Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Genevieve Sleboda, a Florida waitress, found herself facing a challenging dilemma after graduating with a master’s degree in education. Despite her passion for teaching, she discovered that the salaries in the education field were insufficient to cover her basic expenses, including rent.
In a viral video, Sleboda shared her experience of choosing to work as a waitress at a bar, claiming that it paid better than a job in education. She highlighted the financial struggles faced by many recent graduates like herself, emphasizing the harsh reality of trying to pursue a career they love while struggling to make ends meet.
While jobs in education typically offer a decent salary, Sleboda revealed that her earnings were not enough to cover her rent, forcing her to dip into her savings just to keep a roof over her head. The high cost of living in Florida, with a median rent of $2,099 per month, further compounded her financial challenges, leading her to make the difficult decision to prioritize financial stability over her passion for teaching.
Despite the lower annual salary of servers compared to teachers, Sleboda pointed out the potential for higher earnings in tips, with servers reportedly making around $100 in tips per night. This additional income, combined with the flexibility and lack of unpaid overtime commonly associated with teaching, presented a viable alternative for individuals like Sleboda who were struggling to make a living wage in their chosen profession.
The rising cost of advanced degrees and the burden of student loan debt have also contributed to the shift in career choices for many recent graduates. With the average master’s degree holder owing tens of thousands of dollars in student loans, the financial strain of pursuing higher education has led some individuals to question the value of obtaining an advanced degree, especially if it does not guarantee a significant increase in earnings.
In light of these financial challenges, Sleboda’s decision to prioritize financial stability over her passion for teaching raises important questions about the true cost of pursuing a career in education. As more young professionals face similar dilemmas, the discussion around the value of advanced degrees and the financial realities of pursuing a career in various fields continues to evolve.