Just so... stressed.

So, I'm a newly 20 year old trying to do this whole thing called life on my own.  I have my own apartment and pay my own bills.  I am currently working 2 jobs to afford these bills, and I still almost always fall behind.  Trying to balance my social life, and trying to maintain a healthy weightloss is becoming very tough.  Today I realized I may need to pick up a 3rd job.  I am so exhausted I am making myself sick.  All I really want to be doing is going to school full time, hanging out with friends, and going to the gym, but my circumstances aren't really that way.  I thought about going to school online, but I just don't know if I can add something else to my plate right now.  Sometimes I get so stressed I break out in hives.  Sometimes I go days without eating because I'm just so nauseas over money.  I have so many friends, and I can't even afford to go see a movie with them.  I know times are tough for everyone.  I'm not saying that.  I just really needed to vent.  I am thinking about joining the military, because that's the only thing that looks like will help me get ahead in life.  But I don't want to join for the wrong reasons.  I'm just so confused, stuck, scared, alone.  And even after losing 41lbs since April, I still cant make peace with my body.  Any advice would be great.  Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Original Post by meggymouse:

Sometimes I go days without eating because I'm just so nauseas over money. 

 For the love of god, woman!  That's the worst thing you can do to yourself!  Eat!

Wow.  Seems like with two jobs you could easily pay rent and expenses unless your apartment is uber expensive.  Are you able to get a roomie or is it only one bedroom.

What types of jobs do you have?

Do you have problems budgeting?  Is your money slipping away on frivolous stuff?  Assuming you're working 2 full time jobs, even on minimum wage you should be able to make your bills unless you're not really tracking where your money goes.

In Canada, many years ago, I knew some people who were getting their degrees through the military.  One of them was going to be a dentist.  I don't know if this is even done anymore up here.

Can you do this?  Is there a way to join the reserves and get them to pay for your schooling?  I think you have to commit to some years of service when you're done, but you'll have job security and an education.

I work at a grocery store and video game store.  
My apartment is pretty pricey, and its just a one bedroom.  I had to pick it due to location, as I don't have a car so I walk to work.  I don't buy anything useless, and I hardly ever go out.  I don't even buy groceries regularly.  I eat at the grocery store for $1 a day.  I am basically just making ends meet.  Yeah you can join the reserves and they help with schooling, but it's an 8 year commitment that I don't know if I'm ready for.

Original Post by meggymouse:

I work at a grocery store and video game store.  
My apartment is pretty pricey, and its just a one bedroom.  I had to pick it due to location, as I don't have a car so I walk to work.  I don't buy anything useless, and I hardly ever go out.  I don't even buy groceries regularly.  I eat at the grocery store for $1 a day.  I am basically just making ends meet.  Yeah you can join the reserves and they help with schooling, but it's an 8 year commitment that I don't know if I'm ready for.

 What about finding a cheaper apt and taking the bus?

I'd have to break my lease, and bus passes are a good $70 a month.

Wow. I can see where that would all be stressful. Where you live are there any free things you can do that would be relaxing, like take a walk in a park, or maybe look up some free events or something?

Any chance of going back with your parents, sucking it up, and getting a college education? Without one, you employment options will be limited for the rest of your life, making ends meet, forever. If you try and pay bills, working full time, and school, and social life, you wont be able to go to school full time.

Parents aren't really an option. Haha I kind of walk all day.. so it isnt really relaxing now

Original Post by meggymouse:

I'd have to break my lease, and bus passes are a good $70 a month.

 Seriously why ask if you're going to shoot down every answer we give you.

You should've figured it all out before you signed the lease, frankly.  I realize you're young... but the above posters are right, you need to figure out a game plan.  Whether it's your parents initially and going to school or joining the military or whatever.  You have options.  No EASY options, but welcome to adulthood.

I'm not trying to "shoot" anything down.  I've just thought of those things, pros and cons.  Sorry.

Original Post by meggymouse:

I'm not trying to "shoot" anything down.  I've just thought of those things, pros and cons.  Sorry.

 Well, frankly, if you're not paying your bills and not eating you'll have to choose one whether you like it or not.

and I was fine, but some unexpected things have happened making me fall behind.

I understand your point

What kind of bills are we talking about here?  Just utilities and the like, or do you have loans and such as well? 

Basically I had a roomate that skipped out on me.  Um bills are Rent, Electric, tv and internet (signed up while roomate was here, expensive to downgrade or cancel), phone, and a credit card I had to buy a bed with.

Original Post by meggymouse:

Basically I had a roomate that skipped out on me.  Um bills are Rent, Electric, tv and internet (signed up while roomate was here, expensive to downgrade or cancel), phone, and a credit card I had to buy a bed with.

 Is the stuff in your name, your roommate's name or both?

Cancel what you don't need. 

Are there any bills that you can get rid of? Cable? Phone? Even Netflix?

Bills you can reduce - turn down the heater, turn out lights, unplug appliances, etc. My husband's old apartment had very expensive oil heat, so he kept it at the bare minimum to keep pipes from freezing, and used space heaters (electric cost less).

You've mentioned socializing a few times - does that ever require any money? It doesn't have to - invite friends over (BYO drinks and food) and play a board game.

Any tiny pleasures you still indulge? The occasional latte, for instance? Or bottled water? (I'm doubting this one, if you are going without eating, but just in case).

Anything you can sell? Craigs List or eBay.

You had a set back, but if anything, that will hopefully teach you the necessity of an emergency fund - putting away a little money into a separate account so that you can afford the unforseeable.

I'm just throwing out ideas, and maybe you've already done all of these, but sometimes people get so overwhelmed, they don't see what can be cut back on.

Just saw your posts about cable and internet - have you called the company, and explained the situation? Is the cancellation fee more than the amount you'd have to pay monthly until your contract is up?