Need advice and/or a smack to the head.

Hi there! There's been a lot on my mind lately particularly on taking advantage of having DACA while its still alive. And making the best of what we've been given!

A bit of background, I'm 27 (next wk). No college at all (Really want to this year) graduated HS in 2008. I've had DACA since 2013 and I've only ever worked for 1 place since then.

I started as 28/hr wk crew making $8/hr and I moved up to Assistant manager making 28k for 1 year until i stepped back down due to being overworked and not paid well (Salary + Fast Food not a good combo.)

I am still in that same place however I am now making 13/hr and have put in about 50 hrs of overtime this year so far at $19.50/hr. Its ok but this is not where I want to end up forever so I am more determined than ever to move onto the next step. Just lost.

Between our Tax refunds/credits+savings we have around 17k in the bank. Its nice but my parents are attempting to adjust this year by my USC sister who turns 21 in May. Attorney has quoted them at 5k each to process it. I am more than happy to give them all that money as long as I am able to move on my own and have my own life.

Here's where i am now. I still live with my parents, I help pay half the bills but I am ready to move forward. How do you deal with the guilt and fear of leaving them behind since they've needed me since day 1 of arriving in this country in 1998?

I am not in the most friendliest state (NC) so no instate tuition is part of the reason i never tried College, also it is very tough to find work here with no legal status. My only other family is in Brownsville TX and Atlanta GA. Moving as a whole family is not an option however I'd be open to moving elsewhere on my own.

I basically need a reality check/advice from someone else who has moved forward in their life to make the best of this gift we've been given. I am well aware this country owes us nothing and I am extremely happy with what i've been given. However, I feel like i am not using it to the max potential so it definitely brings me down.

Where exactly did or do you work?

If you don't take care of yourself then no one will. You are an adult and need to move forward with your own independent life. This does not mean to leave your parents without support but also gives them a chance to grow themselves.

I am not sure if community college is an option in your state but you can start there.

Look into an occupation perhaps rather than a career

You're right and I am ready to do whatever it takes.
I guess overall i have taken a backseat in my life and just worked at this job with no real plan for the future. Afterall any kind of education plan i had went out the window once I graduated HS and saw my family couldn't afford to pay out of state tuition.

I've also been waiting for this year when my sister can adjust my parents to finally not feel as if i have to keep being here for them for every little thing.

Now the interesting part begins I'm definitely a little anxious. I have no clue where to begin but was still gonna try to take at least some college classes this summer. Looking into other job opportunities in the mean time.

Dream on