I am a well-educated woman. I took a job at the front counter of a fast food place to get started. It took one step at a time from there.
Rigorous honesty? That applies to ourselves in every way, including what we are willing to do - and actually doing- to get and live a different life. I don't see that here.
I see hardships that can be overcome-many have- and it's not a quick process. But actually trying beats giving up every single time.