that. Some CROs (They manage clinical trials) have training program where he could become a research associate and if he can get to a senior level you can make six figures.
Yep agreed. I work in laboratory too and it is all true
When I see all those videos on student loans… I’m happy to live in Europe. The costs for studying at a good university are between 300-500 bucks PER SEMESTER. So 5 years for a masters costs 5k… All you need is to take care of your costs of living…
My god 🙏🏻
I cannot even imagine having the chance to earn a college education for so little money.
Turning down a ‘free’ education was his first mistake. Happiness with your career is wonderful, but you can’t be happy if you’re under a massive ton of debt. Student loans are hell. Racking up tens of thousands of dollars in debt is rarely worth it today. Not in this economy. If you don’t have money, go to community college, transfer to your local college or learn a trade. Starting off so far in the hole is a recipe for disaster.
Yes and trades are in demand in most places. It is a very respectable living
I had the same thought regarding throwing away a free education and replacing it with all that debt for a very low, negative? ROI. Not sure if it was "follow your dreams, do what thou wilt!", or if he just couldn't handle the courses (I have first hand experience that they aren't cheese), but damn what a decision. Knowing nothing about this profession or his credentials, me thinks he's getting screwed on salary. Time to take that experience and apply for the next gig.
I feel this dude's pain. It's a rough road.
I was in a similar situation, Signed up for $140,000 of student loans for art school at the age of 18 back in 2008.
Luckily I never gave up on my craft and paid them back in full at the age of 35. I hope he finds his path and comes out of this.
I have a journalism degree. As good as I was, I made $25,000 a year with ZERO room for advancement working in a building that deserves to be condemned. I bet on myself, changed careers, climbed the corporate ladder and tripled my salary in 5 years. It's ok to move onto the next chapter. It's a pain, there will be sacrifices, some days will be easier than others...but when you can find a work/life balance and lay down without losing sleep over bills I promise it's worth it.
What do you do now?
@@rwebster1234 , Street Pharmacist....lol
David Muir would not agree.
He could be making 100k plus if he goes into pharmaceuticals
He needs a phd for that
@@tesla82111street pharmacist
You only need bachelor's for pharmaceutical sales. Those people make more than the scientists. He has lots of options if his hospital job is not paying. Jade and John are not giving him good advice. But hopefully he reads these comments and gets some ideas. He needs to move on from the hospital where they can't pay him because they have to pay the doctors the big bucks. But he is getting good experience.
Lol, yeah he'll make 100k plus in the legal or illegal pharma business.
@@Kathy-v5g The entry level sales rep salary with just a bachelors is less than 6 figures, but still better than his $30k. They don't make more than the PhD level scientists unless they're a top sales rep earning a ton of commission. The caller needs to apply to grad schools, honestly the Biochemistry stipend he'll get from the program will be as much or higher than his current salary, and he won't take on any additional debt.
How can he not be in a much higher paying job with that degree? Working extra hours in a gift shop isn't the answer.
I got a biochemistry degree, graduated in 2018. It depends on where you live but most times you need a masters with certifications and 5 years experience to get a decent job (40K-50K salary). A lot of jobs in my area wanted a PhD, certifications and 3+ years experience for jobs paying 55K+.
Because jobs in the industry require at least a masters degree.
@@pamelaburleson2063 Yes..This is so strange as to how he didn't know this switching majors especially originally planning on a degree in engineering.
He could be a UPS driver. They make good money.
Lol...not that great
Could be. There are so many people waiting in line to work for them
UPS is a very high stress, high demand job, you literally work your butt off!
@@radolfkalis4041sounds like what alot of people have to do to make higer income. They don't just give money away.
@@radolfkalis4041Makes sense why they get paid good then
Guy needs to be a truck driver or work oil fields to quickly erase this debt and move on
I am an MLT( medical lab tech) in California. It is a licensed position that requires an associates degree and continuing education to maintain your license. I personally make 6 figures with an AA. You can also go further and obtain a bachelor's degree and become a clinical laboratory scientist. I guess this means location matters, but this job position can be extremely lucrative and fulfilling.
Absolutely true. Location does matter. I am in a HCOL area but am MT making close to six figures with overtime and shift differentials.
The Boston area pays very well with many exceptional hospitals here and medical facilities to choose from
He would also need to pay to get that certificate. I'm in his current situation as well: 2 degrees, no certification= lab assistant @ $20/hr. I'm going back to school for a stupid nursing license because of the same bullshit
Not me thinking “In a van by the river” when she asked what his living situation is…
That’s popular these days. 😂 he could probably make more as a RUclipsr in a van down by the river than in his current job.
