How can I be losing money by working? Please help look if my wage of living is correct?

Question

Offer: 38,500 Salary
(18.50/hr)
(740/week)
(3,200/month)

Salary Tax: 7,700 – 11,550 (20%-30%)
~ Total: 30,800 - 26,950
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26,950 Salary (minus tax)
-15,600: 1,300 – 1,500 * 12 months (Rent in Encino, CA)
-1,380: 115 * 12 months (Utilities)
-1,776.00: 37.00 * 4 weeks *12 months (Transportation)
-6,720: 140 * 4 weeks * 12 months (Food)
(Subtotal: 1474)
- 2,400: 50 * 4 weeks * 12 months (Miscellaneous)
- 1700/year (Full Coverage Insurance with Accident Record)
- 1800: 150 * 12 months (School Loans)
= NEGATIVE 4,426

I would be owing $4,426 for WORKING? Doesn't make sense. Someone help!

Answer 1

Looks like you need to eat less and get a roommate.

The middle class is fading, watch it go!

Sucks being a grown up, doesn't it.

Answer 2

It is called living beyond your means. First look at your taxes they seem high but CA has a state tax so could be true. Your rent is way to high for your income and you should be able to cut your food and misc back. I would suggest either a second job or a roommate unless you want to live on little food and going nowhere. You have left out major expenses like 401K, emergency fund saving, renters insurance, vacations, gifts.
Try for a better job since you have student loans you should be able to earn a living, if not find a second job until you improve job skills.

Answer 3

You'd be making $38,500 less taxes for working. You'd be losing $4426 by living beyond your income and spending more than you make. That won't work for long. You need to spend less, or find a way to make more like a second job.