In light of JDarr's recent thread about being happy with your current job... it got me really thinking what my next step might be.

I just recently graduated from the UW with my BA in Psychology with hopes of eventually getting my way into law enforcement and ultimately becoming a detective or moving up to the federal level. I've tested with a couple of different agencies but due to a major influx of qualified candidates seeking very few jobs, it has been extremely competitive and difficult getting in with any agency.

I've also tried applying to places that would utilize my degree. All the jobs are located in Seattle and the commute is a little further than I'd like. ( I reside in Tacoma.) And the pay for most of these jobs is decent, but still not quite worth the commute. I would also, if possible, prefer to stay in Western Wa because of my horrible fishing addiction.

I also still haven't flown the coop and live at home with mommy and daddy. I don't quite have the money to move out yet and fortunately only find myself with a small amount of debt from school. I'd like to eventually get my master's but the money for that isn't available at the moment. The little lady is also hinting at wanting a rock on her left hand sometime in the near future as well. (No money for that obviously, either.)

I'm seeking some free advice. What avenues would you pursue to gaining self-sufficiency given my situation or what ideas would you look into? I'm open to hearing almost anything. Is it worth possibly starting all over? If you were a young buck in the same shoes... what would you do?