Let me tell you exactly how I did it—no fluff, just straight talk. From October 2024 to June 2025, I paid off around $70,000 in student loan debt. I didn’t win the lottery. I didn’t have rich parents. I just worked hard. Sometimes 20 hours a day. I’m not saying it was healthy, but it got the job done.
The big payment
The final push came in June 2025. I dumped $35,000 into the loans—half of that came from a bonus at work. I didn’t feel guilty; I felt lighter. I do wish I had negotiated for a bigger bonus, though. Hindsight is 20/20.
My work schedule was brutal
To make that kind of money, I juggled three cybersecurity jobs—all entry-level analyst roles, but they paid well and were remote. Here’s what it looked like:
- Job 1: 11PM–10AM (Wed–Sun) – $65K
- Job 2: 6PM–6AM (Fri–Sun) – $75K + $5K bonus
- Job 3: 8AM–4PM (Weekdays) – $83K
After taxes, I was taking home around $12,000 per month.
Keeping costs low
I lived in the Midwest and kept my expenses between $1,500 and $2,000 a month—no frills, just essentials. Rent was $750 for a 2-bed, 1.5-bath. Food was about $500. Utilities, insurance, and a very modest phone plan kept the rest low.
Even when I got a new car (after my old one broke down), I negotiated hard and got it with $3K in positive equity. Still, I plan to sell it. Why? Because I want to be completely debt-free, and I can live without a car for now.
What I learned
I don’t regret my IT degrees (bachelor’s and master’s), but I could have saved a lot if I had done better research, applied for grants and scholarships, and possibly even attended a more affordable school. Could I have entered IT without a degree? Maybe. However, the education, combined with certifications, opened doors and helped me secure multiple jobs.
What’s next?
The next move is to sell the car, stash away a two-year emergency fund, and cut back to one full-time job. I’ve already accepted an offer that pays six figures, so I’ll be just fine. I’m not chasing FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early), but I do want security. After seeing how tech layoffs can drag on for 1–2 years, I want to be ready.
Of course, I’m also planning a vacation. That’s the reward for all of this.
My advice to you
You don’t need three jobs forever. I did it because I had to—because I didn’t want to carry debt into the next phase of my life. If you can, live below your means, be ruthless about where your money goes, and don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about working hard.
Good luck on your journey. You’ve got this.
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