My issues involve my student loans. My student loans are beginning to enter repayment within the next couple of weeks as I have recently graduated (May).
I am suffering from an extremely high amount of student loan debt. My total loan debt is in excess of $150,000. Of that amount $108,000 is owed to private lenders (Sallie Mae & American Education Services).
I am employed as a public educator making roughly $38,000/year. My income cannot keep up with this extreme amount of debt.
I am a first generation college graduate and didn't have a full grasp on
financial aid however; Sallie Mae still approved me for near $60,000
over the course of my undergraduate and graduate studies even though my
major(s) were considered in the decision of the loan approval
process(without co-signers too).
Of course my actions could be deemed "financially irresponsible"
although I would classify it as "financially ignorant". However, I
strongly feel that the private lenders were the irresponsible ones by
allowing an unemployed, future lower-income profession student take
out nearly $100,000 without even a co-signer at 22-23 years old.
I am well-versed with my repayment options however, no repayment option that any of the lenders offer are economically feasible for me. I strongly feel that my case is very unique and needs special attention. Forbearance, deferment, etc. are not viable solutions for my situation. Furthermore, bankruptcy is not an option according to some lawyers because this is not “financial hardship”. If this is not “financial hardship” I’m not sure what is.
Where are things going to end up for future "ignorant" student who
follow my path? Secondarily, I strongly feel that some type of legislation needs to be enacted to protect unwise students who are focused so much on getting their education that they take all steps necessary to ensure finances do not get in the way.
I am requesting your advice/opinion on the course of
action you recommend I take. I appreciate your time and look forward to
hearing from you.
PLEASE NOTE: I KNOW THAT I WAS VERY IRRESPONSIBLE HOWEVER THAT IS NOT THE ISSUE. THE ISSUE IS BEING ABLE TO REPAY THE LOAN IN AN ECONOMICAL MANNER.

What kind of deal is that?