My names Eddie and I'm 30 years old. I always dreamed of being dad but in reality, I can't even afford myself.
My girlfriend and I broke up 5 months ago, so I moved back in with my mother. My girlfriend and I split the rent but I can't afford to live alone. Rent for 1 bedroom is $2,500 anywhere here in canada.
plus food and utilities, and vehicle insurance
I got school debt that I also gotta pay off, and I only make 3k from my career job.
I work random hours in my career job, 3-11, 7am to 3pm, 11-7. 7pm to 3am
So getting a second job would be hard
I'm honestly super depressed about my situation and it's enberassing
Plus people act like it's super easy to just move. Let alone everywhere in Canada is thru the roof.
I can't afford to live alone
byu/WildAbbreviations495 inpersonalfinance
Posted by WildAbbreviations495
26 Comments
I think you need a new job, especially with the odd hours.
Move back with moms, get a education in something challenging. Get paid.
Move to a smaller town with transit, rent basement apartment with a roommate
Having a car is too expensive
I think you also need to wait out these post break up feelings, that probably really contributes to your happiness, energy and drive.
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Dude. In today’s world that’s OK.
Many people go from having roommates, to living with their girlfriend.. to living with their wife and family. You don’t have to ever afford to live alone. Get a couple roomies
If the job you have does not pay enough and even prevents you from getting another job, then maybe it’s not a great job.
There are many people who are in a worse situation! I think that if you look for an axis and put the will into it, everything can turn out well. From overtime, an online course, freelance jobs, I don’t know there are always options. All is not lost! You are young, enjoy life
Don’t feel too bad. Lots of young people are being hit with this reality. Rent is a huge burden now.
You need a better main job. You’re back home, so this is a great time to invest in yourself while you don’t have to pay rent. Find a career and build toward those qualifications
Stay with your mother for now. Pay down your debts, while also working on bettering your career or getting an eventual raise (if not just moving up to a better paying job). You are only 30, so you still have plenty of time to meet someone, get married and have a family.
Not embarrassing and actually quite common. Another way to look at this is you are in the perfect position to take a career risk and make it pay off.
If you’re not paying your mom rent (don’t know her situation) then you should be stacking every cent you can.
Get into a college or trade school to focus on working a better schedule that has better benefits and salaries. 30 is a grown age but also the prime of a man’s life. You got this
so many people are in the same boat with rent and cost of living being this high moving back in with family doesnt mean failure it means youre being smart and realistic youre working hard managing debt and doing your best in tough circumstances that takes strength not weakness things wont stay this way forever keep going one step at a time
I’m not sure what province you are in, but if you are in Ontario and you received a federal or provincial loan for school, you can apply for loan repayment assistance through National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC). I applied a few years ago when I was having a hard time paying bills, and they gave me a 5 month pause on my loan payments, where I didn’t need to make a payment for 5 months. It really helped me out at the time. Even if you are in another province, I strongly recommend logging onto your NSLSC account and seeing if this is something you could apply for.
I’ve never been able to afford to live alone. I’m in my fifties.
Lots of people where I live moved back in with family or have tons of roommates. If you just went through a breakup, it’s probably not even the right time to find the next relationship for a bit, so the perfect time to grind and save up. In a few years you could be in a totally different, much better position. You’ve got so much time to be a dad, find a relationship etc etc
I mean. Anywhere in Canada? Im moving from calgary where a one bedroom is between 1400-1600 to a small city in saskatchewan where im expecting to oay around 800 for a one bedroom. So Im assuming you live in van or toronto and arent looking that hard tbh.
Mainly you need a new job. There are a decent few entry level jobs up north if you dont mind the fifo lifestyle and can pass a pisser. Usually free great food and wifi in your room.
I like smoking weed so Im moving to where I have enough contacts to get a solid job pretty readily. Then move from there.
It is very normal for single people to live with roommates. It’s just a smart personal financial decision to split living costs.
Find a roommate then. I lived with a roommate until I was 35. Moving is easy if you’re single without kids. Take a chance, ski hills are hiring this time of year and lots offer housing.
Eddie, it does seem like you’re in a tough situation, but it’s not certain you will remain there.
Ending of relationships carry their own burden and it adds to the financial stress you feel. Ensure that you take time to process/grieve that before making big decisions.
However the decision to move back in with your mom seems like a necessary one to rebuild a foundation.
Others have given you some good ideas around expenses etc. I don’t know if any jobs in Canada also work as a credit against your student loans. I know in the US some govt jobs qualify. Is that something to look into?
Wish you all the best!
2500 a month rent for anywhere in Canada has to be the most methed up thing I’ve heard in awhile. Maybe east of Winnipeg 2500 might be the norm but I was in Toronto last year 1600 for a bachelor. Winnipeg 800 and up. 2500 in Winnipeg would get out an executive suite at 300 main.Accept reality and lower your standards
I’m 35 and considering selling my home and moving in with my parents so I dont have to live paycheck to paycheck. I’m also concerned about it being social suicide, but you should be proud that you didn’t just put yourself in a worse situation by sticking it out. Trust me, it sucks. I have no social life anyway because I have no spending money. 30 is still young. Take advantage of living with your parents and seek a better job. Take care of your mental health and focus on setting small goals for now (apply for one job a week, plan one thing to do you enjoy and do it) and celebrate the small wins.
Brother I live in Toronto. You can get a decent 1 bedroom for 1800.
If you have friends or are okay with roomates you can get your rent down to 900 easily. EASILY. I live in a pretty nice place in DOWNTOWN (Dundas Spadina) with 2 roommates for 850.
Shit sucks but it’s not 2500$ sucks
Move to a city, sell your car, get a roommate
I’m with club “get a job with better hours” but if you can’t do that, you might want to find something you can do in off hours to get income. Gig driving, woodworking, handyman, etc.