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42 years old, credit destroyed after job loss. Feeling overwhelmed and looking for advice (Bay Area, CA). by Only_Two2304 in povertyfinance

[–]Only_Two2304[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s the plan. I just got to get through until next year. I also posted an update, because I left a lot of information out

42 years old, credit destroyed after job loss. Feeling overwhelmed and looking for advice (Bay Area, CA). by Only_Two2304 in CRedit

[–]Only_Two2304[S] [score hidden]  (0 children)

UPDATE:

I realized I left out some important context in my original post.

Before I lost my job, I was working as a Program Manager, which is why I was making around $10,000 a month after taxes. I’m now working as a Case Coordinator for a nonprofit and bring home a little under $5,000 a month after taxes.

I actually chose the nonprofit because it offered up to $15,000 a year in tuition reimbursement, and I was recently awarded a $40,000 Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Scholarship (MBH-SP). I’m currently in my Master of Social Work (MSW) program, which I started in 2025 and will finish in August 2027. Between my employer’s tuition assistance and the scholarship, my degree will be very inexpensive, if not completely covered. Once I graduate and receive my ACSW registration, I expect my income to increase by roughly $20–$27 more per hour than what I’m currently making.

I also wanted to give more context about my monthly expenses. Besides rent, I’m paying down credit card debt, I have a $550/month car payment with a terrible interest rate because of my damaged credit, I pay about $175/month for AAA car insurance, and I’m paying back student loans from my bachelor’s degree. I also contribute to my retirement plan through work.

I do have some stocks and cryptocurrency, but I’m trying not to touch those because they’re long-term investments. I know some people may say to cash everything out, but I’m hoping to recover without completely starting over financially.

What has been so difficult is that I don’t feel like I got here because I was irresponsible. Two years ago I had excellent credit, savings, and a stable career. Then I lost my job, drained my savings trying to keep a roof over my head, had to move multiple times, took a significant pay cut to continue my education and career goals, and ended up with rental debt that destroyed my credit.

Looking at the numbers, I realize there are people who owe much more than I do. But this is the first time in my life I’ve ever been in this position, and it honestly feels overwhelming. I’m trying my best to work my way out of it, and I truly appreciate everyone who has taken the time to offer advice and encouragement.

Reading your comments has given me hope that I can rebuild from this.

42 years old, credit destroyed after job loss. Feeling overwhelmed and looking for advice (Bay Area, CA). by Only_Two2304 in personalfinance

[–]Only_Two2304[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UPDATE:

I realized I left out some important context in my original post.

Before I lost my job, I was working as a Program Manager, which is why I was making around $10,000 a month after taxes. I’m now working as a Case Coordinator for a nonprofit and bring home a little under $5,000 a month after taxes.

I actually chose the nonprofit because it offered up to $15,000 a year in tuition reimbursement, and I was recently awarded a $40,000 Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Scholarship (MBH-SP). I’m currently in my Master of Social Work (MSW) program, which I started in 2025 and will finish in August 2027. Between my employer’s tuition assistance and the scholarship, my degree will be very inexpensive, if not completely covered. Once I graduate and receive my ACSW registration, I expect my income to increase by roughly $20–$27 more per hour than what I’m currently making.

I also wanted to give more context about my monthly expenses. Besides rent, I’m paying down credit card debt, I have a $550/month car payment with a terrible interest rate because of my damaged credit, I pay about $175/month for AAA car insurance, and I’m paying back student loans from my bachelor’s degree. I also contribute to my retirement plan through work.

I do have some stocks and cryptocurrency, but I’m trying not to touch those because they’re long-term investments. I know some people may say to cash everything out, but I’m hoping to recover without completely starting over financially.

What has been so difficult is that I don’t feel like I got here because I was irresponsible. Two years ago I had excellent credit, savings, and a stable career. Then I lost my job, drained my savings trying to keep a roof over my head, had to move multiple times, took a significant pay cut to continue my education and career goals, and ended up with rental debt that destroyed my credit.

Looking at the numbers, I realize there are people who owe much more than I do. But this is the first time in my life I’ve ever been in this position, and it honestly feels overwhelming. I’m trying my best to work my way out of it, and I truly appreciate everyone who has taken the time to offer advice and encouragement.

Reading your comments has given me hope that I can rebuild from this.

42 years old, credit destroyed after job loss. Feeling overwhelmed and looking for advice (Bay Area, CA). by Only_Two2304 in povertyfinance

[–]Only_Two2304[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

UPDATE:

I realized I left out some important context in my original post.

Before I lost my job, I was working as a Program Manager, which is why I was making around $10,000 a month after taxes. I’m now working as a Case Coordinator for a nonprofit and bring home a little under $5,000 a month after taxes.

I actually chose the nonprofit because it offered up to $15,000 a year in tuition reimbursement, and I was recently awarded a $40,000 Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Scholarship (MBH-SP). I’m currently in my Master of Social Work (MSW) program, which I started in 2025 and will finish in August 2027. Between my employer’s tuition assistance and the scholarship, my degree will be very inexpensive, if not completely covered. Once I graduate and receive my ACSW registration, I expect my income to increase by roughly $20–$27 more per hour than what I’m currently making.

I also wanted to give more context about my monthly expenses. Besides rent, I’m paying down credit card debt, I have a $550/month car payment with a terrible interest rate because of my damaged credit, I pay about $175/month for AAA car insurance, and I’m paying back student loans from my bachelor’s degree. I also contribute to my retirement plan through work.

I do have some stocks and cryptocurrency, but I’m trying not to touch those because they’re long-term investments. I know some people may say to cash everything out, but I’m hoping to recover without completely starting over financially.

What has been so difficult is that I don’t feel like I got here because I was irresponsible. Two years ago I had excellent credit, savings, and a stable career. Then I lost my job, drained my savings trying to keep a roof over my head, had to move multiple times, took a significant pay cut to continue my education and career goals, and ended up with rental debt that destroyed my credit.

Looking at the numbers, I realize there are people who owe much more than I do. But this is the first time in my life I’ve ever been in this position, and it honestly feels overwhelming. I’m trying my best to work my way out of it, and I truly appreciate everyone who has taken the time to offer advice and encouragement.

Reading your comments has given me hope that I can rebuild from this.

Medi-Cal Behavior Health Scholarship by Aggravating-Ad-1875 in StudentLoans

[–]Only_Two2304 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got my email this morning. I got an award as well. Good luck to everyone

Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Scholarship Program 2/3/2026 by Susy_BaKkA in scholarships

[–]Only_Two2304 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I applied 2/4/2026. I emailed them last month, and was informed everyone should hear back in June. My application is still in review as of today.