[Bahamut]

Just $50k? I have $200k of debt :( . Thankfully software engineering has been a good profession to me, but it has forced me to be ruthless about salary negotiations and focusing on my career.

Honestly, you could be in a much worse position - I was homeless out of grad school with no prospect of netting a job...for 2 1/2 years. I spent one week eating nothing but oatmeal due to lack of money.

Focus on saving your money and using it judiciously - don't pay your debts until you can safely manage it. Accruing them in the long term is better than making irresponsible payments.