If you can possibly plough through to getting that associate degree, do it - do it - do it!!! Even if it takes you a fifth semester. Git her done!

Your self-esteem will get a permanent, solid boost. Don't drop out. You are no longer young enough to waste time. You ARE young enough to pull together a decent life . . . if you make this tough climb up a steep hill right now. It can be down.

You're tired of life being hard. I don't doubt that you got dealt an unfortunate hand. I totally get not wanting to lived with parents. But the best ticket to self-sufficiency and independence is to suck it up now, nail down that diploma and then walk through the doors that will open up. Give yourself this gift. You will thank you in years to come.

I went back for an associate's degree at age 40. I went through some bad deals over the following couple of years (took me more than 4 semester.) I was living with an alcoholic and had to move out. One of my instructors hated me, and wanted me flunked out. But I figured it was: "Do or Die." Some friends encouraged me. I made it through. It felt like I had swum the English Channel, during a hurricane, chased by sharks. That just made the achievement taste sweeter. Give yourself that gift.