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Giving you enough context to actually answer your question without giving up TOO much private info, in order:
Cubicle job where I make just under $20/hour (min. wage for my state is $15)
As for family/friends, I've reached out a little bit, yes. But I don't like doing it too much, regardless of how difficult my life becomes. Maybe it's pride, maybe it's empathy, idk. Either way, I just can't. In short, I've gotten SOME help, but I won't get much more
As for cost of living, I live in the American Midwest and split rent in a decent apartment in a relatively-safe neighborhood with one other person (hopefully 3 total in the next couple months)
And that's about all I'm willing to give up online
Edit: I copy-pasted from a very similar response, so I had to adjust it to fit YOUR questions
As someone mentioned, write down every single purchase you make, no matter how small. You'll see a place to cut. Check all of your subscriptions - phone, Internet, everything, to look for a cheaper option. It's easier to get a job when you have one. Always be on the lookout for things you could do instead of or in addition to your regular job. Maybe find something for weekends that offers a good benefit or discount - gym, grocery, something that will earn you money and reduce an expense. My son did a two day class to get certified for vehicle inspections - tons of jobs. If you don't work Monday-Friday you could get on a school district sub list - you can say yes or no when they call you.
What kind of vehicle inspections? Is he a mechanic or are these inspections something most people could easily be doing after a 2 day course?
He's now a mechanic, but ~~that~~ becoming an inspector was his entry to car work. Do you get your car inspected every year or two? It's that - windshield wipers, horn, tires, drive it and see if it brakes in the allotted space, plug it into the smog check machine. If you can tolerate working outdoors (in an open garage) and you're ok working with your hands it's not a bad gig. I think he started at $12/hr plus a dollar for each inspection he did, plus a little commission if someone bought windshield wipers, a new gas cap, stuff like that. Here, the people who work M-F fight to be off Saturday/Sunday, so they're always looking for weekend help. I think the two day class was about $50 and the license to be an inspector is $25/yr.
Edit for grammar/clarification.
I appreciate your candor and caution.
Without knowing your age, it's hard to give good advice, but if you're young, then I'd suggest asking Mom and/ dad if you can go back home while you acquire more marketable skills. Then, unfortunately, you will likely need to move to an area with opportunity. Living in a small town, or a town without a variety of booming industries seriously limits your options.
You live in Illnois? (Its the only midwest state with a min wage even approaching 15 dollars an hour) Try finding a job outside Chicago, preferably some sort of trade. Youll get your feet under you.