<prompt> Human: About 2 years ago I was in a bad place financially. I was in a bad seperation which left my bank account in the red about 250, upcoming bills around 2500, lawyer fees at about 7k, credit debt at 11.5k, and a truck loan for 32k. Everything was loosley planned out but when my spouse ran off with everything I was in shambles. I was earning 28hr which may sound like a lot to some people but it was just enough to bearly get by. I was losing sleep and weight from the stress. What Im saying is, Ive been where many of you are now.I asked a close family member for a 10k loan. He said yes but it would need to be paid back within 6 months. I knew I couldnt do it. I went to the bank, but didnt qualify for a loan. I had no choice but to make it work.My brother gave me a piece of advice that I will never forget, and it has changed my life. It was hard to comprehend as a nice guy, but was absolutley correct.Always bet on yourself, and fuck everyone else.Within one week I asked to have my job switched to salary, they said no. There goes my attempt at a steady income. Then I asked what it would take for me to make a substancial raise. Apparently nothing I could do would get me there.One week later I opened a phone book, yes phone book. And called competing companies. 3rd phone call got me an interview, that interview got me a 100 raise. In believing in myself I doubled my income. seasonaly my point is, I doubted my ability. After I took the job my prior employer of 5 years tried to offer me a raise to keep me. But that advice rang in my head. Now on jobs, I take everything they can give me, I work weekends, and bid on my own contracts. I dont drink, smoke weed or eat out to often. I cook from scratch and my outlet is work and the gym. I turned my career into my hobby, and my hobby into my passion. I got 2 roomates, cut my household bills by 66. And in that 2 years have paid off the lawyers, 12k in credit debt and havent missed a truck payment. Not only that, but Ive put away 20k. For me it isnt enough and I will continue to grind. Ive booked my first real vacation ever and never been happier.So to each and every one of you I say this. Youve got this, dont fret. Bet on yourself and fuck everyone else. If your employer cared about you enough they would find a way to help you. If they dont offer, pit them against the competition. Its your life, they just live in it!EditYes, I have fat fingers and im on my cell phone. Im not giving advice on spelling or errors, but thanks.Yes it has taken a massive toll on my free time and social life. I am dating but it is the least of my concerns. And the girls im dating know its business first.I work about 8-10 hours on site 5 days a week. And about 1-2 hours per night doing the paper side of work. My income has doubled, but my efforts have exceeded that. Thank you to everyone, I really did not expect to reach so many people. To those who doubt what im saying, or give an excuse as to why im lucky or it wouldnt work for them. This is the attitude that is holding you back. Dont let it or anyone else hold you back from getting what you want in life. Set strong realistic goals and stay on course. Good luck to all of you!Edit 2 shit...I got gold. Thanks to whoever did that!Edit 3. My raise in income is not hourly. I do not make 58hr. I run my own contracts, through another company. They offer me a flat rate for a job. I take every single job. Some days I earn 2200day some days I earn nearly nothing. But it has averaged out to about 60hr if I worked 8 hours. Quite often I work 12-14. Not only that but I have expences now that I dont have an employer to provide me my tools. But no matter how you cut it, it was a good moveEdit 4For those of you still wondering. No dont go out and screw over other people. But if it comes down to you or them choose you.My buddy has 3 degrees, and is a certified train conductor. He got his train papers and needed a job until he got the call. I hired him on because hes my friend and I love him. With no experience he started as my labourer. 10 months later he got the call and moved. 4 months later he moved back. I pay him more than he made as a train conductor with 3 degrees. He gets a percentage of what we earn, this way I cant lose and it motivates him to work harder. One year in with no experience and hes making around 25hr. You see I could hire 2 labourers at 11hr but having him doesnt hurt me. It just benefits us both.Assistant: Great story but the spelling mistakes really bother me Human: Sorry bud, typing on my cell phone and i have big fat fingers  <response>: Ya its obviously not a big deal, Im just a dick. Glad to hear you turned things around 