I definitely feel that it's a more realistic way to look at things. Life is hard and choices have consequences. They were able to make it this far because they also had a small support system but now that they want more things in life to better themselves, they have to go back and at least complete their education. It truly is tough out there and unfair. This is why no matter how suffocating some things are, if you give up something that can be completed by sucking it up, you will have better chances at job opportunities that can support your wants with who you choose to be with.
And while it looks like they're returning to 0 just because they decided to come back to the city, it's more like this was a journey of learning and figuring things out. They understand they want to be together but want to make enough money to support and live with each other happily. So with a new mindset and perspective, they can use that to fuel their determination to go back to the city. I really like this story and how it shows that real life can really just keep beating you down over and over again. But humans can get back up and find a way despite that