I’m 22, going into 23 in only 4 months time… and I’m flat broke. I need to turn my life around before I fuck up everything and end up beyond redemption. How do I turn my life around and actually escape this humiliating state of poverty. Im looking for a ticket out of brokeville. So far, here is what I’ve been doing
- got a roommate
- eat rice, beans, and boiled chicken
- cold showers to save on heat
- no AC or heat
- use same clothes over and over even if ripped and raggedy
- don’t ever eat out or do anything
I am sorry, comrade. I've been in your shoes for years at a time and it really sucks. You might be able to largely sustain on shoplifted goods, but the fact is unless your locale has some unique exploitable flaws, there is no way to reliably and ethically escape poverty by doing crime. Any way of making even slightly useful amounts, and you'll almost certainly be exploiting other poor people, and almost certainly caught, sued, imprisoned, and your situation will become even worse yet.
Seek mutual aid, charities, etc. Always be keeping an eye out, online and locally, for good work opportunities. If at all possible, make connections with other people in orgs, clubs, libraries, or even just online, don't be afraid to ask to bum a lift and a couple favours from others who can help. Contrary to society's messaging, it is not shameful to need or ask for help.
I know these things aren't easy, aren't always feasible, and won't always work. This is unfortunately the system we're forced to live in.