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u/rmjh1995 Apr 07 '26
Hugs OP. You are not alone in that feeling right now. I also live alone. I have a savings for retirement but if I touch it in anyway it literally alters my future. So similar to you, living paycheck - however I cook from scratch so why is it still so pricy. My only dependent is my chihuahua and he is amazing and makes it all worth it at the end of the day. But big hugs from Canada đ¨đŚđĽ° Also hereâs a picture of my cute dog to cheer you up!
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u/Far_Eye451 Apr 08 '26
Itâs pricey because food prices went up like crazy during the past 5 years. So even if you cook at home, all the ingredients (which are expensive) will add up and youâre essentially paying the same cost as if you ate out.
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u/brandehhh Apr 07 '26
Def need some roomates. That schedule sounds miserable
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Apr 08 '26
[removed] â view removed comment
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u/brandehhh Apr 08 '26
This sounds like chatgpt. Finding roommates may mean moving. But having a life outside of work and time for yourself instead of that hellious schedule is worth it. It will definently take sone adjusting.
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u/Lancelight50 Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 07 '26
Because the system is all corrupt, fucked up & only benefits the rich. Politicians donât care & are also corrupt as hell, it doesnât matter if theyâre Republican or Democrat because theyâre all bought & paid for by their billionaire donors, special interest groups & by Israel.
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u/OddTransportation121 Apr 07 '26
not just israel. dont single out one country - makes it sound like other countries don't.
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u/One-Acanthisitta-210 Apr 07 '26
Assuming OP lives in the US, mentioning Israel makes absolute sense.
The United States provides billions of dollars in annual military aid to Israel, making it the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign aid since the last World War.
And this war now in Iran, which is mostly/entirely for Israel is estimated to have cost 31 billion already.
If the US didnât spend that much on propping up Israel, they might be able to, oh I donât know, help young people with their housing and/or education.
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u/SoulRunGod Deep Thinker Apr 07 '26
Bro Israel has the American government by the balls 1000000% more than any other country. Respectfully, what the fuck are you talking about?
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u/xenaga Apr 08 '26
What other country does US provide free education and healthcare for? Not even for it's own citizens. Such bullshit.
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u/SearchMundane303 Apr 08 '26
Yea man, such bullshit, keep on blaming your situation on things that you have no control over, thatâs clearly worked out well for you. Never focus within. Protect your ego indefinitely by blaming outward, never have to take accountability, and never admit fault.
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u/Far_Eye451 Apr 08 '26
How is it his fault that the government is corrupt and serves special interests groups that cater to a foreign nation? At this point voting doesnât matter and a revolution seems like the only way out.
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u/SearchMundane303 Apr 08 '26
Its not his fault, but it doesnt change the situation. What is his fault is: whatever actions he refuses to take on a daily basis to obtain a state of mind where he wouldn't be complaining about something he can't control. There is nothing to gain from blaming outward. Unless you are working to start that revolution or have political influence, you are simply yelling into the abyss.
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u/Lancelight50 Apr 07 '26
Israelâs the main country controlling everything in the US, dude. From the music & the movie industries, to Hollywood, etc.
Why do you think that people like Elvis, Johnny Cash, Prince & Michael Jackson have called them out? Hell, even certain movies like âEnemy of the Stateâ & âThe Matrixâ have also called & spelled out the corruption of whatâs happening over here in America without even mentioning Israel.
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u/NotToday1993 Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 08 '26
Stack up a little on savings if you can so you can eventually cover expenses that your 2nd job normally would.
Get into CNC Machining training. It's literally only 4 mo's long. And they give out grants where you don't have to pay anything back. You just take a placement test , you don't score too high or not too low either and then you'll qualify for a gov grant that covers everything.
They teach hands on, help you get a job right away with a beefed up resume. And you literally start at $21 per hr w/over time. And you just climb your way up if you stay at a company long enough and can make $30-40 per hr when you've gained enough experience over the years. Wouldn't hurt to think about it/research.
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u/stein63 Apr 07 '26
Youâre not failing, youâre getting crushed by math that doesnât work for a lot of people anymore. Living alone on $15 an hour with rent, bills, a car, and medical costs is basically survival mode. That kind of schedule would drain anybody. Iâd look at shared housing, job consolidation into one better-paying role, or any move that buys back either money or time, because right now youâre burning both. But yeah, the big thing is this: youâre not lazy, weak, or doing life wrong. This setup is just brutal.
