I feel like I'm getting nowhere while everyone is moving forward?

[Talita K.]

I was self-employed in a major city. You really have to study your market to see if they want what you offer. Then you need to know if you can stand to run a business at a loss for a while until you are established. Unless you step into a family business that is doing well, expect not to make mega bucks in the beginning.
I suggest that if at all possible, consider a job where you are a degreed professional, engineer, veterinarian, and etc. My friends in these professions have autonomy and do not put up with gossip and petty nonsense. They also love what they are doing.