I’m currently in my first “real” job that isn’t an internship. I live in a HCOL area where rent is $2400 a month for a one bedroom apartment. Sure, there are cheaper ones out there and I’ve lived in one to try and save on costs. But those apartments were far from public transportation and filled with bugs that absolutely destroyed the tenant’s quality of life. I don’t have a car because I cannot afford the buy one, nor maintain one. The bug infestation was so bad I couldn’t use my kitchen because every time I cooked bugs came out. After moving to an apartment with higher rent I noticed the change in my quality of life was night and day. I live near public transport. I was able to save money on Ubers. I lived near restaurants and grocery stores and have no pest issues meaning I actually save more money each month. But I’m still not making enough at the end of the month. My internship actually paid me more than my current job does. The job I have is stable, there’s great work life balance, and it’s actually somewhat higher paying than other companies in the industry. When I talk to others, they say that my salary is more than enough to survive on. I just need to get a roommate and stop eating out as much. Get a cheaper apartment like a studio or rent a basement. Who cares if there’s some bugs? Make cheaper meals. Be as frugal as possible. It’s all about sacrifice. The thing is, why do young people just starting out have to do so? I don’t want a roommate like I’m still in college. I never eat out and cook my own meals. I want to eat healthier and not have to eat instant ramen all the time like I used to. More importantly, I want to save for the future. I want to be able to buy a car, save for a condo, or just have a safety net in case my parents or I have a health issue. I don’t know how those starting out making less than me afford to do so. Especially with student loans and health concerns. It’s ridiculous how it’s considered standard for younger people to expect to earn less and live a lower quality of life and “earn” their way up. Yes, people pay for experience. But they should pay new hires a livable wage. One where we don’t have to settle for shitty living conditions just to make ends meet. I know I’m lucky to make the amount I do. But at the end of the month in this city, I’m in the negatives despite never eating out, taking public transport, and not buying things for myself.