Help If you had roughly 15k USD saved up, how would you approach your life next based on my situation below?

[Kalista]

If you were in my shoes, what you would do with roughly 15k USD saved up?

This is my last ditch effort to do something in my life. If it doesn't work or it can't happen, then I'm exiting.

The situation is I live with a roommate. My rent share is about 1k and I cover the Internet service full for around $80. I would still have to pay some rent because the roommate is still asking for some amount. I have no family nor friends that can support me with what I'm going through -- all of them are cut off for many reasons mental health related. I work at some aerospace company that pays me the most I've ever gotten, but something happened at work with a few people and now I no longer intend on going back there. I've been on a leave of absence (Federally protected job) for about 3 months now and I'm supposed to go back to work next week. I have a medical debt that is not past due from when I was involuntarily checked in the hospital in November after what had happened with coworker. Car bills that need to be paid as well, and a credit card that is accumulating because I don't have much money anymore on my checking. In short, I'm in debt and it's stacking up as the days go on.
I'm depressed and lonely and would sometimes have the urge to just pursue something the money I have left to see if it'll get anywhere. If it fails, then I'll just exit. I do hesitate, yet when I think about how things are, it's like what's the point of continuing if things are going to be miserable?
I'm tired of working and I just want to do what I enjoy doing. There's more to this simple statement that I'm revealing.
Anything that I do next with the money will mean I would quit the job that I have now and maybe work a part time job for a little income. While pursuing a project that will hopefully take off in the near future.
For my to get the 15k is to quit the job because it's from my 401k. Part of it will go to some of the debt just to not have to worry about it anymore.

The options I've thought about on what to use the money for are as follows:
- Originally I streamed playing games and drawing to feel less lonely, but now I want the channel to grow and be successful. I would like to take this seriously, improve the channel, and attract viewers. Making it a source of income along with a Patreon and YouTube page. I'm aware of how competitive and challenging this is. It's not a typical job yet it exists and it can work. I would place my all into this project.

- Find a part time job and invest the money to pursue competitive gaming by hiring a coach and being part of an eSports team. I imagine this to be really challenging and many will say it's unrealistic, but not impossible. I do have the mindset for these games so that makes me less worried.

- Move to another country. The list is of countries are: Canada, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, and possibly Philippines as a last resort. I want a fresh start. Away from all the history that fucked me up here. The problem with this is I can't do it alone. I'm desperate to find someone in those countries to help me get started as it is all overwhelming. Having a temporary place to live in while I get settled and also to be referred to a new job that will help me with my visa and permanent residence. I've never done anything like this so it's the most challenging. Especially when I'm leaving everything here.
While I'm at the new country, I'll be self-studying Data Science to get a certificate that is recognizable by many companies. Getting better income and being able to sufficiently support myself in the end. While being able to do what I want during my free time. Ideally a work-from-home job. That's the hope, anyway.
I'd be somewhat interested in moving to a different State rather than a country.

The time limit I've set is next week on Monday to decide what I need to do. Otherwise I'll just take my SN and exit.

What would you do while keeping some of the things above in mind?
I'm asking to see if what anyone says will give me an idea on what to do next. Preferably I'd like to move to another country with someone that will welcome me and help with the transition.

 

[Leavesfromthevine]

As someone who's scared of doing risky things like that I don't think I could give any solid advice but I will wish you good luck with whatever endeavors you decide.

 

[Argo]

What would you do while keeping some of the things above in mind?

I would make sure to get 10-20 minutes of serious, deliberate, mindfulness meditation in every single day if I were trying to survive "The grind". That would be the highest priority aside from basic needs like food, sleep, shelter.

 

[deedeme]

Invest and have another source of income. You got the right ideas, and of course they each come with their risks. There's always a price to pay.

In your place I would give it a try as a last resort. Don't give up yet, you have the means to start this journey.

Being realistic, moving to another country is pretty hard if you have no support. However it is still possible. Give it some time. For now focus on your other alternatives.

I wish you good luck.

