I recently transitioned from being an automotive technician to a service writer due to the physical demands of my previous role. My body just couldn't handle the strain of pulling engines and transmissions anymore. I took a new job that offered a better fit and was sent to a six-month training program, spending five days in Atlanta and the rest of the time in video meetings. I was determined to succeed and ended up finishing in the top 3 out of 25 participants by consistently exceeding the required metrics. However, as I approached the end of my training, it felt like my employer was trying to sabotage my progress. They constantly interrupted my meetings with urgent requests, which added a lot of stress and caused me to miss assignments. Although I managed to catch up, my grades suffered as a result. My role expanded significantly; I went from being a service writer to managing the shop, directing workflow, handling employee schedules, and even running customer workshops. Despite all this responsibility, I was only making about $750 a week after taxes. I've held a master automotive technician certification and excelled in diagnostics and electrical work, but I've never been able to break the $38k annual salary barrier. It feels like I've spent my life making money for others while struggling to get by myself. My wife has been in her job for 15 years and makes over $85k, which adds to my feelings of inadequacy. Since 2019, I've had to move multiple times due to shop closures or not being paid what I'm worth. I stopped doing the hard diagnostic work and started taking on easier tasks just to get by. Currently, I have a new job starting next week that pays $15 an hour, and I've been on eight interviews since last month. I hear stories of people making $65-100k a year, and I can't help but wonder what that feels like. The thought of being able to afford rent, groceries, and even a new car seems so distant. Lately, I've been struggling with feelings of worthlessness and even thoughts of ending it all. I just can't understand why I'm having such a hard time making ends meet.