u/Total_Contest8633

Hey everyone, I graduated from college last year and was able to find a job the beginning of this year in public policy as an analyst. My performance is good, the pay/work life balance is GREAT, but I don't know if I have my heart in this job. I am grateful that I have this job, given how tough the market is. But I can't help but shake this feeling that this job, maybe even this field, isn't the right one for me.

I don't think I explored different fields enough during college to really see my options, nor did I take enough challenging classes (my degree is in Public Policy). I took the minimum amount of classes to graduate with honors and summa cum laude and called it a day. I shied away from taking classes I heard were difficult because I didn't want to risk making a B. And I stuck with a topic I wasn't interested about for my thesis and procrastinated the whole way through.

All of this is to say that I regret not challenging myself and regret not exploring Political Science/Philosophy/creative fields/academia more in general. I'm a big believer in good governance and thought I would find a career working in a progressive NGO fulfilling, but every day I have to force myself to do my tasks, otherwise I procrastinate till the last minute.

My employer is pretty niche, however. It's a regional NGO focused on maternal health policy. I only got this job because my friend was able to get me an internship here when I couldn't find anything, and they were so happy with my performance they gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. I never saw myself working on this policy issue, even though I do see its importance.

I'm just feeling trapped here. Now, when I go to look for jobs, everything I am qualified for would be paying me the same/less *in higher cost of living areas*. I would need a couple more years to be qualified for higher paying jobs.

One other possibility is that I just hate where I live. It's a terrible, suburban city with nothing to do if you aren't a college student. I could see if my employer lets me move since we work remote, but it was part of my contract that I stay here.

What options do I have? Should I try to get a job with a different policy focus? Try working for a city/state government? Go back to school for a masters/phd?

I apologize for the rant, I'm just at my wits end on what to do. I have a life and job people my age would kill to have yet I'm so depressed, it makes me feel so guilty and ungrateful.

Hi all, I'm 23 and just got my first job a few months ago. I will probably stay here at least a year, and I have the option to take advantage of a 3% employer match 401k. The only problem is who it's with.

From what I've gathered, Capital Group American Funds seem to be pretty mediocre. I'm fine with putting in 3% to get the match, however, since I already have a maxed out ROTH.

Can I get any advice on whether I should do a target date fund or index fund with them? and what class of shares to buy. Their descriptions are:

"Class A shares have an initial sales charge of up to 5.75% (lower for bond and interval funds and none for the money market fund) that declines as the amount invested increases, as described in the fund prospectuses." The expense ratio is 0.77%

"Class C and Class 529-C shares do not have an initial sales charge, but have expenses that are higher than Class A or Class 529-A shares and a 1% contingent deferred sales charge on shares sold within one year." The expense ratio is 1.47%

I came across a reddit thread recommending class C funds, but I'm not entirely sure and would like y'all's perspective on this. I will add that I realize these are both dogshit and I will roll them over into a Vanguard 401k whenever I can but this is what I'm working with for now.