Millennials Reveal What It’s Truly Like Living Paycheck To Paycheck

The biggest struggle for most Millennials is when they’re first starting out and obtain that entry-level job out of college. Most people joke about it but there are harsh realities of moving out and starting a life. We all end up living paycheck to paycheck.

It sounds like a running joke, but in reality, it’s not so funny for most of us. Yeah, ramen is inexpensive and can actually be good with your own added twist but after a week of eating it; I promise you will be sick of it.

The terrifying moment when you realize you can’t afford your rent is not pleasant to experience once a month and having to make up excuses as to why you can’t meet your friends for dinner again tonight gets really old. Real people share what it’s like to actually live like this and how to make the most of it.

Jenna, 23

“It’s a lot of only buying on drink at the bar not because you don’t want to drink any longer but it’s all that you can afford.”

Sam, 24

“It really is exactly what it seems, working all day every day just to pay the bills, and barely manage to eat.”

Cara, 22

“Living paycheck to paycheck has caused me to resort to a “side hustle” as us millennials call it. That helps, but only so much.”

Jennifer, 23

“Living paycheck to paycheck is “I can’t come out tonight, having dinner with my parents again;” because I don’t have any other option if I want to eat good once this week.”

Sara, 24

“Living paycheck to paycheck brings upon terrifying moments of “Oh sh*t, rent is due in two days.”

Franny, 25

“I remember that one month I actually didn’t have enough for rent and had to call my landlord hysterically crying, pleading my case on why I needed another week. Thankfully he was very understanding.”

May, 22

“Living paycheck to paycheck is literally working a full week, paying all your bills and then having five dollars left to your name to show for it.”

Jenny, 24

“A struggle. That’s the best way to describe living paycheck to paycheck.”

Gab, 24

“When you’ve had a “instant meal” six out of seven nights this week you know you are living paycheck to paycheck.”

Jackie, 24

“Not being able to afford to participate in group work functions, like holiday parties, secret Santa’s etc., is when you know you are being paid too little.”

Jennifer, 24

“I’ve been using the same mascara since my junior year of college, I graduated two years ago. That is living paycheck to paycheck.”

Maura, 22

“The sad moment when you have to call your parents for help because you can’t afford to put gas is the definition of paycheck to paycheck life.”

Michelle, 23

“I quit my job because I didn’t want to struggle anymore. I ended up moving back in with my parents and working for the family business. It was actually the best decision I had made.”

Nicole, 24

“You’re living paycheck to paycheck when you are still answering work emails at 11 PM but can’t afford a coffee the next morning. It is painful.”

Mary, 25

“I lived paycheck to paycheck for a while after college. The lights and TV never went on in my apartment for a good year.”

Cate, 24

“I ate ramen for dinner every night for the first six months at my job. I was lucky to get a pay increase so early on and when I did you bet I bought myself a fancy steak dinner.”

Katie, 25

“I wouldn’t put the AC on in the summer or heat on in the winter. Really unfortunate.”

Amanda, 25

“I lost a lot of weight during my time living paycheck to paycheck because I could barely afford to eat. Honestly, I can’t complain about it though.”

Amy, 24

“One word to describe living paycheck to paycheck. #sad.”

Melissa, 25

“Living paycheck to paycheck sucks but it is learning experience because eventually, you will realize there are better jobs out there that will pay better. Never settle.”