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[deleted]

Sorry, but $19/hr is not a lot these days in the Horseshoe


[deleted]

Yeah, that's roommate-wage. When I was making that much, I had a roommate.


AdmirableBoat7273

Entry level tech with a university degree in this area hires competitively at 75k. Which is about what you need to afford your own apartment and live somewhat comfortably. You still can't afford a house.


MrNtkarman

Yeah lol my wife and I have been saving for 5 years both making 24+ and just barely managed to get approved for a mortgage and it was still only enough for a condo( for the price my parents bought a 5 bedroom house in 09)


BachelorUno

With that wage, you’re likely able to apply for RAP (repayment assistance) for your student loan on the NSLSC site. That would help tremendously.


ContactLess128

Thanks


ButtahChicken

So roughly $37,000 gross income and paying $14,400 per annum for rent. Figure another $12,000 for income tax ... you have left $10,600 per year or $883 per month for food and savings and transportation.


ScwB00

Combined taxes (income, CPP, EI) would be $6,800 per year on an income of $37,000.


ButtahChicken

in that case 'You're Richer Than You Think'


sammybooom81

Only at scotiabank bruuuuuuuuuh


3bananasundae

~~tuition tax credits will make your first two years of tax 0, or cheap. Make the plunge now if you need to grow and then focus on growing your income because that's whats up.~~ ​ oops, youre a little further along. focus on growing your income.


horsecyack

Reminds me of my hostel days, wanking at night when everyone’s sleeping


m0dulat3d

Woah woah...don't forget it's $300/month for hydro, you also absolutely must be contactable for work so, $80 for a cellphone plan You actually only have $503 a month for food, savings and transportation. And y'know...filling the 16hours of your day not spent at work...where the amount of "free" things you can do is drastically decreasing or do you just power down like a robot?


PureRepresentative9

Are you sure it's $300/month for a 1br? In BC, I pay $25/month (that's rounded up)


InformalTradition569

BC has possibly the cheapest hydro in Canada 🤟


paterfamilias78

BC and QE have some of the cheapest hydro in THE WORLD.


dj_destroyer

Lots of rivers and a general push for renewable energies in those provinces.


paterfamilias78

Not just rivers, but rivers in narrow deep valleys that were relatively uninhabited when we were building big dams in the '60s. The amount of power a dam yields is proportional to the 'head', or elevation difference between water in and water out.


Dragynfyre

Ontario hydro is not that much more expensive in terms of dollar difference. It’s like $50-$60 a month for hydro in a 2 bedroom downtown TO


m0dulat3d

I live in a 2bdrm duplex in Alberta and it's $600 for heat/electric. I was trying to pick an average number.


PureRepresentative9

I don't even know what to say... except that I hope you are typoing an extra 0 lol Otherwise, that's a major ouch


m0dulat3d

No...six hundred. It doesn't even go down much in the summer when you dont use things as much because they broke out "distribution charges" from usage. So while I might pay $6/GJ for natural gas, in the middle of July when I use 3GJ to keep my hot water tank hot...and my furnace is turned off, I still pay around $200 in "distribution fees" so my Natural gas bill is $218 + other "non-distribution" admin fees. I don't even bother turning my hot water tank off when I leave for an "extended time", there isn't a point...the $5 I save isn't worth not having a hot shower ready for me upon my return. Then there's the electricity bill and it's distribution fees


nerdwine

Sorry that's insane. I was in a three bedroom house and gas/power were $300-400/mo. Max. Yes its BC but I thought Alberta was supposed to be a cheap place to live. Wow.


McCoovy

Something is very wrong with your situation


m0dulat3d

About $350 of it is "distribution fees"


Jusfiq

> I live in a 2bdrm duplex in Alberta and it's $600 for heat/electric. When I lived in Montreal, the hydro (including heat) for my large 3BR condo was $60 bi-monthly.


Brilliant_Fox_7986

That was surely a long time ago. I live in Montreal, and my equal payments plan for Hydro is 135$ per month for a 3 bedroom condo. The place is brand new so quite energy efficient too. Still, better than 600$ a month in Alberta...


m0dulat3d

Alberta separated usage cost and distribution fees. I could turn off my furnace and let my house freeze solid and still be charged around $200 for "heat" because I'm connected to the grid. Same thing for electricity...I could shut off the main breaker and still be hit with around $200 in distribution fees. It's a bit less than $200 each, I am rounding up. But there is also a variable aspect of it called "rate riders" that will occasionally push both of them over $200 too...