 

[Whale_bones]

This is just from reading your post, but it seems to me like you still have passion for certain activities and the capacity to enjoy things. If I were in your shoes, I would say why not give something a go? If your other option is CTB, it's not like you'd be wishing you kept a certain job after doing that. You might as well take one of the paths you listed and see where it takes you.

I don't know anything about eSports, but as for YouTube and actually making money from it, luck is a huge factor. Many YouTubers that are making a living had a video randomly picked up by the algorithm, and they first got a significant audience off of that, even if they were making the same quality of content for a long time before that.

But many small YTers still have a loyal following that has a real sense of community, and they get a lot of enjoyment out of making content and interacting with their community, regardless of the monetary aspect. Plus, with Patreon, making money becomes a lot more feasible than just relying on Adsense. So I'd say go for that one, you never know where it could lead you.

 

[Praestat_Mori]

We can only win when we take risks. You have obviouly a ctb plan as a last resort in any case. I would postpone the CTB-plan and try new things first. You'd have the option of money to start over again.

If you like gaming/streaming and as u said u have started a utube channel but neglected it then u already have sth to build on. I would do sth what I really would like to do and what has chances to earn a living mid and long term.

Regarding the countries you mentioned u have to check living / housing costs especially. The Philippines r probably the "cheapest" country to live in from the mentioned ones. That would give you more time to start with ur business bc u can live longer from savings.

Those r some thoughts I had after reading OP. Only you know which risks u want to take. I wish u good luck with ur plan.

 

[26mmmm]

If you were in my shoes, what you would do with roughly 15k USD saved up?

This is my last ditch effort to do something in my life. If it doesn't work or it can't happen, then I'm exiting.

The situation is I live with a roommate. My rent share is about 1k and I cover the Internet service full for around $80. I would still have to pay some rent because the roommate is still asking for some amount. I have no family nor friends that can support me with what I'm going through -- all of them are cut off for many reasons mental health related. I work at some aerospace company that pays me the most I've ever gotten, but something happened at work with a few people and now I no longer intend on going back there. I've been on a leave of absence (Federally protected job) for about 3 months now and I'm supposed to go back to work next week. I have a medical debt that is not past due from when I was involuntarily checked in the hospital in November after what had happened with coworker. Car bills that need to be paid as well, and a credit card that is accumulating because I don't have much money anymore on my checking. In short, I'm in debt and it's stacking up as the days go on.
I'm depressed and lonely and would sometimes have the urge to just pursue something the money I have left to see if it'll get anywhere. If it fails, then I'll just exit. I do hesitate, yet when I think about how things are, it's like what's the point of continuing if things are going to be miserable?
I'm tired of working and I just want to do what I enjoy doing. There's more to this simple statement that I'm revealing.
Anything that I do next with the money will mean I would quit the job that I have now and maybe work a part time job for a little income. While pursuing a project that will hopefully take off in the near future.
For my to get the 15k is to quit the job because it's from my 401k. Part of it will go to some of the debt just to not have to worry about it anymore.

The options I've thought about on what to use the money for are as follows:
- Originally I streamed playing games and drawing to feel less lonely, but now I want the channel to grow and be successful. I would like to take this seriously, improve the channel, and attract viewers. Making it a source of income along with a Patreon and YouTube page. I'm aware of how competitive and challenging this is. It's not a typical job yet it exists and it can work. I would place my all into this project.

- Find a part time job and invest the money to pursue competitive gaming by hiring a coach and being part of an eSports team. I imagine this to be really challenging and many will say it's unrealistic, but not impossible. I do have the mindset for these games so that makes me less worried.

- Move to another country. The list is of countries are: Canada, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, and possibly Philippines as a last resort. I want a fresh start. Away from all the history that fucked me up here. The problem with this is I can't do it alone. I'm desperate to find someone in those countries to help me get started as it is all overwhelming. Having a temporary place to live in while I get settled and also to be referred to a new job that will help me with my visa and permanent residence. I've never done anything like this so it's the most challenging. Especially when I'm leaving everything here.
While I'm at the new country, I'll be self-studying Data Science to get a certificate that is recognizable by many companies. Getting better income and being able to sufficiently support myself in the end. While being able to do what I want during my free time. Ideally a work-from-home job. That's the hope, anyway.
I'd be somewhat interested in moving to a different State rather than a country.

