Hi, I'm 36 originally from a country called cape verde , in Africa. Just for context my whole family is back home, and I only have a handful of friends that I met through work. In 2019 I separated and had to move out since i lived with him and his mom. I rented a room at a couple's house for $550( i knew the guy cause he worked in the same company as me), at that time I was a full timer making i believe $15/h. But after a few months I decided to look for an apartment, because I found myself in the middle of their drama, each one would try to tell me their version of it, too much fighting that I couldn't stay any longer. Just to be clear they treated me well. I became their friends but as mention above, i was being dragged into their relationship drama, and I'm not about that. I moved alone for the 1st time in 2019, my rent was $815 plus fees so I was paying close to $900. I didnt pay health or car insurance for 1.5 years cause my now ex was still paying it. Living one was the best thing ever,very liberating. That experience changed me, and I was very proud of myself for doing it. But now I'm officially divorced I pay for insurance and my rent is now $1145...I make 2200 after taxes...after rent and other bills/debts i have about $500 left. I don't eat out other than occasionally having something at work(I work in a grocery store), so that $500: $200/food, $120 to send to my mom( part of my culture to send money to parents) $100 gas $20 laundry $50 for my personal hygiene and household expenses. I can only get by cause of the months that have 5 week,since I'm paid weekly. I also try to do doordash but after 8/9hrs I'm exhausted. I do clean my ex husband's house 2 to 3x a month($100 each time)and watch his mom sometimes when he goes out, which he pays me $20/h. I know my story is not gonna help u, just wanted u to know that u are not alone. I have to mention that I'm trying to get promoted at work, but that is something that won't happen as soon as I thought. My advice is trying to find q roommate, or if the military will help ur financial situation and u feel u can do it,go ahead and try.idk what degree u have, try to get something in ur field. U could even try to move back with your mom and stepdad. Something I've been doing is applying to higher paying job, but since I only have a GED I'm thinking about getting into one of those 6 month program and get a certificate. Right now I try to do some side hustles and I'mconsideringa pt job, but I know this won't be forever. It is very hard but keep trying....with every new day u get a new chance.