It looks like the system failed you. Like you, I was always told by society that if you want any chance at success or even a decent job, you must go to college. In reality, education has become a commodity. Bachelor degrees are everywhere, and employers have no trouble finding them. It is a minimum requirement for a career, much like a high school diploma was 50 years ago. Today, the important thing to have on your resume is experience. People want to know what you have accomplished. What problems have you solved?

In my attempt to be helpful, I would encourage you to consider your situation a blessing. First of all, you live in a world where it’s never been easier to be a writer. The gatekeepers are losing their power. Audiences and creators have direct contact thanks to technology. The cost of creating and distributing content has never been lower. The trick is, actually creating something that provides value to people. You will get better at this with more experience. Secondly, you are blessed to be in a situation that is very conducive to blazing your own trail. You don’t have bills or kids, so your only financial obligation right now is to provide for yourself. If you can learn to survive and thrive in a simple lifestyle, building your portfolio on the side in order to plant the seeds of investment will pay off. Forget the system. Forget minimum wage. If what I have seen of your writing here on Medium is any indication of your ability, I know you can deliver content that will lead audiences and the people with the money right to your doorstep.

The same encouragement applies to your passion for activism. You have the power to bring people together. Good luck.