Can I pay a cheap but decent appartment with a job at Burger King?

Question

Is it possible to pay the rent of a cheap but decent apartment with a job at a fast-food restaurant or store, any job that pays you the minimum wage?

I can't live at home anymore. My sister is going to make me do something that I will regret for the rest of my life if I don't get out of here.

I don't have a job right now, which I plan to get one. I am currently a college junior, soon I will get a real job but for now, I don't want to be at home. I don't have any patience anymore.

Answer 1

Depends on what you mean by cheap. My apartment is cheap compared to everything else around here ($400/mo), and I can't even afford cable. You need to think of everything you'll need. You don't just need rent; you need electric, water, gas (depends on what the building offers), groceries, gas to get to work, phone, and other misc. items like make-up, toiletries, clothes...etc. Just think about it. Once you move out you're on your own. No more food in the cupboards because mommy went shopping yesterday. Plus you'll need stuff like furniture and kitchen wear and if the apartment isn't furnished you'll need a frig., stove, microwave, etc.
I was like you; my mom drove me to near insanity (with all seriousness). But you need to maybe just find something to occupy your time to keep you away from your sister and wait until you have a good job paying you more than minimum wage. I get paid $10/hr now and I am just able to put some aside after monthly costs. Really sit and budget. Make estimates larger than you think they may be so you're ready for any rate-raises or if you forget to add something in.
Oh yeah, you'll need money to do laundry, and the detergent, and that stuff doesn't come cheap.
Like I said, just think about it. I'm sure you'll do the best thing. Remember, it's better to stay at home for a while and be annoyed, than to move out, not be able to afford it, black out your credit and have to move back in with mom and dad and sister.

Answer 2

If you're attending a decent size college, they may have a student housing department that lists available rooms, roommates and cheaper apartments. You'd probably do better there than looking through the local paper. Also check bulletin boards on campus or at the laundromat for cheap apartments or rooms.

I managed to rent a room in a college town while working full-time at McDonald's in the 1980s. If you can save up enough money for a deposit and utility hook-ups, you might be able to swing a VERY cheap apartment working full-time, if Burger King or Walmart or wherever actually gives you that many hours. It won't be an easy way to live, but if it keeps you from doing something destructive at home, it may be worthwhile.

I'm more concerned that a full-time job will not allow you to continuing working towards a degree. If you could stay rent-free with sympathetic relatives or friends, you might be able to stay in school full-time and have more marketable skills than you have now. I realize the situation with your sister may be extremely difficult right now, but don't allow someone else's behavior or actions control yours. If you want to move out of your parent's house to live a more independent lifestyle, that's your choice. If you're feeling pressured to leave because compromise seems impossible, then you're letting that other person win. Maybe it has to come to a head before the situation improves for both of you.

Answer 3

It depends on where you live. If you live in a big city (Chicago, New York) chances are that you will not find a decent apartment to stay in with a minimum wage salary. If you live in a smaller town it is possible, but probably still will not be one of the better apartments. I suggest working for a while when you are still living at your parents house, and then after a while move out. Also do a really good job working, and you may get a promotion.

Answer 4

Roomate (s) would probably be necessary, depending on where you live. The rule of thumb is to not spend more than 25% of your gross pay on your housing. These days it's more like 33% for people but still...don't get in over your head.

Answer 5

No hon... Burger King wont cover that.
Im sorry.
You'l have to work three jobs like that to make ends meet.
And you wont have any time off.

Answer 6

Probably not. Maybe a studio, but highly unlikely.

Answer 7

get room mates..
or just rent a room in someones home that's always cheaper..

good luck

Answer 8

you will probably need a much better job unless you are willing to live with roommates.