I took out one of my most egregious private student loans in the early 2000s for about $30,000. The interest rate is variable, so it goes up regularly. I’ve been paying the minimum (now $475, my largest bill after rent) on time every month since I graduated, and my balance is currently about $32,000. Oh and that’s just one of my many student loans.

There is literally no way out, I’m completely trapped.

Fortunately most of my other loans are federal, so they’re slightly less shitty, though not by much. At least those will eventually be forgiven once I’m too old to care.