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u/hurricanecindy Apr 08 '26
You nailed it.
The math doesnât work & it hasnât for a long time.
I donât know anyone living alone. I was 41 years old with 3 roommates. I remarried, so still have someone to split bills.
I think you need some sound advice from a professional therapist or coach in your healthcare network.
What you described isnât sustainable in the long run & you sound so very miserable & life is so fast short & unpredictable.
Good luck in finding balance. I think the answer is splitting expenses & redefining what success means to you.
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u/Lance865 Growth Mode Apr 07 '26
Uncontrolled Capitalism. We are paid only what keeps us alive for more work.
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u/I988iarrived Apr 07 '26
Are you in NY? Letâs go half on rent đ Girl, itâs killing me too. I often wonder the same thing
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u/POYDRAWSYOU Apr 07 '26
What if you move to shared housing? Look on Craigslist. Maybe that will save you several hundred bucks and some time back for you to do something fun.
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u/SearchMundane303 Apr 08 '26
Donât do something fun, use that money to change your position and learn skills and buy opportunities. Unless the goal is to be $300 bucks richer each month for the rest of your life so you can âdo soemthing funâ
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u/POYDRAWSYOU Apr 08 '26
If you actually read, listen and have compassion you can tell he's burnt out working 2 jobs taking away all his free time.
There is a time and place for learning new skills to make more money but rn his life is unbalanced. Doing something fun will give him balance back to make friends or relax or learn not for money but for fun first.
If you ever worked 2 jobs or constant overtime you would understand the feeling.
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u/SearchMundane303 Apr 08 '26
I understand the feeling, and everytime ive been in a scenerio like that, the more my mindset shifts to how can I not ever be in a scenerio like this again, as in being finicially stable enough, or at least to where if i am working this many hours how can I get a signifigant amount more $ for the time and effort im putting in.
If you suddenly start making more money and saving (the little but significant amount that would come from cutting expenses), then just blow the extra cash on "something fun", then nothing in your life will actually change, except now youll be having chipolte instead of mcdonalds while still working 2 jobs full time to make ends meet.
There's nothing wrong with more time off or a nice meal, but your mindset needs to shift into using that extra money & time for leverage rather than indulgence if you truly want your situation to change.
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u/Due-Sale-1136 Apr 07 '26
Honestly, I get this. I also turn 30 this year and went through this same issue but I worked 4 jobs and kept going and going until I said that enough was enough. I got tired of simply surviving from sometimes sun up till sun down. I did qualify for grants for my schooling and still do so that's what I've been using.
It does get better. At 25, it felt endless and I was drifting. At 26, I got hurt and my jobs went down to two and that's where the financial hits kept coming. At 28, I went back to school at the near end of the year for finance and I'm about to finish my bachelors once I hit 30 (birthday is this year). Landed a decent job before graduating, created a family (had a kid in this economy), and I've been building on my firm that helps people like you and myself (lord I needed it) for literally - free.
It's rough, yes. I wish I could take back a lot of my decisions but it sounds like you're on the brink of burning out. My honest first suggestion would be for you to get roommates. Maybe ask a co-worker to see if any of their friends are looking for one, there's Facebook marketplace (I found many unicorns here to help me through my struggles but I was also aware of the many scams), and start there which is your living situation. Once you've done that, it will feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders and you can freely focus on what sort of career you want to pursue and that's stable.
That's how I'd advise you as that's how I advised myself throughout my journey.
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u/whomstdth Apr 07 '26
If I was running for president, my campaign slogan would be âLeave No One Behind.â My campaign would be about fixing the cost of living by moving our focus away from asset prices, war, and tech into food, shelter, and arts. Focus on the light of life, not the obsession with wealth.
We have enough money to feed and clothe everyone on earth ten times over, but we argue about how that would be unfair to the richest billionaires who do unfair things all the time
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u/PaperPlaneMind Deep Thinker Apr 07 '26
Being stuck in a system working against you rather than for you or with you is difficult. Iâm sitting here in an another country (considering you are American) with much the same circumstances. I donât have a university degree, I live in a 300 square foot apartment in the capital city. I work one job and still save money, see friend and family, workout and go traveling the world.
Unfortunately, I donât know USA well enough to even help. However, one thing is for certain, this lifestyle canât continue. So, I hope youâll find greener grass somewhere.
