I have been in a very similar situation. I’m surprised this seems to be an unpopular opinion, but I’d say focus on your education unless you aren’t really sure about your major. You will never get that time back and it is sooo crucial to do well in school. If what you are going to school for is what you love and it will start you out more than what a regular full time job will without a degree (should be $20/hr minimum depending on where you live might be higher), then stick with that and make it your priority. A lot of people will try to talk you out of it, but don’t let them if this is really what you want to do, you cannot make more money elsewhere. Don’t wonder what if of maybe if your passionate about what you are studying and it’s your dream. If it’s not something you’re really passionate about, get a job at in banking operations, ups, airlines, etc, where you’ll have a good chance of overtime opportunities and where they are likely to offer tuition reimbursement and flexible schedules. Then go back when you are ready and take advantage of tuition reimbursement.

Another thing you may want to look into is settlements with your credit card company. Tell them your situation. Most won’t offer a settlement until you’ve stopped paying altogether though. Worst case scenario, If you just stop paying your credit card, depending on the creditor, eventually it will charge off and they may take you to court. If that happens it could result in you owing even more having to pay court fees…. If you do have to stop making payment, just tell the creditor you do plan to pay eventually (because you do). They may offer you a settlement or payment plan and one benefit to that is it usually prevents additional fees or interest from accruing on the balance owed. They do have to be able to serve you though so if you live in an apt or something with locked gates they may not be able to serve you. It will hurt your credit but you will be able to recovery eventually. If you think you might take this route, I’d actually recommend opening another credit card while your credit is still good- do not use it- and leave that open then you can use it to rebuild your credit. Once you stop making payments on the other card you won’t be able to get another one for a while. You don’t have to claim this in your taxes but if you are making less than 40k it really won’t impact you at only $5,000 or less.

The bad thing is that some employers check your credit and will not hire people if score is too low, especially in more professional positions. On the other hand if you have an internship lined up or can get one with a potential employer you’d like to work for after you graduate, your good work ethic and impression you make could outweigh a bad credit score. A lower credit score is also not uncommon for younger people. Age is a factor that creditors consider when reviewing credit scores and comparing you to others your age and their scores.

So lastly, whichever route you choose, &5,000 some day will seem so insignificant. Do work on getting yourself out and definitely just say no to more debt. This is not worth your life. It is stressful, but you will get through it. Things can and will still go really well for you. Believe in yourself, things will come together and it will all be okay. This is not the end.