Maid in Manhattan (Clerk in Kansas)

You know, every time I watch "Maid in Manhattan" I go through the same thing...
The ending is perfect, and it makes me happy... Until the credits roll and I realize... Life never works that way.
I am like Marissa. Single. Service profession. Mother to a young son. But there are no senators in my future. I have to be satisfied with the life I have... No, it's not about money, really, it's about respect. It's about being treated like and extension of the cash register by customers who assume I am stupid... when my IQ is probably higher than theirs. It's about my son not getting the best start in life he could be getting... It's about not having to heat my house with my electric cook stove because I can't pay my gas bill... it's about not ever telling my son that he can't go to the doctor because I don't have the money to pay even the part that's left after the insurance pays their part. Sure, I could go to college, and work my way up. The nearest junior college is a 30 mile drive. I have to work all day, almost every day. How do I go to school and work to put food on the table all at the same time? Ok, there is taking classes online. About $400-$500 per credit hour. I bring home approximately $800 a month.
Plus, I am turning 38 in about 9 days. I am pretty old to be starting over now.
I think when R gets home today, I should just tell him that we can stay together. Now I understand why the people around here are "stuck in a maze, staring at their feet"... Those walls are 4 feet tall, but climbing over them just gets you to another part of the maze. I need to get real and just accept what I cannot change.

Of course, there is a bit of a bright side. I am looking for a second job... the first not keeping food on the table... I think there is a part time job open at the local bar. I'm going to talk to Karen (the owner's wife) sometime today, hopefully... wish me luck. Just what I need, working more hours.... *sigh*