I need to make about $9.40/h full time. What sort of job am I most likely going to need to get that?

Question

On a $1200 monthly budget *rent, food, gas, pet food, utilities, phone, and some for the bank* I'd need to make a take-home pay of $7.50/h, which would require *at minus 20% for taxes* roughly $9.40/h gross pay.

I have my GED, will be 18 by the time I'm ready to move out.

What should I seriously look into to possibly make that? No, I'm not expecting to go out, apply, and automatically get a job with that much pay, but is there any training I can get into to get there soon?

MAX
Rent $600
Phone $50
Electricity $300
Food $75
Pet food $35
Gas $100
Save $50

Also, anyone in Tucson that knows the cost of living and such, did I over/underestimate anything on that list? I hope to not pay that much rent, but if I want a 2br anything that's what I think I'm looking at. Electricity is a worst-case-scenario in the budget... I hope.

Answer 1

I live in Tucson and can say that your budget is pretty accurate for what you are looking at. There are 2 bedroom places in decent parts of town that for for $600/month. When my gf lived over here, her roommate and her stayed at a place on Prince and 1st for $600/month with the heating and cooling included. Granted, it wasn't luxury apartments, but they were nice, and I never had a problem all the times I stayed over there.

For the phone you should get a basic landline with a dialtone and use a calling card for any long distance calls or get a Cricket phone for a flat monthly rate. Quest will try to sell you BS calling packages, and most of the services they include is worthless to the average person. A nationwide cell phone is good if you travel out of the city often, but for most people, Cricket is better.

Electricity is a sticky point. I personally pay about $30-$35/month in the summer to cool my house. A window mount swamp cooler is tons cheaper than running the AC. Plus, it is just as good on all but the worst days. If you are running $300/month then you are keeping the house cold at all times. If you have a job, you won't even be at your house most of the day, and unlike Pheonix, Tucson cools off at night. However, since you do have a pet, you are going to be spending plenty of money cooling the entire house for it.

Your food is way underbudget. I can subsist on $100/month on food because I have done it before, but you will be eating the worst stuff that you can find. You aren't saving money if you are going to let your health go. Exercise can offset the effects some, but you will form bad habits, and generally it isn't worth it. Shop at Fry's, the Co-Op, and the Farmer's Market if you want to buy decent food at a low price. Always buy stuff on sale and don't get picky on name brands.

The price of gas is all dependent on where you drive and what you drive. I have a V8 but only spend about $15/month because everything is within 2 miles of my house, and I ride a bike many places. I also don't travel in rush hour and avoid the high traffic areas.

The bottom line is that you can easily afford to live on the budget you have given yourself. Instead of trying to get the highest paying job off the bat, you might want to see what you can do without. Attend a night class at Pima if you can too. I learned how taking a few Pima classes, and the start pay is $10/hr for an uncertified welder at most places which can go up to $20/hr if you are good. Getting certified can put you up at the $20-$50/hr bracket. You can learn to be a mechanic, machinist, or lots of other things if you take the time to learn. It sucks having a hard day and then having to take a 3 hour class, but it will do more for you than working at a department store or fast food place. The room for advancement in most of the large chains for someone who only has a GED is very small because there is a limitless line of young kids who will do the job just to get some extra spending money. Without a formal degree the best bet is to get in a blue collar field where you can learn a skilled craft while getting paid.

Answer 2

If you have never had a job before you will probably need to do either Fast Food or Retail for a while but that won't be anything close to $9.40. If you get lucky you might get an office position such something like a receptionsit that would get you that much or a good paying commission sales job.

You are not going to get a two bedroom for $600 in any part of the country unless it is really in bad condition or in a very bad area. So think Roommate or Studio apartment. And even then you need to add in a deposit which is usually a couple hundred to a month rent. Also, until you have a stable job most people who are renting apartments won't rent one to you.

Food: 75 A month is only 2.60 a day. If you like Mac&Cheese or Top Rammon Noodles this would be possible. But in reality you will need double or perhaps tripple this.

If you have a Car that is paid for and don't do much driving $100 would be fine. However you also have to figure maintenance which will come up every now and then.

As you figure the Electrictity is a bit high, but during the desert heat it actually may be closer than you actually think.

Also, you also have not included any money for clothes, general household and personal items. Are you going to have Cable TV?, Do you have a Cell Phone?, What about an Internet Connection? All of this could easily run you another couple hundred or more a month.

Answer 3

There are lots of jobs that will eventually pay that much and more, if you are willing to work hard.
I do find it unlikely that you will be able to take your pet with you. You will start out renting, and most rentals refuse to allow pets. Those that do, you must put down a deposit against any damages.
I would be remiss in answering your question if I did not recommend you continue your education. While you are still living at home is THE best time to finish college. That is the best way to accomplish a good life. It gives you the most control over your income and your career. It gives you the most choices.
The last thing I want to say to you is that before you leave home you must save at least 6 months pay in the bank as an emergency fund in case something happens to your job. I got this from Suze Orman, on CNBC, a show I recommend you watch every week until you really understand how to plan for your financial freedom.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

you forgot deposit for your rent...and you could end up fixing houses for the time being...painting takes like 3 days to learn...but..you better save your money on that job...once painting season is over..you wont have a job.....so if it pays the minimum 9.40 per hour, better work and keep searching for another job..because thats only minimum...but minimum for like 8 months max...maybe an extra month in your state..but thats it...