Feeling drained by my situation - need guidance, please
As-salamu alaykum. I’m 24, female, living with my parents who are quite strict and old-fashioned. I recently graduated but still unemployed - I’ve applied to every job I can find but nothing’s worked out yet. My parents only cover basic food and rent, so I don’t have money for clothes or extras. It feels like I’m basically poor and dependent on them. I’m hoping to get married and start a new chapter, but my parents insist I marry a cousin back home. They don’t want me talking to men online or even going out to meet someone, and their way of talking to any potential match often scares people off. They’re looking for the “perfect” match by their standards, not mine. I see myself differently from them - I’m ambitious, open-minded, confident, tolerant, and not racist. I really don’t know what to do. I can’t stand staying dependent and feeling stuck. I pray and make dua, but that alone hasn’t changed things yet and I’m getting more hopeless. If this doesn’t improve I’m afraid I’ll fall into depression. I’d appreciate any practical advice, duas, or steps I can take to find work, gain some independence, or approach this marriage issue in a way that respects my parents but also honors my own future. JazakAllahu khairan for any help.