This is absolutely insanity Im 27 and make 100k a year as an HVAC tech and have never stepped foot in a college. Unbelievable!!!
There is high risk in HVAC. Don't they get paid on commission?
@wewhoareabouttodiesaluteyo9303 nah join a union and do commercial/industrial you'll make a solid wage without having to push residential sales. The guy on the phone who spent 157k to make 31k is the guy with the big risk not me
@@thomaskaraindros28 See, I have all these HVAC shops around me and I had to call one to find an issue with mine. Here, they tend to go with upselling people on buying a whole new unit. I told the guy I called over that I thought it was the capacitor and he agreed. I dodged that bullet.
The trades I gotta say are the fields to get into.
6:43 thank you Jon. Sometimes Dave does upset me, “just get something making 80,90,100.
If it was that easy everyone would do it!
I make so much now (not my normal 15$ an hour) but I literally work 3 jobs, over 65 hours a week, and minimize my expenses like crazy, have a roommate, and right now trying to learn more to make myself mor e marketable. But Dave’s answer of “go get a make 90k paying job” is so unrealistic. It took my 4 years of college of 2 years of experience in a well paying field to even make what I make now.
Crazy that if a 19 year old wants a $5000 loan to buy equipment for a lawn mowing business they'll be denied for no credit but if they want a 150k degree in a field that pays 50k for the first ten years it only takes one click to get it
I rarely would advocate to be a teacher, however secondary science teachers are in high demand. Your starting salary would be mid forties or better to start with tutoring opportunities on top. Often a sign on bonus is a perk offered. Also depending on where you teach, (Title 1) you may be able to get partial loan forgiveness as well.
I agree, better than what he has now, and there are ALWAYS students who need tutoring after and before school. Adults and children. He might not make a WHOLE lot, but it's just another step to get some wind beneath his wings, I want him to eat well, and maybe even pay his rent a few extra months in advance then he can go HAM
My manager friends have told me that people with biochemistry and biochemical engineering degrees are applying for all kinds jobs unrelated to their degrees because there's either no jobs or no money in it.
This is sadly true and very unfortunate.
I work as a lab tech... biochemistry with just an undergrad degree pays about the same as a teacher, about $50-$60k... to make more money, people need at lest a masters and some jobs want PhDs... and these jobs pay about the same as a truck driver ($100,000).
Just 2 cents As someone working in a hospital - Biomed is where he needs to be working at, not the Lab. Biomed dept techs take care of medical equipment that are not computers. They make around 6 figures where I work. and the hardest part is getting your foot in the door which you already did. You can do this!
My husband was a BMET while in the Air Force. He then retired from AF and went to work for our city hospital. Just retired in January of this year. The money and retirement benefits are great, too. Also, the AF sent him to a year of school, so there were no student loans . He was medical, and I was dental, so everywhere we lived, we had jobs.
I got laid off from the airline industry in 2020 and didn't get a nibble for 6 months, then I got two within a week of each other.
This right here is why I am so not in the market to get a college degree. I don't want to go into debt just to leave with a piece of paper that may or may not pay the bills.
Dude, you are still young. When I was 23, I was working 7 days a week at 2 jobs for 3 years in Los Angeles. I bought my first house at 27 years old. I had one job Monday thru Friday at 10 hrs. a day, and Saturday and Sunday at 8hrs. and 5hrs. I was saving money like crazy. I have 2 nieces who are twins and now they have 2 jobs and are following my footsteps, they are both 21 yrs. now, I keep telling them to save money. One thing now is that there in a different situation where everything is expensive here in California.
Yup! All Jade said at the end. Everyone fell for that college makes money. But its not true for everyone.
COLLEGE IS AMAZING AND DEBT IS AMAZING!
Add the guns and horrible healthcare it's the American dream don't you know
One of the things I didn’t hear them ask is if he’s contributing to a 401k at his job. Sometimes people are contributing hundreds of dollars a month in the name of their future while they’re completely drowning today and literally taking years off their life with the stress.
This young man needed wise council at multiple points in his life and either didn't heed it or didn't receive it Sad situation.
Dude move back home live with mom and dad,,, for 4 years ,,,save and pay off this student loan,,, there is no way out of this,,,, even if you take a second job,,,,
The way out of it, is to get a better paying job. 31k per year isn't enough. He needs to make some serious adjustments to his life and how he makes money
Some parents don't let you live with them rent free.
