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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think anything under 25k is too low to live on

3 replies

Breakfastbaguette · 07/05/2023 19:59

For a person living alone. I'm in Greater Manchester, the absolute cheapest flat I've seen is 550 and that's usually a bedsit/studio in a poor area. The cheapest 1 bedroom I've seen is 600 but they're few and far between.
That's excluding utilities, council tax, internet, TV licence, insurance etc.
I earn 24k and fortunately share a flat with my partner. I take home around 1700 per month.
If I were to live alone I'd probably have to go for a bedsit/flatshare/v small studio, even in my 30s.
I can't imagine how anybody on minimum wage could afford to rent alone.
I honestly have no idea how people afford all these large, beautiful houses I'm surrounded by.
I've recently got a job offer from the civil service which starts on only 22.5k sadly, but I'm hoping that I could work my way up eventually.
I could get up to 26k if I worked 45 hours per week, but I'm not prepared to do so many hours, used to do it and barely had any free time.
I just don't think money goes very far these days, I couldn't imagine ever being on 30K+, even though I'm 32.

OP posts:
Breakfastbaguette · 07/05/2023 20:01

Obviously depends on the area, London will be more

OP posts:
jusdepamplemousse · 07/05/2023 20:01

Yes, I agree it would be very difficult.

The housing situation needs to be addressed or minimum wage needs to significantly rise. Neither is possible without serious pain. Something has to give though.

Breakfastbaguette · 07/05/2023 20:03

It's incredibly depressing. I've always been in 'helping' (women's) roles which inevitably don't pay a lot.
I have former classmates who went into banking/finance/IT and are on about 3 times my salary. I'm sure they're stressful roles but the salary discrepancy is insane

OP posts:
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