What can I do?

Question

I'm 18 and work as a receptionist and earn less than the minimum wage and I live with my grandparents and yesterday they asked me to pay more than half my salary as rest, I earn about 46 and my sister who also lives with me earns 120 and she is paying 50 and I technically don't think it's fair for me, coz I buy my needs no one else does and how can I support myself with only 20 in my hands when the prices of things are unbelievably high, I tried to tell my grandparents that I couldn't afford to pay so much and they said they don't care coz I would be suffering more if I lived on my own and that they are only teaching me. Think about it my sister is left with like 80 in her hands and I am only left with 20, I don't see how this is fair, my sister told me grandparents how much i'm earning but I know she earns 120 and not 100. I'm suffering and I have no idea what to do...

Answer 1

You can probably get rent cheaper than what they're charging, especially when you consider living with roommates. At your age, they're relatively easy to find, you can check out pages such as www.rent.com, and you'll be able to find rent and roommate listings that won't bust your budget like your grandparents seem to be doing.

I sure pay a LOT less than that for rent, and I live in the downtown area of a major metropolitan center.

Another great site to check out is www.craigslist.org

Answer 2

I think that earning less than the minimum wage needs to be the first thing you look at - or getting another job. If your grandparenst want more money than I think you should talk with them about the fact taht you are buying your own toiletries and other things and bus fare?? and you dont have the money. Demonstrate how responsible you are and draw up a budget. Its not taht hard. There are some budgets on the internet but really you write down on a page what your earn per week or fortnight and then deductions like board rent or food, lunches, bus fares , shampoos etc and show them what you have left in a meeting if after all that you cant negotiate than you may want to look at your options of renting or boarding or sharing. But realy think about the big move. Your grandparenst are obviously trying to help and though they may mean well they may not understand the costs of things these days and may need an explanation. Please be patient it is hard with older people. Maybe you could look at getting a second job and have a plan to move out and live independently in 6 months. Good luck

Answer 3

Hi im sorry about your situation, are you an trainee receptionist this is why you get £46 or do they just pay you this. Because if you are not on a training course it is illegal for them not to pay you the minimum wage.
I really cant belive they are asking for more money especially if you also by your own things, Your sister should be paying more than you as she does earn more but if she isnt telling the truth maybe you should explain to her that its selfish and unfair. I know they are saying its teaching you but like you say you cant even get much for a £20 nowdays. I know it seems difficult but in the long run its cheaper than you paying your way in your own home. For example you would be on £46 you wouldnt have to pay rent or pole tax but you would have to pay for bills and food and anything you need for the house. So you probabley wouldnt have anymoney left anyway. So £23 seems alot come to think of it.
All you could do is try it and if you desperatly need something you may need to ask for it, then they may understand that if they hadnt taken more money from you that they wouldnt have to give you the money for things. If they refuse to give you money for things and still expect you to pay half your salery you may want to think on getting your own place or just do what they say as you are in there home. Maybe you and you sister could get a place together. I dont know as i dont live your life so i dont know what your like with your money. All i say is you may need to save a little more and just try and get by for now until your fully qualified if you are a traniee or you may need to get another job.
The only other thing is to not pay up and give your normal board money im sure they wont kick you out.

Answer 4

Find a different job that pays more and maybe consider taking classes so you can make better money in the future . taking classes one at a time for now is not verry expensive. Work at least 32 hours a week. Then maybe consider getting an efficiancy apartment and be out on your own. I believe your grandparents may be trying to teach you a life lesson,but you seem like you are allready resposible and are at least making an effort. Step out and make your own lessons. File your taxes and get a tax return. Use that to move if you wish,just be sure you want to move. Minimum wage is the law. Your work should at least be paying you that.

Answer 5

This is difficult. First, i am not in the world of work, but surely it is a requirement of law to earn the minimum wage?

If your grandparents pay for everything - light, heat, food etc. then i suppose lthey feel justified and i suppose they need the money too.

I can only suggest that you ask for more money at work - that is your legal right i would think. And also that you get another job in the evenings - bar/supermarket work. Its the only way, unless your grandparents will listen to what you are saying.

Answer 6

Leave.

Families always take liberties and people put up with it because they are family. So don't. Leave. It will be hard sometimes but your life is too precious to waste suffering like this. Your sister could have given you a heads up before you told them how much you really earned. They are being unreasonable and by the sounds of it they will not negotiate. Before you do or say something you will bitterly regret - LEAVE.

Answer 7

Um..... where do you work that pays you "less than minimum wage"? FYI....the minimum is set for a reason, and I would suggest you ask your company why you are making less and ask them if they have ever heard of Federal EEO laws. You can be making better pay as a receptionist, find a place that would appreciate you more and report your FORMER cheap skate boss to Department of Labor.

Answer 8

Your sister is a B*TCH and it's true about grandparents wanting to teach you about financial responsibilty and also you would be far worse off if you moved out into a place of your own. I think your sister has been sh*t stirring about you.

Maybe you not get another job or even a part time job to balance the books.

Answer 9

i hv a question 4 u.....y r u still there? cnt u c they r taking advantage of u? and no.....i am not being cold blooded....confront them......if they dont c ur point of view.....btw....hv u considered retirement homes 4 them? they will b much happier there since they will b with there peer group! so if they dont understand u....collaborate with ur sis and and opt for retirement home.
btw....i also think u shud get another job.....46 is too less!!!

Answer 10

why don't you get every 1 to sit down together and talk about it, tell them the thing you have to buy and how much they cost, ask your sister to help you good luck