I work at a menial not-quite-minimum-wage-but-barely-better retail job, and have for the last number of years. Years of barely making rent, of juggling state insurance, of having to beg for enough hours to make it through, of coming home just exhausted. I could go into all of the soul crushing and horrible aspects of working for a small business that constantly emotionally manipulates its workers into feeling like they are responsible for the financial health of the business (one of them being how many customers love to think they're supporting such a morally good thing by shopping there. oh the things i wish i could tell you, lady buying a 35$ candle) but I'm sure there are lots of you with that experience and I don't have to beat the dead horse.
Got up today absolutely resolved that come hell or high water, I will have a new job by June. June-ish. Worked really hard on a cover letter for an opening that I'm pretty excited about at a company that has a reputation for some of the best benefits in the state (union, insane PTO for the states, best health insurance in the state, 112% 401k match) and got a response to interview within just a few hours of applying! Even if I don't get this gig, it put me in a really good mental place to know for certain that I am making the right choice, and have the strength to actually put the footwork into getting the pay that I deserve, at a job that doesn't make me want to walk into the ocean. Taking luck, or prayers, or whatever it is you subscribe to! Sending my luck and encouragement etc. to everyone on this sub!