<prompt> Human: Some information:-I graduated college with a degree in architecture in 2010-The economy has made it almost impossible for me to find a job doing much other than random side jobs and waiting tables part time. I had a good job at a firm and was laid off after 13 months in Sept. 2012-I have 65k in student debt, about 13 government loans-I have a maxed out CCard of 10k, and 3k in another card.-I fell into hard times my thesis year and left without the ability to pay the last 5k of my tuition. I walked and got a blank paper at graduation, but am very sad I cant afford to pay to get my degree from the bursar.-I own no property, I own a 3k car, other than clothes and a 4 year old laptop ... Thats all I have. I live with my girlfriend who handles rent and everything, otherwise between my student loans and CC payment, I couldnt afford to rent on my 1.4k per month UC benefits.Im very stressed out, I feel like I could struggle for 10 years paying off stuff or liquidate and start over before my girlfriend and I get married. I see myself being forced out of architecture due to the poor job market. Im working with a job counselor in my citys unemployment program, but they shrug their shoulders at me due to my high education and talent. Should I start calling lawyers or are there credit counseling routes I can take? Im scared of how far out of control this has become.  <response>: Take a few deep breaths. Go hug your girlfriend. You are immensely blessed to have her in your life, especially if shes working hard enough to pay both your ways. Dont worry about being a burden to her or anyone else. Your situation is NOT unique.Student loans are very difficult to deal with when it comes to bankruptcy, and I doubt minimum monthly payments on 13k in CC debt is pushing into that territory either, especially if youre bringing in 1400 a month in unemployment. It might not even be an option, frankly sadly. The courts are looking for someone who is excessively burdened by their debt. Since youre being fed and housed effectively for free, you dont have need for a food or housing budget, which increases your ability to pay off your debt in the eyes of the law. Its lame, but true.First thing is absolutely first, get your government loan on Income Based payment so you dont have to worry about that burden so much. I currently pay 220mo on my 35k in government loans for income-based, which is about 15 of your monthly cash intake. Not ideal, but its a short-term solution and one that gives you some breathing room. If you can, do the same with the private loans. The payments can be increased back to a 5 or 10-year payback scheme once you find full time stable employment.Second, approach the job hunt with an exceptionally open mind. You have a degree in architecture. This tells me a few things:1. You are skilled artistically, especially with design and aesthetics. Work this to your advantage. You can easily apply your knowledge to something like interior design, landscaping or contracting work on houses. It doesnt hurt to look there for jobs plus working with your hands is immensely satisfying and will make you feel empowered, which will help put the debt crisis in some perspective2. You are reasonably skilled mathematically. You understand the basics of physics. If you took even just one introductory calculus or physics class in college, you are prepared to tutor kids at a high school level. Do this just 3 nights a week at a local library, and youre bringing in close to 150 a week under the table. Use this money to kick in just a little rent so you dont feel like a complete burden to your girl.3. You have some skills with computers. Reach out to a staffing agency that deals with IT and Engineering jobs. Ive worked with Adecco in the past and they were fine to work with. Chances are theres someone out there whos looking for someone skilled in CAD. These temp jobs can pay very well, I had a friend who spent 8 hours a day disassembling and drawing up designs for motors for like 3 months and made 25hr. Sure its not designing buildings, but its not too far off the mark.Some other smaller suggestions: You mention you live in a city. Can you live without a car reliable public transport? Biking to light rail stations if necessary.? If so, sell it and use that money to help pay off the bursar to get your diploma. See if theyll work out a deal with you, cant hurt to ask, right? If you cant sell it, dont. You need to get around!! Attitude adjustment. Youre not being forced out of architecture because of the job market, at least not forever. Apply your archi skills in slightly related fields now out of necessity, but keep a weather eye for openings at other firms. Attitude adjustment, part 2 From your OP: I own a 3k car, other than clothes and a 4 year old laptop ... Thats all I have. I live with my girlfriend who handles rent and everything, This is more than most people on Earth can say. Frankly, most people in our age group IN AMERICA cannot say this. You are exceptionally blessed. The minute you lose sight of that, no amount of help from rpersonalfinance or any money-related forum can help you. TL:DR-- This isnt TL:DR, read the whole thing, I address many issues.EDIT: Clarified a couple of points. 