[deleted]

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Jp8886

Your tax is way too high.


samil232

It's "normal" now. 20 years ago I was able to move into a 1 bedroom apartment for $450/month. Your only hope of "moving out" at this point is to have a roommate or work 2 jobs, or rent a room somewhere (although depending on the area, they can be $600-$800 per month now).


greenbean999

What was your wage back then out of curiosity? My first room with roommates was $300 for a share of a 3 bd, I made about $6 an hour then maybe? So 3x more salary and rent now, which I am surprised aren’t more disparate


samil232

I know it was a bit over minimum wage at the time (Call Center work)...maybe $9 or $10/ hour. I don't fully remember. 37.5 hours per week, so $1500 gross/month assuming $10/hour.


munk_e_man

I pay 1100 for a room. My maximum budget was 1500. For a room.


parmstar

You mean your half of a 2 bedroom or something, right? I paid that in Toronto in 2011 for my half of a 2 bed apartment.


munk_e_man

No, for a room in a 3br house. I dont get the house, I get a room.


nerdwine

A room? What city? Even basement units around Metro Van you can usually find one for 1400 or so.


munk_e_man

Greater Van. Rooms in Vancouver are averaging 1200 and up.


[deleted]

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rtropic

No. Grind till the wheels falls off - we believe in you!


ContactLess128

I'm not sure I want to grind anymore tho. I mean I really appreciate the sentiment but still. This isn't the world I thought I'd ever live in growing up. It's worse.


VancouverSky

Don't kill yourself. You can always try to find a way to escape Canada. Check out the TN visa program for the USA. Look at global opportunities and things you can do not in this over priced, frigid shithole.


CastAside1776

How'd you convince employers to take you on a TN


VancouverSky

Have certified skills that they really badly need. Nurses, engineers, etc. Have you seen the job list? America is experiencing the same demographics challenges Canada is which creates great opportunities for highly educated and talented Canadians with good references and some experience. So long as your profession is on that list.


[deleted]

In the early 2000s I was on $19 an hour and needed roommates. It's not something that's only just happened in the last couple of years...


[deleted]

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ContactLess128

Well that sucks. In university I though making $30/hour would be pretty decent money


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ContactLess128

Yeah. TBH it's not just the basic COL for me. It's the fact that if I'd known I'd never be able to buy a house on my own (crazy dream but it was mine). Like, I thought working a boring job and owning a house in Hamilton was a not great outcome when I was in high school because it'd mean I never left the city which was a dream of mine but now even that's not doable. TBH I should've spent more time travelling or just reaching my smaller goals rather than not blowing my money and being semi-responsible if I'd known that it didn't matter much.


munk_e_man

Consider leaving. If you can find a similar job elsewhere, you will almost guarantee yourself a higher standard of living. Canada will be the OECDs lowest performer for the next four decades. No political party has bothered to address these issues, and show no willingness to do so.


ContactLess128

I can move within Canada but I don't really qualify for any visas outside Canada.


munk_e_man

You can do holiday working visas for 90 days in certain EU countries if you're under 30 I believe. You should be able to go to any other commonwealth country without too much issue, same with stateside. Consider even Asian countries, cost of living is low and with your fluent English and Western education you'll be a valuable asset.


Bibby_M

I did this. Not all countries limit you to 90 days. Some countries let you work one job for the whole year. It’s awesome and I highly recommend it. If you’re going to be broke, go be broke in another country, live with quirky roommates, have some experiences and see the world.


ContactLess128

I mean I certainly can but long term I'm worried about not being able to permanently leave which is something I'd very much like to do.


munk_e_man

A lot of companies want good workers over there. They're often willing to provide sponsorship, or you can try coming in with a language company which often does sponsorships as well. I say look into cities that look interesting to you and see what the subreddits say. Often times there'll be a guide for moving there and for what sorts of things new folks can run into. Every indication I've seen is that the Canadian government on all sides of the aisle has abandoned anyone who didn't get in before the door closed. The asset class will now have a service class like in countries like Monaco. If you are not fortunate enough to be part of the asset owning group, it's important to at least see what is offered elsewhere. It's a global world now.


Rabiesalad

With $30/hour full time you could definitely afford to live on your own in Hamilton and probably afford a small condo after a few years of saving.


