u/Flaky-Ad-5249

I started sterile processing at a hospital 40 minutes away from me this week, and maybe it’s way too early to be having these thoughts, but I’m already wondering if taking this job was a mistake.
I’m 25 and honestly feeling pretty lost career-wise. Part of me is wondering if this is actually leading anywhere or if I’m just going to stay stuck making close to minimum wage. I’m making $19 an hour, and where I live that obviously isn’t enough to realistically move out of my parents house or build much of a future.
I’m also thinking about how much there is to learn and memorize in this job. There’s obviously a lot of responsibility, and I’m just questioning whether the pay is really worth everything that’s expected.
For people who’ve been in sterile processing for a while, did you ever feel like this starting out? Does it get better once you gain experience, or is this one of those jobs where the ceiling is pretty limited unless you move into management or something else?
I’m just not really sure where to go from here and would appreciate honest advice.

I’m 24, about to turn 25, and I’m starting orthodontic treatment tomorrow in preparation for double jaw surgery.

I had both a recessed upper and lower jaw and a 100% impinging deep bite my entire life, but I only really understood the impact of it within the past year. Growing up, I always felt like my side profile looked “off,” and I assumed it was just my nose. Looking back, it was clearly skeletal.

Over time, I’ve noticed other issues that seem connected or at least compounding things. I’m naturally very lean (~157 lbs at 6’0”), and I’ve developed posture issues like anterior pelvic tilt, rounded shoulders, and forward head posture.

Mentally, it’s been harder than I expected. I’ve struggled with feeling unattractive for years, including through a four year long relationship where I never really felt comfortable in my appearance which eventually as of a couple months ago was the reason it came to an end.

I recently had my wisdom teeth removed, and now I’m getting braces on tomorrow. I’m also starting a new job Monday, so I’m dealing with a lot of change at once. It’s honestly making me very self-conscious.

The plan is eventual double jaw surgery after orthodontics, ideally within 9–12 months depending on how things go. I’m just trying to stay focused on the long-term outcome because right now the process feels overwhelming.

If anyone has gone through similar timing (braces + work + surgery prep), I’d appreciate hearing how you handled it, or just any responses at all would be nice. Thank you.