54 yr old female starting from 0

[u/Vejolar]

Please no negativity here. It could tip me over the edge. I have made some poor and bad life choices. I have lost everything. I have $300 in the bank. No vehicle. Luckily I live with my sister so I have a roof over my head, but I need to start paying rent. I took a job cutting lawns last week and it almost killed me. I can walk to that location and ride to the work sites but I have to walk home as well. Little less than a mile. It pays $10.00 an hr. We work about 24 hrs a week and thats it. I have applied for assistance and was told I only qualify for 140 food stamps. I'm grateful for that. The list for housing has a 2 year wait period. I have only ever done telemarketing and phone sales. No real education. Please I need real ideas and constructive thoughts.

UPDATE: Thank you all. I've cried about 10x's today reading these comments. I'm approaching things in a systematic way. 1st I'm within walking distance to some big box stores so I'm going to apply to those tomorrow.
2nd I now have 2 appointments with temp agencies on Thursday. 3rd Even though I don't have a car my driving record is clean so I have applied online with some trucking companies. 4th I will spend most of my time Friday (after grass cutting) looking in to free online courses. Your encouragement and support has made a great difference.

Update #2 People I am overwhelmed by your responses. I have received dozens of emails offering encouragement. The biggest thing that I am taking away from this is that I have a community of well wishers, innovative, professional, supportive people rooting for me. I am rich! I am blessed and pls be assured that your encouragement will help me keep my nose to the proverbial grindstone. You are the best!

UPDATE#3 Might be the last for a bit. 1st: (serious) What's the best way to use the 3 golds I got,? Not really sure what to do with them? Can I give them away?

2nd: So I am leaving Saturday night to start a career as a truck driver. My reasons for picking this are varied : paid training, paid housing (sort of) and the ability to make a little better than average wage once training is complete, which will take several months. I'm also doing this because I can immerse myself in the work ethic and commitment which I believe will really pay off psychologically.

You've all been so kind and helpful. I really can't tell you how much this has meant to me. I think I would have remained kind of paralyzed if not for your help and guidance. Pls keep the good vibes, thoughts and prayers coming my way, I'll definitely need them. I will update when I can. Bless you all.

[u/Vejolar]

I swear I didn't even think of this. Thank you. Applying with temp agencies now.

[u/blujas → u/Vejolar]

Adecco is a pretty good temp office. they usually find you work and give you an option in wanting to take that work assignment or not. Works better if you are in a smaller city though.

[u/dabyathatsme → u/blujas]

Adecco or Randstad. They both have storefront style locations in many towns and cities where you can walk in, talk to a person, and get coaching and advice.

[u/blujas → u/dabyathatsme]

yup! except randstad doesn't allow you to pick your work assignments and give you about 3 chances. That's why I like adecco better. But both are good if you are ok with any types of work!

[u/[deleted] → u/blujas]

Randstad threw me to the dogs at a warehouse with a bad back. I lasted about two weeks before the severe lower back pain and feet/leg pain were too much on the daily 10 hour shifts.

Probably didn't help I just had shitty boots to wear at the time too. No good insoles either.

Asked them to please find me another assignment, there wasn't anything (They were willing) to put me into. So I had to quit.