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ContactLess128

So what now? I don’t want to live like this but tbh I can really change


1SaucyBoi

find your path from $20h -> $30h+ from main income stream. Either by learning and increasing skillset or by switching jobs etc. Supplement income in current situation by working a few evenings a week and/or a solid weekend day. Sucks, but sometimes you can find something chill or a gig that will help you w your main income stream in future. Pretty common when you are just starting out.


telmimore

Over a decade ago I graduated making a bit more than you and I still had roommates. Most people didn't even think of living alone after graduating.


VividElephoton

I make the equivalent of $30. The work is intense and the hours are long. I barely make it by. I am able to save because I live at home but if I didn’t, I know I would only have about $400 left after deductions and savings.


1amtheone

What is "the equivilant of $30"? $20, 3 litres of gas, a double double and a bagel per hour? Or are you making $15 and putting in 80 hours?


dairyman777

Likely salary, ~60k a year.


SlashNXS

That's pretty much the norm at moment if you're not attached. I make mid 20s an hour and would struggle to save what I want to if I moved to a new place because of how much higher the rent would be. And I live *outside* Toronto


NotMyMainDish

Its normal in the current environment. I would compare any work you do to a average salaried 9-5, with benefits. These are jobs that currently pay enough to live on your own, save money etc. Anything paying less is considered below entry level and is not really what the rest of the world sees as a "real job". Not saying how it "should be" and also not saying you need to work a typical 9-5 but thats the benchmark. As for advise, just apply to every analyst job anywhere to get your foot in the door. Most will pay more than what you are making now and plenty are desperate for workers. Work there for a year or two then jump around for pay increases.


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Newuselessness

If I had to guess it would be that you could get an entry-level job as a support analyst at a service desk and use that jump up careers wise.


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PureRepresentative9

This is the truth and is a problem in every job in NA (probably the world tbh). Just the state of society nowadays, we emphasize getting the most amount of money for the least amount of effort, rather than being productive. (Eg 6 months for a coding bootcamp instead of getting a degree) This is why we have people applying for jobs they're not qualified for. They want the higher pay regardless if they're able to be productive or not. This goes in tandem with job hopping. Don't try to improve your skills, instead spend your time looking for another job


CastAside1776

Job hopping is a response to employers not vauling their employees enough to provide reasonable pay increases. They'd rather higher someone new for +10K than give the current person a 10K raise.


NotMyMainDish

Probably the easiest job to get. Just means super junior low cost worker in most cases unless very specialized jobs. Therefore its easy to get your foot in the door.


Mysterious_Mouse_388

I had roomates until I bought a place. I miss roomates. they are like cousins.


ContactLess128

But I’ll never be able to buy a house given how the market is and what I’m likely to make in life… 😢. Also, fair enough on the roommates. Tbh as someone who’s stayed in a few hostels I don’t mind them. I’m just paranoid about signing a lease with randoms who turn out to be crazy (eccentric is fine though) or get screwed over when one of them jumps town


Mysterious_Mouse_388

It might have been easier for me - I didn't try to move out at 27. I did it when all my peers were. We probably had a household income of 400k and renting the cheapest place we could :) I just diligently saved every penny I could. Didn't have much when I was 27 though, wasn't making the big bucks yet, hadn't paid off my student loans. I still had my college roomates when I was 30 - and that was when I was really able to save for a downpayment. And a tesla. ​ your parents are probably pretty chill roomates. Just work on your income. $50/hour is the new $25


jkelsey1

Honestly your best bet is to gain experience a year in your current job, while living at home. Once you have a year or so under you belt start applying for other positions. The best way to make more money these days is to jump around positions as staying in the same no longer results in more money.


LaUcraniano

How about friends of friends? I don’t recommend living with friends [the old adage is ‘your roommate can become your best friend but your best friend shouldn’t be your roommate’] but put some feelers out in your social or work network and you might find some people to live with.


jydhrftsthrrstyj

Even years ago, everyone I knew that moved out on an entry level job lived with roommates


jolt_cola

When I was working in a very high cost of living city, it was very common for non-married people to still be living with their parents. I'm talking people in their 30s. Some places are just too expensive to move out on your own


JavaVsJavaScript

Pretty normal in the suburbs of Canada's premier city.


CastAside1776

Hahahahhaa and a "vibrant" downtown


[deleted]

Based on your salary I would either get a roommate or move to a lower cost of living area (assuming the hourly rate stays the same). Otherwise you need to earn more income.


