I (23m) am wanting to get married to my girlfriend (21f) of a few years one fall rolls around, but I’m incredibly stressed about finances. I’ve basically been an independent since I was 16 and have no outside support whatsoever. I have no education outside of high school, and I’m stuck in a job where they promised there would be advancement but that isn’t happening. I can keep my own head above water but I’m just wondering what I can do to get a good job to support us both. She has kidney failure and is getting a transplant this year, so the future medical costs are my foremost concern.
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It’s difficult to give specific advice without knowing anything about your interests, skills, general location (country?), etc. 23/21 is extremely young to get married, in most western countries anyway. Imo you’re absolutely right to want to get financially secure first.
What a mature mindset!
There are ways to look for a better paying job. Ask friends and relatives to keep their eyes out for openings if you have no fear of it getting back to your current employer. Some employers will make it hard on employees they know want to leave or that are leaving.
Keep your own eyes out for places that are expanding, new places that are opening (even if that’s not in your line of work. If you would do the job, apply for it), and put your name on places like Indeed.
Hi OP, what is your current line of work? What does your girlfriend do? What is her healthcare situation?
There are a lot of things to consider before you get married. For example, you can both get on the same insurance plan, but then medical debt gets complicated if you co-sign or have joint accounts.
I know you want to take care of her but you can help and care for her regardless of regardless of whether your married. Just make sure you are legally set-up as her power of attorney to make medical decisions.
Making more money doesn’t need a college degree but some sort of vocational training would help.