I grew up in a small town. Everybody talked about it like it was some kind of paradise you'd never want to leave, but everyone hated everyone else and no one really seemed happy. They talked about me like I wasn't ever going anywhere, and like I was going to just marry some guy from church and settle down like everyone else here does.

I went to college and commuted back home daily since campus is a half hour away. It saved money but it also kind of gave me perspective going back and forth between those environments so much, how much different stuff is in the city. So I decided I'd move to the city, and even bigger one, and it has gone bad. Like my boss making weird moves at me and starting to worry about how I'm gonna make rent without going along with it.

It was easier back home, but I was miserable. I'm happy here, even if it's a lot harder, but it's quickly getting harder than I can handle. How does everyone else make this work? I went to college, I work hard, I do everything everyone said I'm supposed to but it's still just difficult all the time.

>>33359779 (OP)
sorry to hear about your boss, tell me more about what's happening. Assuming you're American you may have a claim against your employer for harassment. You should google for employment lawyers near you that have a free consultation.

As for how people make things work, I was living in NYC on $50k a few years ago, and living quite comfortably. The main thing really was just living with roommates to cut down on housing costs. I had 3 roommates in a small apartment, my room was the size of a monk's cell, not even big enough for a desk. The apartment just had a kitchen, 1 bathroom, and no living room. Not in a glamorous neighborhood, though not a dangerous one. But I was paying $750 a month, and it was a 5 minute walk to the subway, so I didn't need a car. If I wanted a 1 bedroom for myself, or even a studio I wouldn't have been able to find anything for less than like $2500 in my neighborhood. That would have been untenable.

>>33359809
and as for how I made things stop being difficult all the time, I decided to quit my job and go to law school. Recently graduated and started working, making 4x what I used to. Unfortunately just going to college isn't enough to have a good middle/upper class lifestyle in the city.

Another thing, if you live with a partner everything becomes cheaper since you can split the cost of a 1 bedroom, and you have 2 incomes. I never did because tfwnogf, but it's undeniable that it boosts your living standard.

>>33359779 (OP)
I won't read your autobiography on an advice board. Get to the point next time.