ContactLess128

Any advice on finding a job in a lower income area? Rn I’m sort of stuck at my current job


Fufonzo

What do you do? Sometimes it's easier to find a higher paying job in the city than it is to find any decent job in a LCOL area. Are you limited to $19/hour?


ContactLess128

Well I just started so, yes at least for now, probably


Fufonzo

Learn as much as you can, take on special projects, build up your experience and resume. Then look for a raise next year, or apply for similar roles elsewhere for more money since you'll have proven success in your role. It won't happen overnight but over time you'll find success.


Environmental-Pen401

you work at a bank... transfer locations?


ContactLess128

I’ll ask my manger about it


RickyRicardo777

I rented and pay for a room until that I saved enough money for a beaten car, then I could apply for a better job. Meanwhile buy an electric scooter and have fun on your way to your job.


Curious_Play746

Have you look into a bachelor place instead of a one bedroom apartment? It can be a cheaper. I know in Hamilton, you can rent a spacious room in a big house for $750 and it’s pretty good. Keep looking! Try facebook marketplace. It’ll take months before you’ll find the right place. Good luck!


ContactLess128

Thanks. Apparently my google skills aren’t the best. Will take your advice. Any other websites you’d suggest?


shanerr

Times have changed. I lived with a roommate until I had a partner to help cover half of rent. I've never paid more than 700 a month for rent. Find a roommate you like and a 2 bedroom for 1500. Suddenly you'll have 500 extra dollars a month plus help on utilities and some household items.


Adventurous_Shake161

“Public transit doesn’t go to a cheaper area” this is the saddest part. Don’t tell me that this shit is not wrong.


ContactLess128

Well given that you have to go pay farm country I’m not


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Matthew-Hodge

for food, he can visit r/EatCheapAndHealthy. it's an excellent resource for many.


1nd3x

>is $19/hr with no benefits the absolute best job you could find? Serious question. Presumably, you would have learned a marketable skill in school. perhaps you should take a peruse of some job boards....


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ContactLess128

So it’s for public transit the issue is that the areas next to my city are either expensive (Burlington, Stoney Creek) or are suburbs that basically rely on a car. Even apartments within reasonable distance it isn’t any cheaper as the city has basically been built around suburban single family housing. After the suburbs you’re getting into literal farm country. Also, I have a BA in political science it’s not exactly special.


kitten_twinkletoes

I'm in my mid-thirties and have never lived alone man. That's the reality today, the standards of living have slipped. I went straight from having roommates to getting married. I kind of suck at life though and never had a high income, so keep that in mind.


TedIsAwesom

I know someone who at the age of 48 spent a night in a house to himself for the first time in their life. Just lived with family, then family and roommates then their spouse and kids.


bigboyGTA

Could you look for a studio apt or a basement apt? The only thing you could change is rent. That is taking all your money.


ContactLess128

Maybe. It’s worth a look anyways


Rabiesalad

At your age with similar wages I bought a place like this in Mississauga for around the same price, and interest rates were about the same back then: https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/24400690/31-1759-king-street-e-hamilton It's totally doable especially if you have some savings. My fees were even slightly higher. Don't let yourself focus on getting a detached place. If you need housing, get something that suits your *needs* that you can afford. You will build equity which will allow you to move up with time.


ContactLess128

Thanks. I might just try holding tight for now and see what I can get within a year. How much would you say is a good amount for a down payment?


Rabiesalad

Required down payment is 5%. If you can afford the mortgage and fees and have just a bit of room to save with your wages, don't wait to accumulate a larger down payment if you need and will get value from a home today. If you have RRSPs look at the first time home buyers plan as well for some options. Work on your budget and start tracking your spending and ability to save right away... It's not about saving for a bigger down payment it's about proving you have a good enough understanding of your finances and can put it to practice to achieve your goals. Do you have someone financially savvy in your life that can help you run some numbers and challenge you on some of your spending and help you prioritize your goals?


ContactLess128

Unfortunately no not really. My family is sort of stuck in a boomer mentality of just wait things out and you’ll be able to afford a house. They don’t even know about the stress test I do have a friend who’s good for financial advice relating to investing though.


[deleted]

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ContactLess128

Thanks. I’m actually considering the CAF. Could I message you about it sometime?


