u/Odd-Low5498

I make 3384/month gross, however, after taxes, it is about 2720/month.
My car payment is $375 and Insurance is $165
Phone is $30 and food/supplies is $300~
Gas is running me about $150 monthly right now due to work commute.
I zelle my Mom $850 every month to be able to live there.

That leaves me with about $850 left over give or take. I've been paying $200 monthly out of pocket through TelyRX just to get Inhalers, and I'm not even getting the controller I need, so I'm just getting the rescue inhaler. Can't get blood work done, can't get anything done. Urgent Care wants me to pay $1,000+ for a visit since I'm not insured, and ER is 3HR waits, and said I'll be billed out of pocket.

I don't qualify for medical, or covered California, or any of the benefitsCal. My job provides health care, however, it cost $410/month, and I looked into my CoPays which would be $90 a visit, and my inhaler deductable with that plan they offer will run me $150/month. It is a terrible health plan.

I've been tryna save some money so I can continue my education but this world just seems to be pinned against me not allowing me that room to grow. I called them and they don't seem to care they just keep telling me I don't qualfiy, one lady even seemed to be offended I sought the application. I went in person they won't help me, and the phone calls are all pointless. I already appealed and got rejected again. Covered Cali doesn't qualfiy for me because it isn't an urgent life event and it is not within the enrollment window.

Quite frankly I'm at the point where I'm just gonna quit my job and get EBT/Medical that way because this is beyond confusing to me. I don't wanna quit, I really like my job, and I wanna keep working because it'll help my resume. But I'm at the point where that might be my only viable option.

I have to pay the $850 to my Mom or she'll be forced to replace me with a tenant. Sounds harsh but my Mom needs the money to and I been trying hard to keep that money coming in.

These little things also keep pushing me down which is why it's unfair I'm expected to go in debt for medical insurance. Can't even afford to get my cavity fixed right now, nor teeth cleaning. Yet these people keep telling me I can afford health coverage. :(

Edit: They offer Blue Shield Gold health plan $0 deductable but it is $610 monthly.

I don't see anything for GS-5 only 9 and 7. How do I know what I am?

I have an AA in communications no bachelor degree. Been working since age 15 part-time, been working full-time for 5 months. Have 3 month experience in a Law Enforcement Academy (left due to injury). I've had maybe 8 jobs from age 15 to age 23 just because I've been trying different jobs (retail, sales, fast food, security, cashier, serving, etc).

For GS-5 is starting salary actually $34,454 for people who live in California, Hawaii, etc? Or is this for the cheapest parts of the USA? Does anyone know what academy pay is?

I submitted Esoph March 27th, and still have not received anything back. I know no news is good news, was more so curious of anyone else is in a similar situation. Any information is appreciated.

I've been extremely patient and will continue to be patient so please don't think I'm posting this expecting this to be rushed haha (I know someone will comment that). I'm just curious if anyone else is waiting or if this is longer than the normal wait time. Thanks!

Southern California

I'm 23 years old and have only now actually considered the military. I originally pursued a statewide agency at 21, and was very fortunate to be accepted. I was sent to the statewide police academy and made my way through successfully until I failed in month 3 out of 6, right before the stage where you can get recycled without a redo.

It took a few months to recover from my injuries (all is well). I reapplied, as I was completely out of the system, only to discover that my timing aligned perfectly with a hiring freeze. While still awaiting for my application to move, I fear time is not on my side.

I could apply elsewhere, however, I don't think at this point it's something I want to do. I've heavily debated Navy MA (MP), however, I'm not too sure what to expect. Is it possible to apply solely to be Police, without the possibility of being assigned to something else? Again, I don't know how this works. Am I going to end up signing something, being locked in for 4 years, with a chance I can't get into what I'm seeking? I have no interest in being a mechanic, fighter, pilot, or whatever else. Law Enforcement is my calling. It is my destined career path and skill set, especially having worked in private security and attended a police academy. I know for a fact this is what I want to do with the only exception I'd be open to being a background investigator/detective (but that is besides the point).

My other question: assuming the above is true and I can get into what I'm seeking, would I realistically be able to obtain this position at my age and with my current qualifications (AA degree, 6 years of work experience, 2 in unarmed security)?

I appreciate any feedback that can be given to me. Please let me know if this is not the right place to post this. I'm currently looking for a way out of my situation, which is being underpaid without the ability to pursue further education, as I am not willing to go into debt, and being stuck in limbo with the police agency, which could potentially extend into 2027-2028 due to the hiring freeze.

I know I won't be compensated as much as a normal LEO position, and will have a strict lifestyle and difference, however, maybe it's a worthwhile way to build experience and possibly transition into a better division within that state agency 4 years from now, along with benefits that could genuinely change my life. Also I don't view the military as a last resort, so please don't take it as disrespect; I respect it and everyone who is serving.