Miriam:
You have a compelling voice, story, and Daniel and Tricia have added great advice. I want to encourage you, and maybe others will share as there are many writers on this site with varied styles of writing.
I used to work in publishing (though on the customer service not editorial side) but I can echo that the industry has changed A LOT in terms of what it gives (if it gives) for advances. Opinions vary a lot about needing agents, whether to self-publish, but all seem to agree that platform helps especially when selling a concept and proposal.
However, that platform can be presence at conferences, on social media (that counts for a lot), and in magazines, online sources (blogs, podcasts, etc.) so I guess the main thing I'd ask is what your main motivation is and who you hope reads your book?
That can help you decide which way to steer your energy and time and maybe money.
Do you dream of a hard bound book? Do you want to create or find community? Do you want to speak to others with similar experiences or help educate others? Do you have support from an employer, a school, an organization who can assist you and/or help you learn about the marketing end of things? Do you want the process to allow you to dig deep into research as well as personal narrative?
And if all that seems daunting and overwhelming and like more work that a person can do - what else can you do? How and where and in what formats would you like to share your writing, your experiences, your expertise, your story?
Some online publications don't pay well or at all but can help you build a platform. Some pay some and allow you to retain rights when you publish so you can start getting published and building brand (and you may have done this a lot already).
Hope that helps!
Warmly,
Cis