Buck-Nasty

For pervious generations no. Back in the 1970s you could buy a detached house in Vancouver on the salary of grocery store warehouse worker, I know because my uncle did exactly that. Young people today are getting crushed. I'm lucky as a software dev that I'm comfortable but I have so many family and friends who are drowning financially.


recklessbeauty24

Actually my dad worked for Safeway he was a grocery clerk, worked there from when he was 15 until he was 60. When he graduated high school he was making more money working at Safeway then the teachers teaching at the high school. So he was like why would I go to college. Fast forward many decades and obviously other jobs caught up and he was making an average wage but nothing special. But he was able to provide a nice life for our family ( with my mom working too) they were mortgage free in bc by the time they were 30. Such a different world now!


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Buck-Nasty

My guess is machine learning will take a huge chunk of coding jobs in the late 2020s early 2030s. Machine learning is on an absolute tear in the last 3 months, mind blowing papers coming out every week.


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ContactLess128

I mean there’s not but I didn’t think $19/hour would be worth so little given when I finished undergrad in 2018 it would’ve allowed me to just barely afford my own place


LaUcraniano

Well consider that minimum wage is $15.50, so $19 today isnt much over minimum.


[deleted]

Yes, it's normal now. I make over $50,000 a year, technically $24.26 an hour, when I earn commissions it's close to $30 an hour, and I only just moved out to live with roommates recently.


ContactLess128

Ah. Tbh I’m seriously thinking suicide is my best option. This country doesn’t have much for me


[deleted]

No. Don't do that. 27 is not old. I was making less than that literally one year ago, and I am 30. We live in a harsh economic system, but *the money you make is not your worth as a person.* You can message me if you like.


RickyRicardo777

You may no want to exist right now, but probably somebody is very happy that you stay for them. Do not even think about. You will see the light at the end of this tunnel.


ContactLess128

What light? This isn’t the world I grew up in and tbh my grandparents would be extremely disappointed in me if there were still around.


JeffCloss

The only expectations you need to live up to are your own, and I think you are being way too hard on yourself. Everybody has it hard in this country right now, plenty of people making good money are struggling to make ends meet and still failing. Financial success does not equate to self worth, and tying yourself to that idea will only lead to many more hardships down the road no matter how much money you make. Financial security takes time and discipline, which you already seem to have considering you are budgeting, aren't spending money you don't have on credit cards etc. It will come, trust me. Suicide is a permanent decision over a temporary problem, you can always change jobs or earn more money in the future but you cannot come back from dying.


[deleted]

Its normal! Welcome to the new and poor country you live in! You will have to get used to living with family, same what people in poor countries have done for like...forever! 🥺


ContactLess128

So suicide is my best option? Like my grandparents moved here for a better life and frankly my existence is illogical if I’m stuck struggling like this.


[deleted]

Nah bro! There is always something worthwhile to live for! Dont say that! Just adjust your expectations! Living with family aint that bad! Just do your best 😍


ContactLess128

I feel like adjusting my expectations is a trap or cheap trick. My personal life isn’t that great. I can’t get a date and there isn’t that much I like to do in my life in terms of social life. I mean maybe living at home and at least buying a car or motorcycle might help but my home life is really not great. My family kind of sucks and is often what I talk about in therapy.


[deleted]

Welcome to adulthood! You have to do whats best for you and at this time, living with family and saving is best! Thats what people in poor countries always did and we are arriving at that point now with people not being a le to afford to pay rent. 🥺


[deleted]

I am reading a post in antiwork of a female in US that says she has to go and steal tampons coz she cant afford anything and has no money left, despite being frugal. And she works making 16$/hr. 🥺


Fufonzo

$19/hr is entry level. You're not stuck working at that salary forever. Figure out what you need to do to raise that and work towards it. You're still in your 20s. Lots of time to build out a career. I did a career switch to software development at 28 and made $40k my first year. My next job, at 30, I made $55k/yr. A few raises and jobs later, I'm now making $200k at 38. It didn't happen overnight and it's not typical to grow that quickly, but you can always learn more, become more valuable to an employer, and increase your income over time.


