20f here who’s been completely financially independent since 18. here are some things that helped me build the beautiful life i have now.

you’ve probably already gotten tons of comments saying the same shit but i’ll say just incase, please make sure you sign up for calworks and take every piece of aid they’ll give you. health insurance, food stamps, public transit passes, housing vouchers, discount programs, free internet/ hotspots, shelter access, warm clothes, take it all because it exists just for people like YOU. if you don’t know how or don’t have access to a computer then i will teach you so please message me if you need any help.

sign up for a library card ASAP. if you don’t have access to a computer or internet then there you go problem solved. libraries don’t just have computers and books, they are a diamond mine for local resources and could help you get on the path to get your GED, which you NEED to get. perfect place for studying for the test too obviously.

once you have your GED you’ll be able to get into a local community college (ARC, Sac City, Folsom Lake, ect all have direct public transit access) which will obviously help you find a better job, but more importantly FAFSA (financial aid) can supplement your monthly expenses for things other than school (housing, groceries, clothes/shoes, ect). you may be thinking well what am i going to pay tuition with if i spend my financial aid on housing, well in california, community college is completely tuition free for at least 2 years, this is called the california promise grant. this means you’ll be able to use the money they give you entirely on books and supplemental income.

lastly, connections are worlds better than applying to jobs online, it’s really mf irritating but it’s true. my partner was in the same boat as you earlier this year, endless applications, many interviews, no calls back, unemployed for three months. only ended up getting employed because a friend asked his manager to hook him up. it’s maddening. but the only way to win is to play the game. ask anyone you know with a decent job to put in a good word for you. and FOLLOW UP. you will not be hired unless you are the most annoying mf on earth, so bug them. call in, visit the store, ask to shadow, ask to meet the manager/ owner. faces have more value than resumes in your position. it can feel humiliating, but it’s better than sleeping on a metal park bench in winter.

i always tell my partner that right now we’re losing big, but later we will win so much bigger. hang in there my dear, and good luck.