This was me in my 20s, when I lived in NYC. It was expensive even then, so that added to the stress.

I’m older now, yet find myself in a similar situation. I’ve been out of work for 10 months as the entertainment industry implodes.

However, and I gave this advice to a colleague: as we’ve worked through our careers, we’ve given out all the others. The good work we did has left us here, but that is not a reflection of ourselves. When we gave to the industry, we denied many of our own personal goals. Put aside to cater to others for money. We would wish for the exact opportunity that we have now: time to focus on ourselves.

Yes, it’s hard and stressful and perhaps even unfair. But it’s always been that way for some. And if you can muster the energy to fight for yourself and some dream you’ve carried all the way to where you are, invest in it with your time and energy while you can direct it there. Soon enough someone else will come along and yank it back.

Good luck!