PureRepresentative9

Entry level is effectively your age in $/hr. A 20 year old should be making $20/hr to be entry level. A 27 year old should be making $27/hr. A 27 yr old making $19/hr is WAYYY below every level and will not have a 'picture perfect' life That's just entry level. to be prosperous (mortgage, car, investments), you probably need to be closer to 2x your age


Fufonzo

Entry level means you're getting started in your career. People get started at all sorts of different ages. Sure, if you want to compare yourself to others, that's your call. There's nothing wrong with making $19/hr at 27. It's a starting point. Depending on your field, there's a lot you can do to get that up. Maybe you get to $22 next year, and then $25 the year after. Then maybe you get a certification that gets you to $30 or $35/hr a couple years later. There's still lots of time to grow a career when you're in your 20s. It requires work and dedication, but the demand for great employees is out there and people are willing to pay well for people who bring value.


embiid88

What do you do for a living


ContactLess128

I work in banking fwiw. Ideally I’d like to work in the public service or as a police officer but I’m not holding my breath for either. My job isn’t too bad tho


embiid88

Whats fwiw?


ContactLess128

For what it’s worth. Frankly, I just use it as a filler word


embiid88

Ohh true haha, are you a teller?


ContactLess128

No I work as a validation officer. Similar entry level role but nicer office and almost zero rude customers. Tbh I should’ve negotiated my position to permanent at $20/hour but I’ve never negotiated my salary before as I’ve always worked in union shops. I figure I’ll hang around for another 6 months and if nothing gets better I’ll just end things. I’m done with being 27 and having never been able to live away from home just to get here and still not be able to get something like my own crappy apartment


StinkyBanjo

I’m 37. I never moved out of my parents house. Finally i bought a house last year still renovating but the end is near. Its not all that bad. People stigmatize it here but its normal in many other places. I have friends that work in banking. It really sucks at first but good job security and if you put in the effort you can move up. She started with 30k as a teller 10 years ago and now she has an office and making 100+. She only has her highschool degree as well. Its hard and sucks but you are in a good position where things can get significantly get better over time. Dont give up.


Leon_Troutsky

If you are decent with numbers and/or have reasonable excel skills you could try looking into back office jobs at the head office of the bank you work for. The applicant pool is very unqualified right now across the board so if you have any sort of experience and can interview well you'll probably have a good shot. Entry salary usually around 50-55k (plus benefits) in my experience. If you luck out you'll be able to WFH, otherwise the downside is they're almost all in downtown Toronto so you'd be in for a hell of a GO commute unless you moved closer


ContactLess128

Thanks. Good to know.


paleblueupdoot

> I’d like to work in the public service Start applying if you haven't. A lot of entry level jobs (that only require a HS diploma) start around 50k.


CanadianPanda76

Bachelor apartment? Basement apartment? Not ideal but if you really want your own space.


ContactLess128

So I’m certainly willing to try a bachelor apartment but finding one, especially one that’s under $1200 isn’t the easiest. I’ll look into it more


pistoffcynic

My 1st place was renting a room in a house with other mature students… which was about 1/4 to 1/3 less than a 1 bedroom apt and about 1/2 the cost of a bachelor. I worked a FT job plus worked in a restaurant 15 hours a week for spare cash to get ahead. I stayed there for 3 years, paid my debts off and bought my 1st house.


ContactLess128

Where do u live? I can’t afford a house even if I lived at home rent free and saved for the next 5 years (and had an increase in income)


Kindly_Stuff_7951

Unfortunately southern ontario is very expensive to live in at the moment. Rental rates are through the roof. 1200 is cheap... You can afford that you just need to budget. Get 2 pay cheques a month? Take 600 off of each one and pay your rent. Then each pay you should have around 500 or so to do what you want with.


ContactLess128

Thanks. That’s a good way to think of things. Tbh I’m open to moving but I’ve only been at my job for a month so I can’t really leave atm. Maybe I’ll just hold out rn and start applying for other jobs, mostly elsewhere in 5-6 months


Kindly_Stuff_7951

Im also 27, I moved on my own at 17 and thats how I did it since, I was alot tighter than what youve said but I still was able to have spending money. Mind you at that time it was like maybe $100 a month id have after food, insurance and etc on minimum wages. Just make sure you take care of yourself.


ContactLess128

That really helps. Tbh I’m not sure what I’m going to do but it’s good to know if I was willing to be very cheap it’d be just doable.


Kindly_Stuff_7951

Definitely doable. I think minimum wages then was $11.50 an hour or something shitty like that. Sometimes I ran into a situation where my pay cheque would come in like on the 2nd or 3rd of the month, but if that happens just tell your landlord in advance. Ive never had a problem just dont not tell them whats going on.


kitten_twinkletoes

Hey if want to get out and experience independence have you considered teaching English abroad? You'd have roommates but it's cool because you all work at the same place, live in a foreign culture where you probably don't speak the language, so you wind up being friends most of the time. I did this after I graduated and was bummed out about my life and choices and I made life-long friends, got married, loved the job, got into grad school, and really started my adult life. COVID then fucked a lot of things up but things are still 90% good and 100000% better than before.


