Not being a college graduate, I have still managed to have a job to at least pay my rent, utilities, own a car and have basic things like a television, computer, a few toys (like a few percussion musical instruments, small keyboard, etc.).
I have to give myself credit for being smart enough to have not had baby after baby, or bought a home, and not buying every new techno gadget on the market. Sure, I would have liked to have had more children, a home to call my own, and spoil myself and family with fancy furniture, clothing and toys. I would love to be able to have every techno-gadget that comes out ... just because I "want" them.
After having trouble with a credit card when I was younger, and having to file for bankruptcy twice in my life I decided I wouldn't do that to myself again. Because of on-the-job training and being self-taught, I have managed to go from a secretary to a reporter, editor, and photo journalist. Of course, even finally reaching that level, I never made the same money as someone in the same position because I was not "papered". As life would have it, I found the way society is today I would not want to be a reporter and/or journalist, like my passion when I was younger, and striving to get there. I still write, and do photography - but as hobbies, not as a "job".