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3471A 22-year-old man recently turned to Reddit’s r/CareerGuidance forum with a question that struck a chord with thousands: “I have no degree, no skills, and no real job—but I’m hungry to escape poverty. Where do I start?”
He explained that he works long hours in a small shop and sometimes skips meals to make ends meet.
He’s never had access to higher education, but now he’s watching others talk about investing, building skills, and chasing financial freedom.
“I want that life, badly,” he wrote.
His post drew hundreds of thoughtful replies, with users sharing real-world paths out of poverty, many of them speaking from experience.
READ ALSO: Why Do ‘Super Rich People Want The Middle-Class And Poor To Have Nothing?’
Trade Skills Keep Coming Up
The most common response? Learn a trade. Electricians, plumbers, welders, and HVAC technicians were mentioned dozens of times.
“Find a trade like electrical or plumbing,” one Reddit user said.
Another shared, “My stepfather was an electrician and was in the union. At 44, I’d give anything to go back and join the electricians union and be retired by now.”
Several pointed out that many trade programs are available through apprenticeships or community colleges and can be completed without taking on student debt.
“I got seniors with six-figure offers out of high school due to their welding certificate,” one person wrote.
Military: A Polarizing but Popular Choice
The military came up frequently, with many saying it was their own escape route. One commenter put it simply: “Join the military. That’s it.”
“I was dirt poor, no education, no hope. The military turned my life around,” another added.
Benefits like housing, food, tuition assistance, and career training made it a popular recommendation, though not without warnings. “
Don’t choose infantry,” one commenter advised. “Go Air Force and choose a career that easily transitions to the civilian world.”
READ ALSO: What’s The Current Version Of Knowing How To Use The Internet And A Computer Back In The ’90s?
Sales: Low Barrier, High Ceiling
Sales jobs, especially commission-based roles, were another major theme. Many shared how they got their start selling phones, cars, or gym memberships.
“I second commission sales. I was in my early twenties when I worked at a call center for Verizon for 6 months to get into selling cell phones at Best Buy,” one person said.
That led to a job at Verizon itself, where this person made $70,000 a year.
Another summed it up: “Sales. Tech sales. Look for BDR jobs at tech companies. You can almost guarantee a six-figure paycheck by the time you’re 30.”
Short-Term Training, Big Impact
Community colleges and local workforce programs also received praise. Short-term certifications in areas like radiology, medical assisting or mechatronics can open doors quickly.
Some hospitals even pay for nursing school after six months of employment.
And programs like Job Corps offer free training, housing and stipends.
One user shared: “I went back to community college to get a degree in instrumentation and automation. I went from $14 to $23 an hour, and now I’m over $40.”
Real Advice From Real Struggles
Reddit users didn’t shy away from sharing how they struggled, too.
“I was living out of a storage shed, borrowing money from friends every month,” one commenter wrote.
“I created a vision and made every day about making that vision a reality.”
Others encouraged staying out of debt, avoiding bad habits, and finding jobs at companies that promote from within.
A hotel worker said he started at an entry-level position and worked his way to regional manager. “Get a job at a place where they build up their employees,” he said.
Start Small, Stay Focused
Some final pieces of advice focused on personal discipline and simple habits: consistently showing up, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and prioritizing self-respect over short-term gratification.
One of the more reflective responses said it best: “You won’t have to burn the candle at both ends forever. Now, go forth and change your life. “
The 22-year-old who made the post hasn’t yet said what he’ll do. But thanks to the internet, strangers who offered their lived experiences, he has no shortage of good places to start.
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