Using parents, no such thing as a sink or swim. Teach young people to live off their parents backs. And some get a path of least resistance where they truly do not have to be self financing.
Why not just claim bankruptcy ?
@@ivanvargas2425 student loans are unbankruptable
I am a maintenance man in a factory. I make 60k. Not bragging. I learned on the job. I own my house. Maybe learn a trade..?
It blows my mind how people get in all these student loan holes! Insanity!
It's truly a lack of guidance from the schools and families. He dropped an engineering degree with scholarship to take on a degree that would require an advanced degree to make decent money. Reminds me of someone who got of full-ride engineering degree. Lasted 6 months and returned home(he was homesick) to work as a waiter in a bar. Dad did not even tell him to reconsider.
He needs to get a better paying job for a Biochemistry degree. In any case, $150000 for Biochemistry is ridiculous.
everyone wants a better pay job. Just saying that won't help anybody. The advice is to get a manager job in mcdonalds is not that easy lol
There’s no high paying jobs for a biochemistry bachelors. It’s only a useful degree if you go on to further education.
@@lucaspm98 pharma companies?
with biochem, you need atleast a master's degree to get a better paying job. Biochem is a very difficult subject but pays poorly which is unfortunate.
@@jayman3575 they won't even acknowledge you with a bachelor's
Hospitals are notorious for paying peanuts to allied health service employees. Try to find a job with pharma R& D.
He needs a PhD for that…
I was in a similar situation as this guy around 9 years ago. Graduated with a degree in biomedical engineering (3.74 GPA) and the highest paying job I could get was 41k (300+ applications). People I worked with who had 10+ years experience were only making around 55k. Some of these people had masters in their respective fields. These degrees aren’t necessarily easy to obtain and it’s really unfortunate how low the ROI is relative to the cost of college + time taken to get through the curriculum.
$200 can feed a frugal person in a month if he can prepare his food from home, grocery shop at a Walmart, Cotsco or Aldi and if doesn't drink alcohol.
He can even eat out about 3 times a month at an inexpensive chain e.g Panda Express.
He will live on food like simple sandwiches, spaghetti and meat balls, rice and chicken etc.
For a hospital worker > Explorer Public Service Loan Forgiveness and see if your employer qualifies. It's at least worth applying for and seeing what the ten-year terms could be.
An undergrad biochemistry degree is completely worthless in medicine and research. His only way out is an advanced degree where he will have to borrow more debt, but will 5x his short term income and 10x his long term income.
That is complete nonesense. A biochemistry degree can get him a job at pharmaceutical company. He may need to get a masters but at right company they could help pay for it. But if he does masters full time. He gets a stipend and he won't go into anymore debt. He has lots of options he just has to find a higher paying job.
You do not need to borrow debt for a phd. I'm getting one right now in chemistry and my tuition is fully paid, and I also receive a stipend for living expenses (higher than what this caller is making at his job). The school also pays my health insurance premiums, and reimburses any healthcare expenses up to my out of pocket max. My package is guaranteed for the next 4 years. I have no student loan debt from undergrad so when I graduate I will have a BA and a PhD debt free :)
Bro stay off the dating market for the next few years. Please.
Making $2600 a month he won't be on the market.
@@djpuplexOr getting premium kitty cat
Lab tech earning 2600 a month very low pay fir for the medical industry
You don't need a degree to be a lab tech.
It will be dependant on Healthcare system and area. But I agree that maybe he needs to go find another place.
@@pamelaburleson2063 100% incorrect. This is a huge misconception just like how nurses think the lab hemolyzes their samples.
It's dedefinitely low... lab techs working in a department that demands a degree pay about $50k a year median pay.
And yet I know a lab tech without a degree. @@zachjones2346
I obtained a bachelors degree in biochemistry a long time ago and now have my CPA license here in Canada. I was in the same situation as the caller and believe me, there are literally no decent exit opportunities in biochemistry except for students that want to get their grades up to get into medical school.
Yup... many STEM degrees without professional degrees like medicine etc don't pay as well most people believe.
Most jobs requiring biology degrees or biochemistry pay about $50-$60k...
About the same as a skilled tradesman WITHOUT ANY DEGREE or even a highschool diploma and just a GED.