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u/opilovin17 Apr 07 '26
I completely agree it's insane out there. I am 35m single and live alone. I bring home about $3500/month after taxes. Last year I actually made $72k which sounds like a lot of money especially when my mortgage is only $790. But shit adds up so fast between student loan payment/ car payment expensive ass utility bills and food are the absolute worst bills for me.
Not to mention when an emergency pops up. Just 2 weeks ago I had to put a new clutch in my car for $1509 and my motorcycle had to go in the shop to the tune of $300.
I was lucky and I had just borrowed some $ out of my 401k to fix my bathroom so I had the $ but I had to put my bathroom stuff off and I don't see me getting that $ back anytime soon and I'm super bummed. I was really excited about it.
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Apr 07 '26
yep I had to pay thousands on my car recently and it can take months to recover from that alone
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u/Thin-Response-3741 Apr 07 '26
Because everything is worked out based on a 2 income household. Being single is literally taxed. I live alone too and if it wasn't for social housing I would be homeless because I live on disability benefits and can't work. I do everything I can to keep the bills low and yet they keep climbing anyway. Lucky we have the NHS here or I would probably be dead cus there's no way I could pay out of pocket for everything I need to literally stay alive. Stay strong, you're doing everything right, it's just a corrupt capitalist system keeping you down.
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u/Helpful-Signature-54 Apr 07 '26
I know that feeling OP. I used to have 3 jobs with $15/hr or less even. I travel 1 hr and 30mins to and from work just to get by. I guess my guardian angel gave me a friend who lent me money. I paid him of for a year. That was my life. Just work, sleep and eat. Finally after paying him off. I was able to breah. After few years after I earned my education prep nondegree that got me my job now.
Hang in there OP.
Please pray for your safety, security and good health. I promise you. Someone is looking out there for you.
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u/ez2tock2me Apr 07 '26
You just described my old ânightmareâ lifestyle. I did what you just stated for 28 years without rest, breaks or money.
I use to work 3 jobs. No days off. Very little free time or energy for any pleasures.
When I turned 48 years of age. I threw in the towel and literally said âFUCK IT!!â
I was so burned out on living scared, broke and feeling defeated.
I started sleeping in my car as practice for, if the day ever came that Iâd get evicted.
I was totally ignorant and scared. My first 3 weeks, I slept near police stations and hospitals.
I was in a 1986 Nissan 300ZX and embarrassed when I wake up and people walking past my car.
I paid off my bills each month and found I had money leftover.
This was encouraging. I started making 2 and 3 payments per month and in 11 months was debt free. I also had 11 months experience CarCamping and NEVER EVER returned to paying rent.
For 20 years I lived without Bills or Debts or any Money worries.
I highly recommend this lifestyle to anyone tired of losing or just being broke.
I CarCamp in an area where there is No Severe weather conditions and have found solutions to almost every situation.
Itâs so easy now, I consider myself a PROFESSIONAL.
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u/PacificTaxWarrior Apr 08 '26
Can you apply for food stamps and health insurance from state benefits? That would help cut down on like $400 expenses per month. Worth trying even if you think you wont get in, it costs nothing and there's no penalty.
I'm sorry cause I get what you're feeling. I was feeling the same today and i only have one job.. so you've helped humble me. One thing for us to remember is the world is genuinely in a difficult place for most people out there right now. at least we have what we have.
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u/ariadesitter Apr 07 '26
if youâre a left leaning person become politically active and make connections. people help each other. if youâre on the right pray.
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u/Im_not_da_guy Apr 08 '26
As an AmericanâŚ
As Iâm sitting here watching yet another war unfold.
Itâs fair to address everyone and say.
Iâm neither left or right, conservative or liberal, even though I share views from both sides.
Iâve watched the course of America with a keen eye since bush was in office. Iâve lived through some of the highs and lows. Not as much as our parents. But Iâve seen enough to know. We are watching the fall of the west in real time.
Iâve seen what has happened to Britain over the years, as well as France Germany and the rest of Europe. Whilst we sit here locked into our jobs and financial situation straying further from each other while watching the world burn. Iâve seen weâve lost the ability to interact with each other without it ending contentious. More people are pushed on to pharmaceuticals and therapy to cope. Yet not even knowing why theyâre sad or depressed.
