Sometimes life is hard. And unfortunately you can’t sidestep your responsibilities to regain a little piece of mind.

I’d like to suggest that you be mindful of the present. Using an example from my own life, I have been lucky enough to live in some fairly remarkable places. And often forget the world around me because I am so wrapped up in the stresses of daily life.
Every now and then, when I open my eyes, I see the everyday beauty surrounding me. Only when I allow myself to be mindful of the present.

Don’t worry about boyfriends past, present or future. They’ll come and go. Love yourself first.

Don’t worry about your mother’s expectations of you. That’s her burden not yours.

School is a means to an end. And if it ever becomes too much then don’t do it. I can tell you the wealthiest people I have ever known, personally, were not college educated instead they were driven to succeed.

I, myself, make a comfortable six figure income and am just a few credits shy of an Associate’s Degree, not even my Bachelor’s. I chose life experiences over classroom instruction. It has not always been easy, however, it has been rewarding.
Open yourself up to the experiences life has to offer you.

As for your current job, I can’t take credit for this bit of advice, it came from a former supervisor of mine (from 28 years ago and it still resonates with me today), “I was looking for a job when I found this one”.
If you’re truly not happy with what you do then do something else.

Remember, though, the reward doesn’t always come from the job itself -maybe it’s your co-workers or even your clients. If you can’t find anything rewarding then change your situation. Don’t be exhausted by the process of finding a new employer, instead be excited by the new possibilities of meeting people that can enrich your life.

I have had many careers in my life and even more “jobs”. Some were important, some were mundane and most were downright trivial. And yet each offered me a new experiences and people that touched my life.

Please take care and I wish you peace.

Your line “I realize it’s not the whole thing that needs to be taken on, just right now” reminds me of the old cliché: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!

I am truly sorry that your boyfriend and mom contribute a large amount of stress to your life. Those should be the two greatest supports for you to lean on. One of them you can do something about and one you’re stuck with. However, even with your mom you can control the relationship. Just do so with thoughtfulness. You have greater power in your life than you know.

I sincerely hope the best for you.