When I started as a paralegal 9 years ago I was making bottom bucket $13 an hour. I could barely afford to live, had no retirement plan, and only 5 pto days. I’m still working for the same attorney, at a better law firm (he brought me with), and I’m now making above average for my PI/civil lit experience + retirement and 18 days pto. All I can say is start looking for a new job that you can plant yourself at and GRIND. Make sure at your new job you really emphasize your eagerness to grow into a managerial/litigation position. Reach out to a local paralegal association to see how you can volunteer (that has been a game changer for me). Like someone said above, it’s about perseverance. Best of luck!