I am frustrated beyond expression with trying to earn a living. I'm smart, polite, clean cut, responsible, have 9 years of college, a master's degree, and have worked a variety of jobs. I'm working from 6:15-10:00 AM in a kitchen, mostly washing dishes, and I'm grateful for the job. I really am.

It seems like I've been "typecast" in jobs that don't even require high school. The biggest problem is that I'm not suited to them. I have epilepsy, and had back surgery about six months ago. I recently applied for several jobs that could have changed my life. They weren't huge, just part time, but I'm not even considered. I was well qualified or overqualified. It's so discouraging. I have applied for disability. This has been going on for 15 years.

I tried going to school last year to get a vocational certificate, but had to drop out because of my back. I'm about maxed out on my credit cards, don't have a permanent place to live, have a lot of education debt, and feel like I'm headed for a crash soon.