The time limit I've set is next week on Monday to decide what I need to do. Otherwise I'll just take my SN and exit.

What would you do while keeping some of the things above in mind?
I'm asking to see if what anyone says will give me an idea on what to do next. Preferably I'd like to move to another country with someone that will welcome me and help with the transition.

Dont have experience with any of those things so I cant give much advice, but theres probably alot of luck involved in succeeding with esports and youtube .

Can you do those things maybe, and taking them seriously if you want, without putting too much on the line? Investing in it more than you did but not completely.

 

[sserafim]

If you were in my shoes, what you would do with roughly 15k USD saved up?

This is my last ditch effort to do something in my life. If it doesn't work or it can't happen, then I'm exiting.

The situation is I live with a roommate. My rent share is about 1k and I cover the Internet service full for around $80. I would still have to pay some rent because the roommate is still asking for some amount. I have no family nor friends that can support me with what I'm going through -- all of them are cut off for many reasons mental health related. I work at some aerospace company that pays me the most I've ever gotten, but something happened at work with a few people and now I no longer intend on going back there. I've been on a leave of absence (Federally protected job) for about 3 months now and I'm supposed to go back to work next week. I have a medical debt that is not past due from when I was involuntarily checked in the hospital in November after what had happened with coworker. Car bills that need to be paid as well, and a credit card that is accumulating because I don't have much money anymore on my checking. In short, I'm in debt and it's stacking up as the days go on.
I'm depressed and lonely and would sometimes have the urge to just pursue something the money I have left to see if it'll get anywhere. If it fails, then I'll just exit. I do hesitate, yet when I think about how things are, it's like what's the point of continuing if things are going to be miserable?
I'm tired of working and I just want to do what I enjoy doing. There's more to this simple statement that I'm revealing.
Anything that I do next with the money will mean I would quit the job that I have now and maybe work a part time job for a little income. While pursuing a project that will hopefully take off in the near future.
For my to get the 15k is to quit the job because it's from my 401k. Part of it will go to some of the debt just to not have to worry about it anymore.

The options I've thought about on what to use the money for are as follows:
- Originally I streamed playing games and drawing to feel less lonely, but now I want the channel to grow and be successful. I would like to take this seriously, improve the channel, and attract viewers. Making it a source of income along with a Patreon and YouTube page. I'm aware of how competitive and challenging this is. It's not a typical job yet it exists and it can work. I would place my all into this project.

- Find a part time job and invest the money to pursue competitive gaming by hiring a coach and being part of an eSports team. I imagine this to be really challenging and many will say it's unrealistic, but not impossible. I do have the mindset for these games so that makes me less worried.

- Move to another country. The list is of countries are: Canada, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, and possibly Philippines as a last resort. I want a fresh start. Away from all the history that fucked me up here. The problem with this is I can't do it alone. I'm desperate to find someone in those countries to help me get started as it is all overwhelming. Having a temporary place to live in while I get settled and also to be referred to a new job that will help me with my visa and permanent residence. I've never done anything like this so it's the most challenging. Especially when I'm leaving everything here.
While I'm at the new country, I'll be self-studying Data Science to get a certificate that is recognizable by many companies. Getting better income and being able to sufficiently support myself in the end. While being able to do what I want during my free time. Ideally a work-from-home job. That's the hope, anyway.
I'd be somewhat interested in moving to a different State rather than a country.

The time limit I've set is next week on Monday to decide what I need to do. Otherwise I'll just take my SN and exit.

What would you do while keeping some of the things above in mind?
I'm asking to see if what anyone says will give me an idea on what to do next. Preferably I'd like to move to another country with someone that will welcome me and help with the transition.

