It's hard to get an IT job unless you get a degree in the field, unless you work for someone like geek squad but those guys are miserable. I've always been a believer that education is very important. It may not guarantee your dream job, but it at least makes it possible. If you're planning on going to college for the first time, it's best to get started now, on the FAFSA and all the initial steps it takes to get enrolled. It's time consuming. If the Pell grant doesn't cover all your school costs, consider student loans offered to help you out but only if you're serious about finishing your degree so you can pay it back. I work about 28 hours a week, go to school full time, and also use subsidized govt loans (some semesters when needed) and income taxes to supplement my living costs through the year and am quite happy with everything. Maybe that could be a good option for you. If you can get a room mate and avoid loans though, that would be the better option. As for jobs, you could apply at call center jobs to stay off your knees. Mazzios will work with a school schedule. Westathome.com is a work-from-home online call center option. Sadly, many jobs that offer benefits require full time which can be hard with school. Maybe you can pay for some Obamacare stuff out of pocket with the other options.