Cosmic Rose, don't give up hope. The idea of everyone seamlessly going from high school to college, then to a job is a strategy that worked for half the Millennials and left the rest high and dry. Focus on what you CAN do right now.

What you CAN do is take a job in admin where you can utilize your phlebotomy knowledge. Does a clinic or hospital need someone to do an admin job and have knowledge of medical terminology?

Is there a way to apply for a temp agency and take an admin or clerical job that comes along?

Would you be willing to take on a customer service type job in an office, utilizing the customer service experience from your sales job?

I know it does suck and it is hard right now. One thing to remember is this is NOT forever. This is temporary. It's just a hurdle to get through for the next handful of years until you are able to afford the things you want.

One thing I can remember from being around your age, and from being in one's 20's is the assumption if life isn't following an expected path it means it must be awful. It's not. It's becoming very rare for people to find they can go from hs to college graduate to fancy corporate job with no debt or problems. It's just life.

Also, I wouldn't bother with the military unless it's what you want to do. Veteran's Affairs is overwhelmed, and many employers won't hire vets. No sense in possibly putting yourself in a more complicated situation, 4 years from now.