While this won't help the OP, I think it might be valuable for some others here, particularly those with kids.
I have one year left in my undergraduate degree. My parents paid for the whole thing, including a semester in Europe.
Since I was old enough to understand my parents have made "the deal" very clear to me. My university education was promised, but it wasn't free. Whether I had children or not, it was my responsibility to pay for at least one young person to have a higher education.
It turns out this was a real gift. My life has at least one very real goal post. It contributed to my decision to choose a degree which would give me some marketable skills and it serves as a very tangible motivation to be financially responsible- I'm just a steward of the opportunity that was given to me.
I plan on making this expectation just as explicit with my kids and maybe some of you will as well. It may help keep your grandkids out of the OP's situation.
Edit: Maybe this will help the OP. Imagine helping your kids avoid your situation, you don't have to pay for all of it, but if you work your way out of this you will be able to help them. Think a few generations out from yourself, it could be the extra motivation you need to grind your way out of this.
I have one year left in my undergraduate degree. My parents paid for the whole thing, including a semester in Europe.
Since I was old enough to understand my parents have made "the deal" very clear to me. My university education was promised, but it wasn't free. Whether I had children or not, it was my responsibility to pay for at least one young person to have a higher education.
It turns out this was a real gift. My life has at least one very real goal post. It contributed to my decision to choose a degree which would give me some marketable skills and it serves as a very tangible motivation to be financially responsible- I'm just a steward of the opportunity that was given to me.
I plan on making this expectation just as explicit with my kids and maybe some of you will as well. It may help keep your grandkids out of the OP's situation.
Edit: Maybe this will help the OP. Imagine helping your kids avoid your situation, you don't have to pay for all of it, but if you work your way out of this you will be able to help them. Think a few generations out from yourself, it could be the extra motivation you need to grind your way out of this.