My roommate and I work at the same place. She's planning on quitting and moving in about 6 months–which, good for her, I'm happy she's moving up in the world.
But if she leaves, I might have to leave too and go move back in with my parents in another city. I've been apartment hunting, and I can't find anything I can comfortably afford. Even if I can afford it by living paycheck to paycheck, I'm worried I won't get approved if I apply because of my shit paycheck. I make too much to qualify for housing assistance, but not enough to afford anything. I'm having trouble finding a new roommate as well.
If my roommate quits, they won't be able to refill her position because “there's no money.” If I quit too, they'll be really strapped. I'm going to talk to my manager about all this, but I can't really ask for a raise because she has no control over my paycheck (we're one department that's part of a larger institution–a bunch of higher ups who don't give a shit are the only ones who would be able to give me a raise).
I'm just so mad. I'm working full time at a large institution and I don't even make enough to live on my own. I shouldn't have to live with a roommate. I shouldn't have to quit and move back in with my parents just because my roommate is moving. What am I supposed to do?