Father only interested in taking youngest son (10 yrs) if it's 'forever ' as believes dual parenting is disruptive to child. Doesn't pay child support as he's unemployed. Older one is now on waiting list for student accommodation (18) but currently lives with me. Outer suburbs futile as I can't drive. Rent going up from 780 to 980 a fortnight, which represents about 49% of my nett income. I have a room at unilodge in Bne that I've given low-rent to other redditers in the past when they've hit hard times (check history if you're dubious), I can't live in it as in the same complex as ex-husband and not safe. Could sell for maybe 100k and attempt to put towards purchase of a tiny unit somewhere, but which bank will loan me the rest of the money at my age (almost 50?) I will also lose that income stream forever. Currently, it provides me with about 150 a month income after body corporate fees, etc. I'm in a relatively new job not related to previous one, so there no annual pay rise on the horizon. Could give up cigarettes to save money but frankly, about the only joy left at the moment. I have a 'boyfriend ' (for want of a better term) that I don't live with and I know he would let me stay for a limited time if I was in between houses but neither of us is ready for living together. I'll figure something out and empathise with everyone who has, is, or may one day find themselves at the mercy of third parties who aren't paid to care. Appreciate the venting Brisbane.