I agree - there are definitely other options to help ease the burden of student loans. I feel bad that my parents took out their own loans for my education in ADDITION to my student loans (I went to a pretty expensive school). They handle theirs and I handle mine. I requested forbearance my first year after college because I was doing a non-profit internship abroad (read: virtually $0 salary). Since then, I've consolidated and reduced my monthly required payments.

Also, to the LW: you're bound to only go up in your job/career so you'll definitely be making more money in the next few years while your loans will only go down. Spend and save wisely now while you can. Financial advisors are always saying that new grads should continue to spend their money as if they were still students - at least for a little while until you get a good financial footing. Save what you can and put it into a high interest savings account (like ING or Citibank) and DON'T touch it.

You'll keep yourself afloat and soon enough be more than comfortable. It just takes a little practice and discipline. Good luck!