I work in the healthcare field. I started working 17 hrs/day monday-saturday and 8 hrs sunday for 2 whole years so I know what you mean by hauling ass..BUT I did not complain, I did not insult anyone because even with me getting physically and mentally getting tired, I still dont have any idea what a real "busting my ass" really feels like.
One good tip I can give you that I learned overtime:
Work smart not hard.
Speeding is a "dumbass thing" for me because if I got ticketed for a speeding ticket, I would've not gotten my green card approved. Actually, anything negative you do will delay you 1-2 yrs in getting your paperworks done so of course, you cant work if you dont have legal papers.
If you cant get into a job that you wanted then it, get another one..one that doesnt involve anything that prevented you from getting the job you wanted.
Dont be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone.
Work in a hospital, start the lowest tier and while working, apply for education help. They usually promote internally anyway.
I have a degree in computer science and magically ended up in healthcare...i got promoted internally. Im a living example.