My young adult life was very similar while working my way through college. It took me 10 years to get a 4 year degree and I was poor through most of it.

Poverty affects young men differently. The world values men by financial success. Our self esteem takes a pretty big hit. I'm sure it does for young women too. However, I believe it's different for men in this regard. It was hard to have a dating life while I was living in section 8 housing and riding the bus. (most young women saw me as a loser).

Due of the pandemic, I imagine a pretty large proportion of the young male population is going through something like this right now. I do feel empathy for them. It sucks.