<prompt> Human: Okay, so this is mostly a rant, but Id like help if anyone can offer it.Basically, Im 23, been living with some roommates for the past couple years on a minimum wage job but recently got what I thought was a dream job for 12.75 an hour. As it turns out, that isnt a lot of money if youre trying to live on your own. I currently spend most of my time with my girlfriend at her moms house and we really want a place of our own since I have all my possessions spread out across two different places in my city and have to choose between having privacy in my own room or spending time with my girlfriend. The thing is, being that shes a recent college grad and we all know how quickly they get jobs, we pretty much have only my wage to live on for the next year at least.What we want is a one bedroom apartment or even a studio, but those are actually hard to find in an area that doesnt look like a shady motel. Im not looking to have extra spending money for traveling or big entertainment purchases, we just want to start our life on our own. I work 40 hours week, sometimes 50, but average about a net of 1600 a month. Ive been searching for a while online, and can mostly only find apartments for 800-1000 a month, and after calling them, most require that I make 3x rent each month.That being said, I live in Riverside county, and am not totally against living in all areas, but I prefer to live in Riverside, CA because I work there. If anyone knows any tricks of living out here, or if there is a better way of searching for cheaper apartments than the internet, that would be greatly appreciated.Also, I just want to know, is this whole system screwed up? Because I feel like its screwed. After talking to some older family members, they all seem to describe a life that was way different and cheaper when they were my age while no doubt trying to brag about how hard they had it. Maybe Im just expecting things to be easier and this is how it should be, but Im at a loss for how Im supposed to support myself completely.Edit: Just wanted to reiterate. Im so sorry for just kind of ranting, Ive just been bugged by this for so long wanted a place to talk to people about it and possibly get some advice.Edit 2: Okay, so this got bigger than i thought it would. So thanks to all the supportive people out there. I basically realized this is not remotely the wage I thought it would be when I got it and I cant hope to move out in my current economic state. Everyone told me to be grateful of this job and wage, but Im learning to look for more. Im literally about to go apply to a higher paying job right now. Thanks, everyone!Assistant: What you need to understand is that 12.75 is not a dream job, it is a poverty wage in California. The people you talk to, who speak of easier times in the past, were probably making a bit more than you, taking into account inflation. Rent was also cheaper back then, but even so, someone making barely above the minimum wage did not have an easy time.I dont think you should get a place with your girlfriend until you earn enough to afford the apartment by yourself, and she does as well. Relationships end, even if you dont think they will, and you dont want to be stuck with an apartment you cant afford by yourself.Human: Yeah, Im starting to realize this is a poverty wage. As I said, I am looking to be able to afford the place on my own. weve been together for 7 years already, so Im not too concerned with us breaking up suddenly, but I know things do happen, so Im trying to be prepared for it.  <response>: The be able to afford it on one salary advice isnt entirely about breaking up although its important in the even of a breakup, its also a very good idea in case someone gets laid off. If you need both incomes to afford your housing, and one person gets laid off, it puts immense pressure on both of you and your relationship. 