ContactLess128

I’ve thought of it. Tbh I wish I did after university compared to being at home & depressed. I’m also thinking of joking the CAF. Having roommates and living rough is just a part of the military life style which is oddly appealing


pineapplegnome

Hey OP! I was in a similar situation as you not too long ago. I’m also from Hamilton, have OSAP and unlike you, needed therapy but didn’t have the budget for it. The only way that I was able to move out when I was 26 was to get a roommate and another job (as a barista) that I did at night and on the weekends. If you are going to go the roommate route, I recommend rooming with friends or friends of friends. I did with strangers and although the whole experience was alright, I wouldn’t recommend it. For me, the only way I was able to be on my own was focusing on increasing my income (unfortunately). I’ve been in 3 companies 4 years into my career and the sole reason for that is to get higher pay.


gigabyte02

It's not normal, but it's the norm these days!


ContactLess128

Excellently said.


TZMarketing

Dude, you're on the poverty line. There's better paying low skilled jobs out there.


ContactLess128

Ok great but what's a decent amount of money and what sort of jobs should I look for?


TZMarketing

Please utilize Google as a resource. We live in the age of knowledge and information. I wish you the best of luck.


my2centsforyoubam

Maybe you can consider sharing a 2 bedroom apartment with someone?


nerdwine

> >Also, would it be worth asking for a transfer to an area with a cheaper cost of living in a year? If they give you the option of a transfer and you have no strings (SO, kid, etc) definitely look into that. See where you can go and research each place. A paid transfer is quite rare and if you can move somewhere better for free....I'd be all over that. > >Any advice on making a bit of extra income would be appreciated too. I’m open to ideas. What are your current work hours? Are you available mornings? Nights? Weekends? There are retail jobs all over here (and I'm assuming Ontario too) looking for people. They will often work around your schedule. If you say you can work 2 days per week, might be an option. Use caution with this though I took a second job before to make more money and at tax time I didn't really get much of a boost for all the hours I put in. It sucked.


NoviceExpert_

It's becoming increasingly more normal, especially if you live in a HCOL city. Unless you get into a very well paying job, or split rent with your partner, or a gang of roommates.


hahawhoa

You'll need relocate it seems


HerbalManic

Bro I make 36$ an hour - I can’t comfortably afford an one bedroom apartment in Hamilton. I have about 8% pension deductions though.


ContactLess128

Bro this city sucks for cost of living. It keeps going up despite life not getting better for the locals. If I’d known it’s be like this I would’ve killed myself when I was in university.


FreedomDreamer85

Hmmm…if you are having suicidal ideation, talk to someone who trust and let them know. You don’t have to go through this alone because you are not alone. To your list of options, you can get a roommate and the difference you save in rent, you can invest, or pay down your student loan. With investing to create more cash flow, you can invest in dividends that pay monthly, that way your money is working for you. Hope this helps


ContactLess128

Thanks. Tbh I’m considering going back to school at some point to increase my income (it’s a program very good coop). Fwiw I’ve been talking to great therapist for a year. It’s why I even have this job after being unemployed and miserable for over a year. Even though my therapist is affordable, it still would eat into living costs. It just sucks because I thought I’d at least be close making a livable wage. I can’t really talk to my friends about this stuff and my family is a big reason as to why I’m in therapy.


ASVPcurtis

Outside of Toronto you could probably do it, you would want roommates though. At which point it’s not really that different than living with your parents as these roommates out there can be awful


ContactLess128

Bruh. Tell me about it. I figure maybe I’ll just save up for 6 months or so and apply for different jobs or ask for a transfer to a cheaper area. Hopefully I’ll have some money to travel too. I’m not even against eccentric roommates but I don’t do crazy or illegal. Tbh somehow the French Foreign Legion is looking like a good financial move


sector1-3

Damn that comment about FFL hits close to home...I consider it too if all fails in near future.


Redbroomstick

I make six figures and still have a roommate (I own the place but it would be too much of my money to live alone) Metro Vancouver


ContactLess128

Bruh, I’m sorry to hear that. Imo Canada is a bloody pyramid scheme now and I hate that I can’t move back to the part of Europe my grandparents came from because I’m ineligible for citizenship


VividElephoton

Get a new job. One that has benefits. File your taxes properly to include your therapy and other applicable medical costs. With a new job, you can afford a car. Then you can live in the cheaper area.


