<prompt> Human: Some cultural context: Malta is a tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean just underneath Sicily. Around 500,000 or so inhabitants. We are in the EU. We have ONE University that caters to everyone. Its free and we actually get paid 80 per month for studying there. I dont go to Uni because it doesnt offer a good course in my field of interest. Minimum wage is around 4.70hr, and I work 40 hr work weeks for around 700 per month, even though I am a skilled worker. There arent many that are doing my job around. Because of the minimum wage issue and the fact that we are very limited on space on the island, most people opt to continue living with their parents till theyre around 30, when they either get promoted or get married. It is a very touristy place and rent for a tiny apartment in quite a crap place is around 400, not including bills, food, transport or anything. By the time youre done paying everything youd have nothing left to save up. Maltese people dont usually rent as its not a financially wise decision. When they get promoted or married, they then start thinking about buying. The public transport on the island is really bad and stops at 11pm, meaning most people get cars and traffic is insane.I feel like Im cornered, and I dont know where to start. People my age and older are never independent here and when talking to foreigners my age it seems like they are out building their lives. I come from a tiny island mentality and its suffocating, and I dont know where to start when it comes to financial independence because all the advice Ive been seeing for people my age just doesnt apply to my cultural climate.Any advice would be helpful. The only option Im seeing is that I should move abroad and find somewhere where price of rent makes more sense with the average wage. I dont want to settle down with a mortgage at my age, and I dont want to stay with my parents till Im 30.  <response>: Move off your Island. Expand your horizons. Save up some money for a few months to a year, while you are saving money begin looking for other job opportunities in other countries near you. also look for room mates. or maybe find a few friends that also want to get off the island and save up together and move out together. 