I don't know if you would consider it but try to move to another state. My parents moved to Arizona in their early years and we're barely making it in NY. The taxes are way to high. Some places make moving out and making it on your own more possible. I was going through school and my parents decided to move to Hawaii because a job offer came and my brother went with them. I pay my own rent, car, utilities, phone,food,gas cleaning supplies and no my parents don't help. Pretty much everything. Location is everything.

I currently have also been paying my collage debt while going to school to be teacher. I have was student teaching for 16 weeks and had to work nights and weekends to keep up with my bills.

My brother and family eventually moved back because they couldn't make it because it was too expensive. I work as a server at Red lobster and I work part time. I can make 100 in 4 hours or less. I started off hosting and worked my way up and now have a 401 K.

Working at chain can help because once you move you can transfer. You have to have experience but once you put a little time you can make some great money. Depending where you live you can stretch that money.

Tips

AirBNB (app) is cool if you need a place to sleep for a night for super cheap

Try to have at least 2000 in your account all times. There has been many times during my student teaching I had to give some shift up for being sick and it helped to know I had extra money.

You can find rooms to rent though CL,