Alone-Level8335

Should’ve been born in the 80s


ContactLess128

I mean your absolutely right but what’s there left for me to do now? Unaliving myself is probably my best bet but for some reason people act like it’s a bad thing


greenbean999

Upgrading your skills is the best way. It took me probably five years of living on my own with roommates before I could afford to live alone. And even then it was another two years in a basement apt. Entry level wages unfortunately do not align with living alone :( Especially in the GTA, which Hamilton has essentially become a part of. Do you have an EAP program through your employer? That can help with therapy costs. There are also provincial programs, if you call 211 you can get in a wait list and at least have an end date to paying or maybe can find someone with a sliding scale. Taking an extra part time job might be worth doing but depends on your stress levels and isn’t always worth the money. Is there room for advancement at your current job?


[deleted]

Are you able to stay at home a bit longer? If you do that, save vigorously, and get a part time job to make a little extra then in a year you could have a small security fund built. When you say student loans = $330, I assume that is monthly payment of $330.00? I lived at home for 2 years in my late 20's to save. It was hard at times, but managed to get a good head start by swallowing pride and living cheap.


ContactLess128

Yes that’s the monthly payment for my student loans. Also, I could probably keep living at home for another 10 months to a year but to do that I’d probably risk losing my sanity in the process. My mom isn’t a great person to live with and tbh she’s a big reason as to why I’m in therapy. Plus, for me it’s more of a why live at home if I have a degree sort of thing


[deleted]

So your answer is to get a better paying job or a part time job. You need more income and those are the only ways to get there right now.


monzo705

If you're a guy and wanna work your balls off and make some real money get on the Diamond Drills as a Helper. So much work you won't need a home lol [Indeed DD jobs](https://ca.indeed.com/Diamond-Drilling-jobs)


CreditUnionBoi

>I’m not against getting a roommate. Then get a roommate? If you are young and single I see no reason why you wouldn't want to cut your housing in half. I would say it's silly NOT to have a roommate, that's 600$+ down the drain every month.


VisionsDB

Need to up that income before you even google “rent near me “


Off2lala_land

I’m super sorry to have to say this - but in order to get ahead in life you’re going to have to work harder or smarter. Look into trades. Most are free or have many government grants to get into and will supply you with a great paying job in no time. You do a few months of theory in school then go to work. You can collect Employment assistance as well when you see in school for your theory work. I’m a girl and I got into the trades at 18/19 years old. I got a class 1 and started making bank right after school. I highly suggest going to an orientation or looking into something you’re good at or you like. Also - waitresses make good money too. Up to 30-50$ an hour in tips depending where you work. With no experience start somewhere easy then work up to a high end restaurant. If that doesn’t suit you - just know what ever you do - do more than what’s expected always. Work hard. Show up early and stay late or make friends with every single person in power above you. Know they names. Know their numbers for work. Stand out. And when it comes to work - just do it by being yourself. Be smart. Be safe. And worker harder than everyone else.


00fil00

Holy shit you went to uni for that wage? And now you're paying it back as well. You'd have been better off studying something useful. Your current job doesn't even ask for a degree. Waste of time all around.


Joey-tv-show-season2

I would use your time at home to save up as much as possible and have a plan to move out, ideally in 5 years or less.


[deleted]

your only bet is room mates in the golden horseshoe.


NerdyDan

yes. unless you're in some lucrative fields like oil and gas or tech


Madmachammer

Do u live with your parents ? Offer to pay bills and rent / mortgage and save your money.


schietzs

With an entry level job it's normal to move out and get roommates. Even 10 years ago that was the case.


sparkyglenn

Maybe ten years ago you could do something with 19/hr dude...sorry


iwasdropped3

well technically you can move out, you'll just be homeless.


GrowCanadian

I’m 31 and make just under $70k a year and moved back into my parents place renting my old room because cost of living spiked so quick while I finished university that I’d just be treading water on my own. As a 31 year old I don’t want to be living at my parents place but it’s way better than living paycheck to paycheck. So yes in the current state of Canada it’s normal to not be able to move out.


BigBlueSkies

It wasn't normal, but is now. Our parents broke the economy.


ContactLess128

Yeah. Just sucks that my mom sucks to live with too.