Yes, I do have a full-time job, and I even enjoy it, but it doesn’t pay enough to survive in this hellscape of a world we live in. I lack the college degree required to get almost any decent-paying job (plus my last job hunt took MONTHS to get a lead), I don’t have the skills or originality to become an online content creator, nor the artistry or patience to create and sell trinkets on Etsy (plus, that would require an initial investment which I simply do not have). Should I set up a GoFundMe? OnlyFans? I wouldn’t really be offering anything except a charity basket/collection plate so that feels dishonest at best. Idk, I’m quite literally having a breakdown because I’m probably going to lose my car soon, and then my job, and then my apartment, and then my life. Any help at all would be appreciated. Thank you
Not going to disagree with the tough world out there, I’m just going to suggest / ask a few things that are at least somewhat in your realm of control that might help.
- If you are willing to divulge this information - how much are you making at your current job, how much do you pay for rent and what are your expenses?
- Do you have any family members or friends you can reach out for support?
- What does the cost of living look like in your area? Any other options?
Giving you enough context to actually answer your question without giving up TOO much private info, in order:
Cubicle job where I make just under $20/hour (min. wage for my state is $15)
As for family/friends, I’ve reached out a little bit, yes. But I don’t like doing it too much, regardless of how difficult my life becomes. Maybe it’s pride, maybe it’s empathy, idk. Either way, I just can’t. In short, I’ve gotten SOME help, but I won’t get much more
As for cost of living, I live in the American Midwest and split rent in a decent apartment in a relatively-safe neighborhood with one other person (hopefully 3 total in the next couple months)
And that’s about all I’m willing to give up online
Edit: I copy-pasted from a very similar response, so I had to adjust it to fit YOUR questions
You live in Illnois? (Its the only midwest state with a min wage even approaching 15 dollars an hour) Try finding a job outside Chicago, preferably some sort of trade. Youll get your feet under you.
Step 1: Go to any hardware store and buy a 16oz claw hammer and a 25’ measuring tape.
Step 2: drive around anywhere you know of new housing construction happening near you
Step 3: Find the project manager and ask if they’re looking to hire help (if you live in North America, they are).
Step 4: Keep your head down, show up sober every day and you’ll already be placing yourself in the top 10% of your new career field.
You need roommates. When I was younger we lived in groups, to split expenses. Tackle this from that side first, get into a situation you can afford on your pay so that you aren’t panicking. Even if you go live with your family.
Then you can work on increasing your income.
And don’t think it’s any kind of failure on your part. I have never lived alone, most people at my job make good money but nearly all do live in 2-3 earner households because it’s better and more secure.
There is an economy of scale in multiple earner households. One house, not much more electric use, food costs less per lb in bigger packages, you might be able to carpool.
Can you get into a trade? Go to the electric worker union and start as a helper? Those jobs are getting so much more valuable and that trend is increasing. I don’t think you need a college degree to get a good paying job, but you probably do need to put in that same 4 years working your way up.
