Feeling defeated in my choice to pursue ES, and trapped by EH&S. Might have to pivot or sink.
I am at my wits' end trying to land a job in my field; I think I have to pivot or sink.
I thought I did everything right, but it just doesn't seem to matter. I graduated in '24 with an ES degree from a notable school in the US. My major focused on Hydrogeology, with a strong unit load of GIS to back up my skill set for the modern field. I was able to land an incredible internship where I worked alongside incredible folks who really cared about my growth.
I got a year and a half of Hydrology and GIS experience, and it was cloud 9. I felt supported, learned a TON, and loved the mission. Eventually, due to health insurance concerns, I started looking for FT roles, and I eventually made it to the final stage as an entry-level Hydrologist with Jacobs. Unfortunately, a week after a verbal offer, I was informed that the role was canceled due to federal grants being pulled last minute, and I was devastated. Eventually, I was offered a role as an EHS person and took it for more stability.
I quickly learned that the role was way more H&S than ES, and it was hands down the antithesis of what I want to do with my life. The work was thankless, the department was understaffed, and I became a desk jockey doing boring work. Additionally, corporations simply do not give a singular shit about EH&S, and without any state or federal regulations, would gladly dump waste and let workers work in unsafe conditions. I was constantly sidetracked by bureaucratic nonsense that would inhibit me from doing a job well done (I.E being asked to yeet haz waste into the regular bin to save money on the monthly disposal bill. I staunchly refused lol). I worked my entire ass off for 9 months until I was laid off within the year. A classic last-on, first-to-go scenario paired with internal corporate instability and the replaceable nature of EH&S. I was crushed, but by that time I was also mentally and physically exhausted, so it may have been for the better.
Anyways, here I am 3 months later desperately trying to get my foot in the door for positions paying up to 60% less. I've applied like crazy and even interviewed for quite a few positions; however, I just can't seem to land a spot. I can't compete with the advanced degrees and laid-off federal workers that are applying to entry/mid level work. The caveat is that EH&S role recruiters keep finding me, but I simply have no interest in a field that performs no actual science.
I've reached out to prior co-workers and my old mentors at my internship, and the most common piece of advice is to go back to school, paired with "it's tough out there" platitudes. I just can't justify or afford going back to school for something I can't even land a job in.
I'm deeply regretting this field and considering going back to school in the medical field as an RN or Medic (former 911 EMT).
I'm tired.
(TL;DR: Regret ES, cant find a job in my field, can't fathom going back to school for the subject, EH&S is soul crushing work)