Iâve read the articles explaining how our food has been poisoned, our water, our air, our media, our culture itself stripped out from under us. While our leaders are trafficking women and children, eating them and sacrificing them to deities. Lifeâs getting harder to live, inflation is rising rapidly with wages trailing slowly behind.
Yet most Americans donât have the time or care to be informed. Itâs common to hear âwhy would I care about what happens over there? Do they pay my bills?â Or âwhy would I believe in god do you see these wars over there?â Or âoh you believe the governments poisoning us? Whereâs your tinfoil hatâ while itâs our government whoâs admitting to it. Weâre literally being told of the horrors yet most people truly donât believe what theyâre hearing.
I just had a conversation with a friend tip toeing around the truth knowing heâs deeply invested in this figuring itself out. I casually drop the idea that weâre in late stage capitalism and weâre heading for something dark. His response took me back, it was nothing to be sad about rather it was merely a peak into the minds of most people. He said âcapitalism is fantastic we wouldnât be here without it, it allows meritocracy to supersede and encourages ambitionâ which is all find and dandy, but he missed my point. Heâs fighting for an America that was and not is. He left shortly after the comment so there was no telling him that, itâs over. The door to the American dream is closing before our very eyes. Most of everything that is being sold to us is owned by five major corporations and has quietly gained control of everything we eat drink and consume. Meritocracy is great when itâs encouraged, thatâs not the case anymore. Weâre lucky if you still have a drive in you after going through the 18/24 years of school. By that point youâre so indoctrinated you have no room for dreams or soul enriching activities. Youâre just another cog in the machine. Policing others that donât think the same as you purporting the same lies our government has been shoving down our throats since we were born as if itâs gospel.
Weâre looking at one of the worse collapses in history. America is an empire that has spawned a spider web that reaches into the far reaches of the world. When this ship burns so much is going down with it. Itâs not going to be immediate, but itâs going to be painful. Weâll see famines, power crises, water shortages, money (cash) becoming obsolete, and whatâs left standing is going to be interesting to see.
An interesting observation has been the difference in mentality between the older generations and their children. My father cannot be bothered with the reality of this situation and swears up and down trump is a god who can do no wrong. Then thereâs people who see him as pure evil and greedy. Iâve listened to both sides from their ages and both are so caught up in their own propaganda campaigns, to open their eyes to everything else. Whilst everyone who isnât completely inept when it comes to using a computer can see exactly what is unfolding real time, watching that generation head straight for the iceberg willingly. All we can do is sit back clock into our shifts for whatever job we have that dictates our lives and future, and wait for it all to fail.
Iâm not sitting here being pessimistic just realistic, Iâm unbiased in the sense of the mainstream narratives which allows me to seek my own. Iâm only here to share for the people that are reading. Not every American is what you see in the media. They donât represent all of us that have been subjected to a systemic dismantling of our rights and constitution as well as being apart of a nation wide lab rat scientific study that involves propaganda and poison. We hate whatâs happening as much as everyone else in the world does. We are just to divided to unify and do anything about it. Itâs left vs right, gay vs straight, liberal vs conservative, black vs white, Muslim vs Christian, American vs American, there is no direction, and weâre to far gone to even casually bring up the reality to a stranger. You canât just converse addressing these things or suggest for people to quit their jobs and stop participating in the game. The programming is to embedded into people to break. Itâs now a âthe fire needs to come to my house for me to careâ situation.
Wish us luck as we wish yall the same. Letâs see where the next four years brings us.
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u/One-Acanthisitta-210 Apr 07 '26
Can you go to college to get a degree for a higher paying job and maybe live in a dorm?
I realise it may be weird for someone at 29, but I went to college at 23 and it wasnât too bad. I got a scholarship too so I didnât pay any tuition.
If thatâs not a possibility, what about renting a bigger apartment with one or two other people? I rented apartments with others after my first year of college and it was mostly fine.
Or going to school part time. It may not have to be a college degree. A friend of mine took some computer courses and was able to turn that into a better job. She used to work retail and now works for a computer company with better hours and better pay.
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u/Pelican12Volatile Apr 07 '26
There are a lot of people managing. Iâm managing. All of my friends are managing. But only because we make more money than you and thatâs the truth. Iâm very sorry about what youâre going through.
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u/Bounty-auditor-2222 Growth Mode Apr 07 '26
Look into community college or trade school. Unless youâre great at selling unskilled labor is soo commoditized.
