I fell into a position this year making twice as much as I ever have, so I'm very happy. It's also been stable through the pandemic, so I'm grateful for that as well. Currently taking classes on the side (which they're paying for) and trying to figure out how to create more job security for myself down the road. Money was my only worry for a long time. I'm really happy in all other aspects of my life, so things are good now. Should be able to buy a house with my girl in coastal southern California this year, which I never thought would happen.
Several years ago, I was on probation and could barely get a job making above minimum wage. Lived out a pattern of most of my money going to drugs, then bail and legal/court fees, rinse and repeat. Sold drugs for a long time, then after getting clean I was doing customer service and being talked down to by the lowest of the low. It was hell.
Got off probation, had my record expunged, then found a job in logistics at a startup where some of my experience was relevant. That was a massive improvement for me and I did very well, working hard because I appreciated the opportunity so much. Then I parlayed that experience into what I'm doing now, which is more business operations with some finance and bookkeeping stuff. That's gotten me interested in accounting, so those are the classes I'm currently taking. Trying to make a long term plan to eventually pursue that.