Was a straight A student, got a part time government job (year contract through class DCT program) when I was 17 for minimum wage. Was taking business, economic, and entrepreneurship classes with the intent of entering a field with an open range of opportunities.

Then I graduated high school, had a little money and a car to my name, and went for the American dream of college. Only had enough to last me one semester at a state college (that $2k hurt). Ended up getting a part time, minimum wage job as a cashier for BK, worked up to management for a merely increase of $1/hr. I was (still am) young, but inexperienced so thought I would still move up. Didn't happen so tried applying elsewhere, only job that actually called me in for an interview was McD. Same pay rate for management, found out they weren't paying me the promised wages, then left.

Began to think, where did I go wrong? I had thought with good grades and ambition, you could get anywhere.

Been out of a job for a month now, though I began the process to join the U.S. Navy back on 9.11.2015 the day I left McD. They were looking for Nuclear Engineers and offered $11k sign on plus TONS of awesome benefits that only the military could offer. Just took the ASVAB earlier in the week and got a 255 on the Nuke reqs (if you score 252+, you don't need to take the second test). Looking forwards to life and my career in the Navy, it's the one chance to turn my life into something far more grand than I would have imagined. I can't wait to take the next step into Illinois.

TL;DR - Good grades doesn't promise you anything. Straight A student that became a minimum wage worker to a manager that earned only a $1/hr more. Quit, enlisted in the Navy, and was given the offer to become a nuke for $11k sign on plus tons of other benefits. Life is looking good. Don't let depression dampen you hopes of a better life.