Career advice?

So, I’ve had the experience I think a lot of people in the environmental field have had. Spent years applying to everything with absolutely no luck of getting a job. But I finally got a break and a job working as a fish hatchery technician in Washington’s department of fish and wildlife.

I think this is a step in the right direction. But… I really don’t like it. I’m not interested in pursing a career in fish cultivation and hatchery management.

I’m interested in environmental policy and advocacy. I’m not really sure how to take this experience and mold it into that. Or what the next stepping stone could be when the next step seems to be more work within this industry.

There are some more glaringly obvious things I’m not a fan of. This work is also incredibly, physically taxing and it pays about as much as your local McDonald’s. The physical dangers are also high, I’ve been told multiple times most people leave from injury or burnout, and I can believe it.

I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity but it’s just not something that’s really what I think I need for the career I’m striving for… unless anyone thinks otherwise. Has anyone else been in a similar situation?

Thank you :)