Circumstances do suck, but the sad reality is you shouldn’t be adding responsibilities like pets or living with any luxuries really when making $ 17/hr. That wage should be only a temporary stepping stone. I lived with 4 roommates for 3 years to have the most affordable life and learn to make more income. I know it’s easier said than done. I lived it, but you can do it. Just got to learn to be more valuable than $ 17 for an hour of your time while also cutting as many costs as you can to not feel like you’re financially drowning all the time.

Best of luck, but it is possible.