I recently started a permanent full-time position as a receptionist/administrative assistant at a public-sector organization in Ottawa, Canada, about a month and a half ago. While I’m grateful for the job, which pays around $48,000 annually, I’m starting to question if I made the right choice. My take-home pay is roughly $2,500 per month, which barely covers my rent of $2,500 for a two-bedroom condo in downtown Ottawa. Without financial support from my dad and my boyfriend, I wouldn’t be able to manage my living expenses, and I’m concerned about my path to financial independence. Additionally, I have over $10,000 in debt from necessary dental treatments, which I’m repaying at about $800 a month. This debt, along with my essential bills, leaves me with little to no money for savings or unexpected expenses. My role at work has been quite quiet, with long stretches of time where I have no calls or visitors. I try to stay productive by helping colleagues and tackling administrative tasks, but I often find myself chasing for work, which is exhausting. I aspire to become an Executive Assistant, but there doesn’t seem to be a clear path for advancement in my current organization. The commute is also draining, taking up a significant part of my day and costing me around $260 monthly in gas. Overall, I’m feeling stuck and uncertain about my future in this role.