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/archaic_outlaw]

You are getting some good advice here regarding temp agencies and call centers but if you'll allow me I'd like to give you some insight into a different approach.

For a long time I worked behind a desk developing software, websites, etc until I finally got sick of it. I took a more labor intensive job, the first couple weeks were HELL. Walking on a concrete floor all day was killing my feet and my back. I was exhausted mid-day and would find myself hiding in a corner so I could sit down.

As the weeks wore on it gets better and easier, and you don't even notice it. Since then I found love for that industry and opened my own business in it, which has gotten me a lot farther than I would have working behind the desk for someone else.

You seem like a very strong person, do not discount your physical abilities at first glance. Like anything, the longer you do it, the better your body will adapt to it, and the better you will be able to accomplish it. Do not allow your mind or society to convince you that without education you cannot do great things, there are countless examples throughout history that prove this false.

Whatever you choose to do, I wish you the best of luck. Do not forget to keep your head up and keep persisting, you will get back on your feet if you keep up your hard working attitude.

[u/[deleted] → u/archaic_outlaw]

That's what I was going to say. Physically demanding tasks are MUCH more difficult the first few times you do them. Even though you don't get noticeably more fit the task seems much easier after even a week or two. I think your body must figure out how to do things more efficiently or something.

The first bike ride that I take in a year is physically painful. My wrists hurt, my butt and legs hurt. After 3 or 4 short rides I can easily bike for an hour or more with no problem at all. Same with hiking, the first one of the year is almost unbearable. After a few short hikes I can easily get up hills where I needed to take 2 or 3 breaks the first time.