Deeply unsatisfied with job and money flow.

Hello Pov-Fi,

I have been a long time lurker, but have recently found myself full of doubt regarding my job prospects/money flow coming in as a result of said job.

For context, I am an early 30s male with a Bachelor's degree, living in an adequate COL area (not very expensive, but average). Recently, I got hired for a position that pays $14 per hour, however, there is no guarantee I will get 32 or even 40 hours a week due to business needs.

I am struggling HEAVILY with the thought that I don't know how to make ends meet with that fluctuating labor need, or with the fact that I don't have an emergency fund built up, or even a vehicle at the moment (which probably severely handicaps me with regards to a higher paying job etc)...

I just am unsure what next steps I can take to get over this hump, in order to build up an emergency fund, and to a lesser extent, feel satisfied with compensation.

P.S. I have worked construction jobs before, but have recently injured myself multiple times doing that scope of work, so I think it is my body telling me to slow down.