Sounds like a lot of stuff going on there. Sounds like some of your options involve spending more money. I'm not sure it would be a good fit but trade unions are a great option, with elevator and electrical being among the best pay. You can go in dumb as a box of rocks (not that you are), and start earning a decent wage from day 1. It will give you all benefits including some kind of retirement and your training will cost you nothing. At some point it could even, at some point, open doors for you to use your education. While you will start at the bottom, pay increases are decent and steady, required by contract. It was the best decision I ever made.