Go traveling and see the world, then apply for euthanasia (Dignitas, Pegasos, etc) and peace out

 

[ShadowsBeforeDawn]

If you were in my shoes, what you would do with roughly 15k USD saved up?

This is my last ditch effort to do something in my life. If it doesn't work or it can't happen, then I'm exiting.

The situation is I live with a roommate. My rent share is about 1k and I cover the Internet service full for around $80. I would still have to pay some rent because the roommate is still asking for some amount. I have no family nor friends that can support me with what I'm going through -- all of them are cut off for many reasons mental health related. I work at some aerospace company that pays me the most I've ever gotten, but something happened at work with a few people and now I no longer intend on going back there. I've been on a leave of absence (Federally protected job) for about 3 months now and I'm supposed to go back to work next week. I have a medical debt that is not past due from when I was involuntarily checked in the hospital in November after what had happened with coworker. Car bills that need to be paid as well, and a credit card that is accumulating because I don't have much money anymore on my checking. In short, I'm in debt and it's stacking up as the days go on.
I'm depressed and lonely and would sometimes have the urge to just pursue something the money I have left to see if it'll get anywhere. If it fails, then I'll just exit. I do hesitate, yet when I think about how things are, it's like what's the point of continuing if things are going to be miserable?
I'm tired of working and I just want to do what I enjoy doing. There's more to this simple statement that I'm revealing.
Anything that I do next with the money will mean I would quit the job that I have now and maybe work a part time job for a little income. While pursuing a project that will hopefully take off in the near future.
For my to get the 15k is to quit the job because it's from my 401k. Part of it will go to some of the debt just to not have to worry about it anymore.

The options I've thought about on what to use the money for are as follows:
- Originally I streamed playing games and drawing to feel less lonely, but now I want the channel to grow and be successful. I would like to take this seriously, improve the channel, and attract viewers. Making it a source of income along with a Patreon and YouTube page. I'm aware of how competitive and challenging this is. It's not a typical job yet it exists and it can work. I would place my all into this project.

- Find a part time job and invest the money to pursue competitive gaming by hiring a coach and being part of an eSports team. I imagine this to be really challenging and many will say it's unrealistic, but not impossible. I do have the mindset for these games so that makes me less worried.

- Move to another country. The list is of countries are: Canada, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, and possibly Philippines as a last resort. I want a fresh start. Away from all the history that fucked me up here. The problem with this is I can't do it alone. I'm desperate to find someone in those countries to help me get started as it is all overwhelming. Having a temporary place to live in while I get settled and also to be referred to a new job that will help me with my visa and permanent residence. I've never done anything like this so it's the most challenging. Especially when I'm leaving everything here.
While I'm at the new country, I'll be self-studying Data Science to get a certificate that is recognizable by many companies. Getting better income and being able to sufficiently support myself in the end. While being able to do what I want during my free time. Ideally a work-from-home job. That's the hope, anyway.
I'd be somewhat interested in moving to a different State rather than a country.

The time limit I've set is next week on Monday to decide what I need to do. Otherwise I'll just take my SN and exit.

What would you do while keeping some of the things above in mind?
I'm asking to see if what anyone says will give me an idea on what to do next. Preferably I'd like to move to another country with someone that will welcome me and help with the transition.

If I was in your shoes (and hopefully they're big shoes cause I have some boats for feet) and wanted to give living a full on try, I would probably start with addressing the debt either through debt consolidation or contacting each one and seeing what they would be willing to negotiate. I've had to do this previously and it made a huge difference.

It sounds liked you have a background in aerospace, which likely provides you with transferrable skills. I would look for companies in another State or countries that have an industry. This could help address your moving expenses or sponsor you for a work visa. I'd also look for salaried jobs as they generally come with benefits (to avoid more medical debt). If I was looking at other countries, I would target ones whose currency is weaker on the American dollar, to stretch that $15K out longer and universal health care, if you anticipate further health issues. However much of the $15K I could invest, I would put away on one year intervals in high interest accounts. If you find a country that has tax free savings accounts, even better!!

