I have a bachelor's and master's degree in criminal justice. I rather knew they would be useless outside of law enforcement/government work, but that's what I wanted to do.

Fast forward to now (28) and I spent three years in the application process for a three letter agency and they froze my application right before the polygraph. Honestly, I did do a few stupid things around 19-21, but my 19-20 was most people's 16-18, because I was utterly sheltered and had no friends. So, maybe they didn't like when I spilled the beans on "illegal things you've done but weren't caught" question.

Regardless, that ended my pursuit of law enforcement in this country. As, a state agency killed my background, also, with no explanation. Two local agencies ran me through an interview process, with no intention to hire me. One discretely told me he had too many veterans applying that got priority over me.

I made two poor decisions that basically undid years of school work. That's my fault, but I wouldn't undo them. They shaped who I am and, even though they may have destroyed a professional dream, I'm really happy with the person I turned out to be.

Now I'm applying to other jobs, with no luck. My education is in the wrong field and jobs that could be interesting and get me out from behind a desk all day don't really see a reason to hire me. I don't know what to do with life. I feel unfufilled and alone. The few friends I had have moved on. Those I was always there for have disappeared. In the "it's who you know" world of finding a job, I'm finding I don't know anyone.

So, I'll continue working my no-benefits, low pay job and living with family to make ends meet, without going into debt.