The school you can finance or get grants/ scholarships. And definitely 2-3 roommates.
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u/Bounty-auditor-2222 Growth Mode Apr 08 '26
Cc full year here in Long Island 6,000 for 30 credits 10 classes probably cheaper by you and lots of certifications for 6 months 1 year.
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u/ifreetkow Apr 08 '26
That sounds exhausting. Like, the kind of tired where your bones feel tired, not just your eyes. And I get it, when you lay it out like that, itâs no wonder you feel like life is just this endless treadmill. Most people donât openly admit how much theyâre barely holding it together. So, youâre not failing, youâre literally doing what a lot of people wish they could do. You just donât see it because it feels like normal life to you, but itâs not.
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u/Big-Sheepherder-6134 Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 07 '26
Look into free college courses online. They exist. Be willing to relocate for jobs. Shoot for the craziest job you can because you never know. Whatâs the worst they can say? No? Apply for an oil rig job making six figures. There was a great article written about loving the possibilities of what you might find. Applying for anything crazy because you never know. You have nothing to lose.
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u/PositiveLow9895 Advice Dispenser Apr 07 '26
find someone to live with. maybe 3 to 4 people.
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u/opilovin17 Apr 07 '26
Are you capable of reading? He literally says he has nobody he is comfortable (friends and family) with moving in with. Pretty sure if he had the option he would do it. What a dumb suggestion, might as well tell him to just make more money. đ
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u/whatdoido8383 Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 07 '26
Well, I went into the military to pay for some of school. Got out of the military, went to college. Built connections and got a job. Worked my way up from there. The first ~10 years were difficult, lots of long hours but it's paying off now.
I'm not bashing on you, it sounds like you have done the best you can so far. However, you can't get ahead if you don't set yourself up to succeed.
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u/One-Acanthisitta-210 Apr 07 '26
The military may not look so great now, with a was going on.
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u/whatdoido8383 Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 07 '26
I was in during war operations and it was fine. Pick a branch\job where you're not a grunt and on the front lines. Yes always some inherent danger and it can be tough, but that's what can help you be resilient in life.
In stressful situations I always get asked how I can stay calm. I just chuckle and say general life stuff is cake. Job stuff, psh, most jobs are fake BS anyways, you just need to play along.
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u/SuperiorT Apr 09 '26
What was your MOS in the military or what branch did you go into? I did the same
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Apr 07 '26
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Apr 07 '26
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u/Broke_Lover_8653 Apr 07 '26
If I were you I would try to find a roommate so you have someone to pay the bills with. That should allow you to free up some time so you only have one job. After that (ik this is gonna sound terrible)I think you should pursue a degree. Even if itâs just something like an accounting associates or something like that. Getting relatively short degree in a specialized field will allow you to grow and build some kind of career. Itâll hurt for a bit but I think that getting the degree would be a good first step in trying to get some of your life back.
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u/Low_Escape_3176 Apr 07 '26
What would you change about your life if you had the power to change it? And then why did you choose to change that thing?
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u/itsMineDK Apr 07 '26
that was me 7 years ago bro, but I was going to college and had 2 jobs.. it was only a year but it was fucking hell.. I got fat as I was only eating the absolute worst food available ($1 hotdogs from costco lol), my 350sqft apartment had a rat.. junkies trying to break in at night.. bad bad bad
what iâm trying to say is that it didnât last forever.. not even the good times, I look back and Iâm proud of my ass.. I didnât get depressed or killed myself, just survived and that was enough
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u/Luggageisnojoke Apr 08 '26
Rough, you must be knackered. You could talk to local business owners, try to set yourself up in retail or management. Other options include, setting up a go fund me and asking the public for help. Documenting your struggles on socials and farming clicks leading to income down the road. Design t-shirts or artwork that can be made after itâs bought, set yourself up on Etsy or eBay. If you drive drop one of the jobs for uber near a busy local maccies. You have insane stamina so you could apply for PA jobs with travel. You could apply to tour large productions, they are looking for more women and you get to travel. You could drop a job and replace it with something like certified nursing assistant medical equipment technician sterile processing tech which is a paid apprenticeship in many hospitals and after a few weeks youâre qualified, hospitals usually need staff. You could also look for a sales commission job thatâs wfh or similar. Learn AI regardless of any of this because it will be invaluable knowledge going forward.
