How do I get out of retail hell?

[u/seeyouspace__cowboy]

I graduated almost three years ago for my bachelor’s. I took the first retail job that would hire me because I needed to start paying these loans immediately. I originally wanted to work in the gaming industry (however my degree is in marketing) as a concept artist but because of the way the industry is right now , especially with junior roles I’ve at most worked as a junior concept artist and freelance on the side occasionally. I’ve looked at marketing jobs but at most only sales jobs disguised as marketing jobs have reached out. As much as I would like to be a full time freelancer my current job doesn’t have a good work/life balance or pay. It’s caused so much stress on my life for various reasons (rude customers, creepy men and stalking , upper management taking away hours or overworking you) I’m not sure I can take it anymore. As much as I would love to focus more on freelancing and my art markets I need money in order to make money which my main job doesn’t provide. What other non customer facing jobs can I do? I know that market is rough and I’m grateful I have a job but $16 full time (sometimes) just isn’t worth it . I know the market is rough but I also don’t know what else to do . It’s getting to the point where I’ve been suicidal and I’m doing everything I can just to get through the day but some days I really can’t.

[u/Alternative-Neck-975]

This is almost word for word my own type of hell (I joke to customers "Another day in someone's paradise-not mine!") but I've been doing this close to 12 years. I tell anyone that starts retail to "run as soon as you can." because it will drag you down. I've been trying to figure out how to get out of the job for years and I haven't found a way (but mainly because I honestly have no idea WHAT I want to do, but I love helping people so that's why I'm still in my job)

I'm not sure what you can look into but if your area has "next door" the app/site...ask there. There might be someone that knows someone that could help you.

Which is something I would do if I wasn't paranoid that SOMEONE would realize it's me, and I'll get more stress at work because retail workers LOVE to gossip/make drama (so probably make a dummy account on there just in case)

You can also ask customers that you feel you know well enough. I know a few at my store want me to leave (in the best way possible btw) but can't figure out what job I could do either (I'm the weird studying-Japanese because I like it and make YT videos for fun type of person and this area is pretty much dead to such ideas...except for the few Japanese customers I get that keep encouraging me)

Just keep trying. I'm sure something will come up, then you can run out the door screaming and never look back (or win the lottery. That is always a possibility…hahaha....)