Once I get that lined up, I would look for small one bedroom apt, utilities included. This will enable me to build up my streaming channel, regardless of the time and not have people in the background. I'd also look to cut costs like internet (I wouldnt pay more than $40 a month for unlimited) and find a good phone with data plan for around $50 so that I could hotspot my streams if I needed to.

Not sure if any of this is helpful for you?

 

[Linda]

15K is not much and probably not enough to support a major change. My advice is something you probably don't want to hear: go back to your job, if you can, and accumulate a significantly larger sum. When your financial position is stronger, you will be much better placed to make a major change.

 

[Whale_bones]

15K is not much and probably not enough to support a major change. My advice is something you probably don't want to hear: go back to your job, if you can, and accumulate a significantly larger sum. When your financial position is stronger, you will be much better placed to make a major change.

They've outright stated they're going to CTB next Monday if they don't try something different, though. I get such a feeling of frustration and despair when I see people who actually want to keep living, and all they're wanting is a change, but societal expectations in one way or another make them stay trapped in a place they absolutely can't stand, a place they're so miserable that they literally prefer death. We're really going to put something like "financial planning" ahead of actual life and death, when the person has explicitly stated that's what's on the line for them? It just makes no sense to me.

 

[Linda]

They've outright stated they're going to CTB next Monday if they don't try something different, though. I get such a feeling of frustration and despair when I see people who actually want to keep living, and all they're wanting is a change, but societal expectations in one way or another make them stay trapped in a place they absolutely can't stand, a place they're so miserable that they literally prefer death. We're really going to put something like "financial planning" ahead of actual life and death, when the person has explicitly stated that's what's on the line for them? It just makes no sense to me.

You are mistaken. OP stated that the Monday deadline is to decide what to do.

 

[Thanksforeverything]

Out of the three options you've listed, moving to a different country is most likely your best option. Finding a person to help you with the translation would be a nice addition, but it's certainly not necessary. However, with 15K, Asia's most likely your best bet since all the EU and NA countries you've listed are pretty similar in terms of living expenses as the US. Somewhere like the Philippines/Indonesia/Thailand would be a good place to start looking. If you go to any of the major cities in these countries, odds are you're not going to have trouble with communication a whole lot and you can start to pick up the language slowly as you start working. I've heard plenty of people who've completely uprooted their lives and they always say that taking the first step to throw yourself into the unknown is the hardest. I'd say start looking at job listings online and post your resume before you fly in. This will reduce issues with getting visas and whatnot as the company will help you sort these out. If you've got a college degree, it shouldn't be particularly difficult to secure a job in any of these places. At the very least, you can find a job working as an English teacher.

As for Youtube/Streaming, these are very volatile fields. Bear in mind, while these jobs allow you the freedom to pursue passion projects and create your own hours, they're quite deceptively difficult. Most people who find success in these fields work extremely hard and that's on top of the initial luck required to even start a viewer base. And you don't only get to make whatever you like. Much of that's dependent on what the audience is receptive to or what the algorithm likes.

For eSports, this is an even bigger hurdle. Having a certain mindset for games doesn't necessarily translate into the skills that are required for this field. With young talents popping up everywhere, if you already aren't insanely good at something, like 0.0001% of the best at a game, no coach will be able to guarantee you a shot at a career with absolute certainty. On top of all that, it is extremely grueling work. 9 to 5 jobs couldn't possibly even compare to how much you need to grind and the mental toll it takes on you unless you already know you're suited for it.

None of what I said is meant to discourage you and whatever decision you make. But as I've listed, every one of these options will come with some drawbacks and you're just going to have to tackle them head-on. I wish you the very best.

 

[Whale_bones]

You are mistaken. OP stated that the Monday deadline is to decide what to do.

This is my last ditch effort to do something in my life. If it doesn't work or it can't happen, then I'm exiting.

The time limit I've set is next week on Monday to decide what I need to do. Otherwise I'll just take my SN and exit.