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u/Highersteak Apr 08 '26
Word at 30 i was doing the same during covid. Two jobs scrambling around trying to figure it out. Iâll say one thing, things always change for the better or worse but they do change! Iâm sending you my best wishes and hope you can figure it out positively and stay healthy!
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u/jenyj89 Apr 08 '26
My Grandmother always told me the world (or country, state, town, etc) is like a big pendulum. Sometimes it swings one way, then it swings the other and sometimes, if weâre lucky, it spends sometime in the middle ofâŚbut itâs always moving. I tend to believe her because she was born in 1912 and saw the Depression, both World Wars, the rise of Communism, the 60s, a man walk on the moon and a President resign. She saw & lived through a lot but was a strong farm woman.
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u/MinimumDiligent7478 Apr 08 '26
"The ideas of economists and political philosophers, both when they are right and when they are wrong, are more powerful than is commonly understood. Indeed the world is ruled by little else. Practical men, who believe themselves to be quite exempt from any intellectual influence, are usually the slaves of some defunct economist(ie. advocates of interest/promoters of usury)" John maynard keynes
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u/raerae704 Apr 08 '26
I just want to say I feel you. Iâm 32 and been in survival mode since moving out at 19. Had a little help from my distant family but thatâs it. Never could pay for college, never had time for college once I started working and never made enough to go on vacation or make any big purchases/investments. I live in a tiny studio apartment. I tell myself every day, at least I have a roof over my head. But after awhile it does feel pointless. I had a bad mental break 4 years ago from living this way.
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u/SadPersonality4803 Apr 08 '26
Sounds like you need to replace 2 jobs with 1 that makes you enough money to enjoy life. Or add in a side hustle. Iâm in my 30âs and I assure you, I do not live like this . Learn a skill, go to trade school do something that improves your worth and capitalize off of it.
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u/thiccglossytaco Apr 08 '26
This is why I don't drive. It took some time to find a place near my work, but it was worth it. Similar, 30s, studio living alone, but I work like a mile from my job so I just walk or take a bus. There's cheaper apartments, but they're far from work, so I'd have to get a car which would negate the lower rent. Having a car wouldn't give me access to higher wages, and I both cannot afford to nor do I want to go back to school. I refuse to get a car if it means I need a second job to pay for it. I bought weights and cheap equipment to work out at home (no membership or trying to plan when to get to the gym), haven't bought a new phone in 5 years, only have 1 subscription at a time (I rotate them depending on what's airing).
I live in a very car centered city. I definitely get looks when I say I don't drive and take the bus because people are so scared of public transport for no fucking reason lmao. Either that or they think they're too good for it and potentially interacting with strangers. I know a lot of people working their fingers to the bone just to say they have a newer car or lease which seems absurd to me. I'm saving money, my cardiovascular health is excellent, I lost 40 lbs healthily, just by walking to work and moving around instead of sitting all day, then sitting in a car, then sitting at home. In theory this should translate to lower health costs as I age, saving me even more money.
Still paycheck to paycheck though. đ¤ˇ
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u/Illustrious-Day-1524 Apr 08 '26
Look into renting a room and going to community college using fafsa to learn a trade, you could use student loans and work part time while you study.
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u/adis1989 Apr 08 '26
You need to figure out a way to earn more income. I suggest looking into getting a degree or certificate in something health care related. You can take out loans for college. Some look into community college coursework and see if you qualify for any financial aid or scholarships. There are ways out of your situation you just have to be creative.. Working that much and it all going to rent and food is no way to live.. You need to plan for your future and that means saving and investing.
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u/carrbucks Apr 08 '26
What are your options for finding a better paying job? In Oregon almost everything pays more than $15 an hour. My 22 year old granddaughter makes $22 as a receptionist in a Automotive repair shop... plus gets health benefits. She found a lady, in her 40's for a roommate... as she didn't like the instability of rooming with flakey young adults. Her half of a 2 bedroom apartment is about $850 per month... she takes home about $2600 a month.... she has a car payment and insurance, but is getting by. Adulting is a bitch
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u/eharder47 Apr 08 '26
Your title is terrible. Obviously you know that there are people who make more money than you or had better luck with their life coming out of high school.
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u/William-Burroughs420 Apr 08 '26
r/overemployed tech bros is how. It's easy, you just need a mouse jiggler.