This caller got brainwashed into thinking he is in the American Dream getting in debt
In America people have to come up with a plan and stay focused not to fall into the hole of debt begin offer every day of the year. People fight for our freedom, it you want to be free.
"Turn out the Lights" "The parties over" "The cakes are on the griddle" " And you are already greased"😂😂
Im an MLS too. Went to community college for about 5k then did an online bridge program for $20k.
One of the unfair things in life is how some people, who go to school for years, end up making less than someone at a retail store or custodial jobs. It don’t make sense.
It's not a mystery. It's poor life choice
💯@@themarinect
Another college grifted someone for $150K....
No, he made ridiculously stupid decisions. You do not need to go into debt for school, especially for undergraduate degrees.
He literally signed up for it... Nobody forced him to go to the that school or take out those loans.
@@droid2D2C3P0 he signed up for it but these schools know he will never get his return on his $150k.
@@kevgret they don't know that and besides, that's irrelevant. Nobody was "grifted". He had the option to get his degree for cheaper and he chose the expensive route.. you can't just say everybody with student loans is a victim of some non-existent scam lmao
@@droid2D2C3P0 every college knows the median income of every profession for every state. They knew this mans $150k would never be returned back to him
Did anyone made him understand making that change in college path was going lead to extreme a mount of debt for no reason. He should have finished the degree with the scholarship
The bright side AT least the parents didn't co-sign for these student loans!!!
Sounds like some bad decisions were made. Career opportunities for engineering majors are vastly better than anything biology related. The fact that he lost his scholarship to switch double hurts.
That’s not what he wanted to hear but at least he ain’t got kids he can do it
That's what these companies do for cheap labor. They want you to get a degree but when you do, they start your pay at 40k, if you are lucky. When he gets 3 years of experience he'll get a higher paying of jobs. Our system sets us up. First 3 yrs after college is cheap labor regardless of your degree(s).
I don't understand how someone could drop an engineering degree with a scholarship and take on biochem without a scholarship. He would have known the upfront costs. Sad no one convinced him to switch to something more lucrative or cheaper.
He may have been failing his classes? Engineering school is not for everyone.
LOL! "You're digging a swimming pool with a spoon."
Unfortunately, this young man cannot hold a position as a Medical Laboratory Scientist because he has the wrong degree. A Medical Laboratory Scientist requires a bachelors degree in Medical Laboratory Science. It is a bachelor's degree and is very difficult to obtain as there are required courses in parasitology, chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology, immunohematology, molecular diagnostics, microscopic analysis, management, statistics, etc., etc. With his degree, he cannot sit for the board examination. He simply has the wrong degree for medical lab work. I doubt that he will never make a good salary with his biochem degree in a medical laboratory. I suspect the lab hired him because there is a shortage of medical laboratory professionals, but he will not make enough because he cannot be certified which is the key for a professional salary. He needs to find a way to change fields or go back and get the Medical Laboratory Science degree which may take two to three years. I know this as I am a professor in a Medical Laboratory Science Program at a major university. Good luck to him and I hope he finds a way out.
so negative; plenty of certifications that can complement his degree in the medical field 😅❤
Mad magazine did an article about how ever road leads to a job a macdonald's. I laugh every time it is suggested.
He was living off those student loans.. I went to a private catholic university and my student loans are $19k and that's because I was only paying minimum of stopped paying at times....
The only point in getting a biochem degree is to pursue further education. He needs to figure out his path and how to get there before it’s too late
The problem is that he is already in $150k debt... if we went to medical school his debt could EASILY become $300-350k and he would make a median income of about $200k after like at lest 7 years total (4 medical school, 3 residency).
His income would be less thN his total debt and he wouldn't have solved anything much.
I'd rather see him stay in his field and get a second shift position at another facility, for extra money.
He's a lab tech. You don't need a degree for that job. It isn't his field. I'm not sure he even knows what his field is. I think he jumped ship from engineering and landed at Biochem with no plan.
@pamelaburleson2063 you're right, regardless I disagree with Dr John's advice to get a fast food management job.
@@pamelaburleson2063You sure as hell *do* need a degree to perform laboratory testing and release results that doctors use to make 70% of clinical decisions.
Just got a diagnostic/lab medical bill in, $21,000. Obviously the lab workers aren't getting much of that. Hospital share holders need to up their game and pay their workers a survivable wage.
Dude seemed to think reality will bend to his will. He went to college without a clear understanding of what he wants to do or why he was there... switched majors....racked up a bunch of unnecessary debt and is now aimless and broke. Sucks, but people need to just stop blindly believing college pays for everyone. Reality is, most dont need it.
