I'm 26, divorced, unemployed, and live with my parents. What the hell happened to me?
814053
Don't worry about how you got there.  Just figure out how to get out.  First step is to get a job - any job, you are not making a lifetime commitment to the job so you can always change jobs when you find something better.  First concern is getting a paycheck and second is getting medical benefits.  Once you have a source of income. find a cheap place to live.  Get a small apartment, and keep expenses down.  You can eat cheaply by getting nothing ready-made.  Save whatever you can to give yourself some breathing space.  (The one luxury I recommend is pets, possibly two cats.  If you get two they can keep each other company and if you go to a rescue place you can get an older animal so you don't have to train a puppy or kitten.)  Improve your skills one at time so you can get better jobs or move up where you are. Sign up a community college and take one class at a time, or more if you can manage it.  (Besides improving yourself, that takes up time so you won't spend as much money doing other stuff.)  You are young, you don't need to have it all together at this point.  Just work on moving forward!
164342
Man, that blows - the same thing happened to me... you'll be in debt up your arse.  I really wish I could help as I was in the exact same situation and you are right you feel like your are being steamrolled by a system designed by a bunch of narrow-minded nitwits.  Like these people never hear of a DISFUNCTIONAL FAMILY and like maybe we need even more help than someone else but they treat you like somehow you have claim over your parents' money.  So they act like your resources are ones that you can't use and use that to deny you help.  I feel for you, man.\nThe only thing I can suggest is going over and getting to know those financial aid counselors - go over there and make appointments and bug them and let them know your situation and that you are going to go and you really need them to get creative and help you out.
596505
I could never put my children out but this is what I did with one lazy 19 year old.  He came home from a hard day of running around to find he had nothing in his room but a pillow and one cover.  Since he paid no bills, he wasn't allowed to use my electric, my air conditioning, his stereo, NOTHING.  He was allowed to sleep in his room from 10:00 P.M. until 8:00 A.M.  The rest of the time he was not allowed in the house.  He was allowed to eat breakfast, get a drink of water and use the head before he left.  When he was able to pay me $5.oo per week, he regained his room 24 hrs.  When He was able to pay me $5.00 more per week. he got back his stereo and T.V.  He took three weeks to tell me he had a job (at MacDonald's).  Before the month was over he was able tp pay me $20.00 per week to have his normal room back.  I put all the money in an account for him and 6 months later  he had a down payment on a car.  Now he has a better job (construction), a girl friend he can afford and a car with insurance.  I believe that he hated me at first, but now, every once in a while, he says, Poppa, thanks for making me get up off my butt.  Things are so much more enjoyable.
926565
You have a couple of options:\n1) Do like Lizzie Borden  (ax + 40 whacks = no more parental issues)\n2) Move out - hey, at age 35, you can get a place of your own)\n3) Realize your parents don't run your life, and just do what you darned well please whether they like it or not.\n\nGood luck.
51928
I was a bit in the same situation. My parents got divorced, and my mom (she got the house), told me we were moving. My best friend lived next to me, and I was freaked. I made sure I stayed in touch though. I didn't move too far, anyway. But, if you start beign friends with him, then you can stay in touch, and you might get him to like you.
945663
Nothing has happened like I had thought it would happen, further proving that what I thought I wanted and needed wasn't really what I needed.\n\nExample: in my dreams I would graduate, become a famous journalist, marry the man of my dreams, and move to NYC. \n\nWhat really happened: I graduated from college in 3.5 years after having a baby, being hospitalized, transferring schools, planning a wedding oh and losing three family members. I married a man who is BEYOND the man of my dreams, I don't live in NYC, and I'm not a journalist. I'm a full time mom.\n\nBut you know what? I'm not upset. Things are working out just as they are supposed to.
876637
You are actually in a position to experience what every divorced man at 40 wish he could. My advice, don't take it too slow. But dont be the proverbial bull in a china cabinet either. Stock up on vitamin K. Its good for the protein drain you are about to experience. Cialis is only a dr. appt away! Go for it buddy, and if you can, have a kid. This time you won't be as strapped for cash as before. Enjoy your youth while you can. Eventhough, we now live longer, the one's here, don't care!
431361
I think you should move out even if your not sure you can do the things suggested by the previous posted. Don't go far enough that you can't get help if you really need it and so people who care about you can keep an eye on how your doing, but also pride yourself on your new found independence and don't run to them for simple things. Get roommates if you can, it lowers your rent and helps you get a better feel for things - roommates usually don't operate like a family, they operate like independent individuals living under the same roof, and they can teach you a lot if you need to learn.
685941
Wow! That is a tough situation and I have been through it myself with 3 children. I have to tell you that it is extremely hard but I got through it. I recently remarried after being divorced for 7 yrs. Do you have friends or family to depend on? I had very little support. How old is your child? Will he/she need daycare while you work or go to school? There are lots of programs with community colleges for single moms. Contact the Attorney General in your state and immediately get child support. Go to your local DHS and apply for low income housing if needed and any other services you qualify for....even day care for low income while you work or go to school. Go to community colleges and ask what programs they have for single moms with low income...some have daycare on site. Libraries have free classes for office/computer skills. Research different careers you would be happy with. Most of all, take good care of yourself by eating right,sleeping enough and having some me time because you can't be a good parent if you don't take care of yourself.You could also get a single mom room mate and split the bills and child care. Hope this helps you!
984855
Yes!My parents got divorced and I had to move with my mum and my sister with my dad.When my father married again,my step mother wouldn't let me talk to my sister or see her and my dad knew all this but he didn't move a finger.I cried a lot,I was crying home at school,everywhere.After a while my father got divorced again and I could see my sister.I've learned that everybody makes mistakes and I learned to forgive him even if that was very hard for me.Now,I decided to forget that and I'm happy cause I've let go of my past.
789367
Yeah mid 20's. But I had to move back in with my mom a few times. But I always was able to get out on my own again after a few months.
268361
you can become emancipated from your parents, which something like divorce.  why don't you see a lawyer.  you'll probably need a ride from mom or pop.
486937
Dont worry - you could be thirty and living by yourself and they will still treat you like you are 12. Thats something parents do :)\nDont worry - move out when you can and move on. Love and respect your parents but sooner or later, you need to take responsibility for your life
957168
It sounds like you've done everything possible to get your life straightened out. Good for you...I think you will get your kids back eventually. Now that there's a new case worker maybe things will change. Keep up the good work and keep praying. I hope things will work out for you.
1103689
Just remember, she probably has no idea that you wanted to be a stay at home mum and had that taken away from you. Also, maybe your ex is in a better financial position right now, so he can afford to have his new wife stay at home and not work. Feel happy in the knowledge that you escaped from a marriage that wasn't right for you, and you now have the chance to find someone who'll completely love you. Enjoy your life, and don't compare your situation to the stepmum. Goodluck.
748206
You could go to youth hostels, the YMCA, the Salvation Army.  There are lots of choices but are you sure leaving your family is a good idea right now?  I don't know what the problem is but usually if you leave before it gets resolved you will never resolve them.  I moved out when I was 16 as well and now I haven't talked to my sisters or my parents in 13 years.  Weigh your options carefully.
900467
I'm divorced, with 2 kids of my own, that live with me, and I'll tell ya, until HE is right with himself, there is NOTHING you can do.  He has to figure out what the deal is himself.  And you may need to find an alternative.