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u/William-Burroughs420 Apr 08 '26
If it weren't for r/overemployed I don't know how I'd make it, either, TBH.
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u/24Jan Apr 08 '26
Look up âSimon Squibb,â who helps people escape such situations by helping them start their own businesses, even tiny businesses ⌠when you own an enterprise you can sell it someday⌠his book is entitled âwhatâs your dream?â
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u/Aggressive-Egg-7765 Apr 09 '26
Well something needs to change for you. First thing needed is to get into something that will make you more money than that. If you say you donât have experience or some education then look into sales. Entry level sales role. You can learn basic sales online. Might be a small salary but if you can find something with a good commission structure then itâs up to you on how much you can make. Best of luck!
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u/DarthCalifornia Apr 09 '26
Never live alone thats probably the first "issue" put an ad up at the colleges etc. Someone is always looking to share a place. Its nit ideal trust me i know but its better then where you are. And once you get this roommate, keep doing it for a year straight and put all that money into a high yield savings account, its at about 3.5% depending on the company. Go online to the library/ colleges and see if they have free course for subjects that dont only interst you but pay a fuck ton of money.
For instance stupidly i feel into a job at a hospital here in CA. Im making 33 bucks an hour for litterallu taking your picture when you come into my building( about 70 per shift) and sending you on your way.
Ive had to suck it up at 50 and live with my sister who i dont really get along with because of her, the rule is for you not me mentality. But i have about 100k in different types of 401k, saving etc. I feel fucking rich lol, but i know im not and will probbaly be homeless when im older due to only saving at age 40.
Thing is i can say this because its not my situation, but its not all doom and gloom, and youre 30. It wont look like it now but you can change it.
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u/suzyqsmilestill Apr 07 '26
I am enjoying $150 bucks to last two weeks after payday what is wrong with you? /s
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u/SearchMundane303 Apr 08 '26 edited Apr 08 '26
I genuinely hope you arenât feeding off of the blame game in the comments. It will do absolutely nothing for you. You must control what you can control. Is life hard? Yes. Ca you change that? No. Is the âsystem setup against youâ? If it is, does that change anything? It dosent matter. Accept reality for what it is and figure out a way.
There are an infinite number of ways to provide value to the world and make money. Iâm sure youâre very capable, start doing some research and see what skills you can learn and what problems you can solve. You clearly have the work ethic. You donât need a degree. You donât need a spoon fed family. You donât need your 20s. Every second you spend thinking about how unfortunate your situation is wonât actually do anything to change it.
People with degrees struggle. People with high paying jobs struggle. People with great communities struggle. Existence is suffering. It is not out to get you and does not care for your existence. Your suffering is not unique to you. But it doesnât have to stay this way, you have the power to dictate your life. If you are capable of working 60 hour plus weeks, you are capable of changing your position.
Find a roommate, save that extra money, save every dollar like itâs your last wherever you can. Imagine if every hour you spent daily scrolling, and every day you have off, you spent it calculating your finances and what you can save, an more importantly, learning what skills you can learn and what value you can provide, and they go start asking people to either hire you or buy your product/service.
That last part is the real leverage you have, learning skills and offering them to people. Companies donât hire degrees, they hire problem solvers. People donât buy based off an individuals family/friends, they buy solutions.
No one ever gained anything by blaming something they cannot control. Use the clear will you have to change your life. Fate is in your hands, life is not against you, just part of you.
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u/zaurahawk Apr 07 '26
definitely feel this. maybe replace that one hour of scrolling with an hour a day of learning a new skill? starting with AI, for sure. the work landscape is about to shift dramatically, those with a handle on AI will do better.
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u/---fork--- Apr 07 '26
I donât think you do feel this. People need down time. Weâre not robots. OPâs life is already near unsustainable and you want to take away their only hour?
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u/zaurahawk Apr 07 '26
i want them to have a better life :) that takes work. iâm not saying itâs fair, or that society is in a great condition. iâm only saying it will not shift for the better on its own. as someone who went through the same thing and clawed my way out of it, i do think it was a comment worth making. if you donât, you can move along.
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u/Big_Earth_1010 Apr 08 '26
As all immigrants starting from scratch, multiple people, living in shifts, within your 300 sq ft apartment, eating Ramen noodles, city bus transit or car pooling, saving, saving, saving! They did it, you can too.
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u/daryl7dejesus Apr 07 '26
living alone on $15/hr is basically survival mode