How is everyone else making it in this economy?

When the economy was doing great in the 80s and 90s I was studying art history and taking art cles. I knew that I wasn't going to support myself on that. Most paintings become valuable when the artist is dead anyhow. I put art and practicality to work and took cosmetology and later paralegal studies. Lets face it, as long as folks are wanting to look nice (hair) and divorcing and suing (law) we are not going hungry. The paralegal cles had an unexpected fringe benefit. I met a good man, an attorney, who is now my husband. We are not rich folks, but very comfortable. I think most will do fine with some creativity and not spending as much things will be fine. Sounds like you will do fine taking those cles. It would also help to take a cl in real estate appraisal. Many folks are selling their homes and usually hire an appraiser to get a proper price so they don't get ripped off. I know real estate agents that do it on the side and it makes good money. best of wishes and soon you will be in a career that not only pays well, but also one that you don't dread going to in the morning.