It sucks, but when you are on the other side of it, it's amazing. I went crazy on paying off my student loans when I was 24 and had them paid off by 26 because I was working 4 jobs. Every moment tucked, but my 34 year old self is benefiting from that hard work. Now, I'm on track to retire in 10 years because I put in the work early.
He is never getting out of debt. This is why making bad choices will ruin you. Don’t go to college unless you’re going to be a doctor. That’s it, AI has taken all other options off the table.
A lab tech with $150k in debt is in BIG TROUBLE. They shouldn’t let people take this kind of debt!
I work a very similar role and he can easily 3x his salary if he moves to an independent clinical lab. Hospitals are known to pay much less for the same lab role in this industry.
Every high schooler going to college should listen to this call. If you can’t pay for it with cash then don’t go to a university that you can’t afford. Community college and public universities all the way! Degree that matters
This whole loan scam is why college costs so much. When money is easy and anyone can get a loan despite no ability to pay the supply demand curve gets out of whack and universities can charge what they want.
He should get on the SAVE plan for his federal student loans. Based on his income he’d pay 0$ a month and not a due interest on the loans. Since they base the payments on the previous tax years income he’d have an entire year of pocketing an extra 250$ to put towards the private student loan debt.
Next thing I’d do is see if he can refinance the private loans through Sofi or something. Often they’ll bundle them all and give you a lower interest rate with a lower monthly payment.
Next ask for a raise. Doesn’t hurt to ask he’ll be there for 1 year pretty soon. I’d ask for a raise then look for any other odd jobs around the hospital.
I'll bet he's not a REGISTERED lab tech, who went through an accredited program, for clinical laboratory medicine. He's probably a lab assistant. His biochemistry degree is worthless. Registered techs make a LOT more than that.
Dude engineering degrees are they way to go why would you switch from that
Cause he didn’t enjoy it and didn’t want to be miserable working
@@lukeiskandar1208 look where he is now...
@@lukeiskandar1208yeah he is doing great now with that biochem degree 😂
As a certified lab scientist, I earn more than my husband’s engineering job earns.
@@tk17222 then your husband is probably a crap tastic engineer or you work in pharma either way this guy is no scientist with just a bio chem degree
If you're reading this, try going to a smaller hospital where you can train to be the lab manager or a larger one that pays more. I think you have a problem you can solve. This doesn't sound right. Also try tutoring online at night.
My suggestion to the lab technician is : don't quit your job but do side jobs to make more money. I was a lab technician (except not in clinical but in medical research), experience matters and your salary goes up with experience. Once you are out for a few years, your potential employers would hesitate to hire you back for reasons easy to understand. That means your years of education would not be translated into your employment and you'll be forever stuck with minimum wages.
In short, keep your job and supplement with any other jobs you can get.
Swing and a miss by John here. The caller shouldn’t just go out and get some low tier jobs… He needs to leverage that degree for a higher pay.. not go out and manage a McDonalds…
yep bad advice
Thats not bad advice. Get a higher paying job until you can leverage. But i thought he didnt graduate? If he did, idk why hes not already using his degree.
You can’t leverage a degree for higher income. You leverage skills and practical job knowledge for higher income. He said himself that he can’t move up much without going back to school which would only increase the problem. If he wants higher income, it’s not currently attainable in his field. Sometimes reality overrules dreams.
@@crashtestdummy1972 it's bad advice as Mcdonalds would look at his resume and see he is overqualified and will quit the moment he finds something better. They wont bother wasting time training him knowing that.
@@Kysen10 so basically just be jobless until he finds a good job? That doesn't make sense. Also, you can just leave some stuff off your resume too. Don't lie but if you omit a degree to help you get a job that is ok
John Oliver on Last Week Tonight did the debt forgiveness thing. He created a debt buying business and bought medical debt. He then had a charity or something do their process on getting it cleared.
$250 for the Federal loans yet $1,212 for the private loans, I cannot teach kids enough to stay away from private student loans, they’re so predatory.
I wouldn’t expect the same hospital to add on too many additional jobs, they won’t want you to schedule you over 40 hrs per week in total, because no matter what they gotta pay you time and a half. Unless the directors of the other departments are allowed to do that and are willing to pay it. But OT is generally not something you can rely on long-term. Kinda have to get other side gigs, work in more than one organization.