Is This Possible?

[v1k1n95]

I originally posted this in the "frugal" category but i think it may fit better here:

Okay, I would like to start out by saying that I am only 18 and will be moving out of my parents house after attending college for 2-4 years. I have had two full 8 hours-a-day summers of work experience at minimum wage and guess what: I HATED IT. In fact, for the past three months I have basically put my social life on hold as I'm working on a system that I plan to use to work only part-time (20 hours at most per week) and life comfortably for my entire life.

If you just laughed at that, you're not alone. My parents did too. But if there's a will there's a way right? I cannot stand the idea of work 8 hours per day for my entire life in order to get my freedom when I'm too old to enjoy it properly. Wage-slavery is my number one fear in this world, and I will basically give up all the "good stuff" to avoid it.

In my plan I include: riding a bike to save $1577 per year on car insurance, $2100 (or more) on gas per year, and AT LEAST $1200 in car payments per year. A $100 bike will do just fine.

I cut out cable television, landline phone (TracFone for $100/year) and plan on getting my internet access at the local library. Savings: about $1800 for the bundle per year.

I have heavily budgeted and planned meals and worked out a plan that only costs $4 per day for food, buying in bulk, prepping and freezing week long servings. Saving over $3000 versus eating at a fastfood restaurant every day.

I have worked out my total expenses for the first year (which includes all of my one time purchases such as microwaves, silverware, bed, pillows, and much more.) to be at $7,733 or $148.72 per week, or even more precise, $21.19 per day.

Following the first year my expenses are sitting at: $6922, or $18.97 per day.

I have searched local listings for apartments and found one for $485 per month that includes all utilites. Since I only budgeted $250 for rent, I plan on having AT LEAST one roommate for a very long time.

What I want to know is, have you heard of anybody attempting this? Is it possible? I don't see why not but I always get the "get a good job that pays well and you'll have no problem." But that is not my problem. Even high paying jobs require 40+ hour work weeks.

Thanks if you made it all the way throught this post.

[Andrew Jackson]

Well, I am assuming you never want to get married and have kids? You are okay with never owning a house and living in a shared apartment with a roommate for the rest of your life? To be honest, seems like a terrible way to live your life. What do you plan on doing with all your free time? Read books at the library? You won't be able to hang out with your friends all day, know why? Because they are eventually going to grow up and get 40 hour a week jobs, and then they will have a family. Honestly, this sounds insane.

[Andrew Jackson]

Oh, and I don't even want to know what an apartment looks like that will house two people for just $485 a month.

[snshijuptr]

Another option: work 40 hours a week and retire early. Or instead find a job you love. Minimum wage jobs usually suck horribly. Or start your own business and choose your own hours. I wouldn't let 2 minimum wage jobs turn you against all work. If I let my work at the pizza parlor color my entire idea of working, I wouldn't be interested in a career in research, but they are not comparable.

[disneysteve]

To be honest, seems like a terrible way to live your life. Honestly, this sounds insane.

That's a very personal judgement. It might not be appealing to you but that doesn't mean it couldn't hold great appeal to the OP.

Oh, and I don't even want to know what an apartment looks like that will house two people for just $485 a month.

It depends where you are living. There are plenty of parts of the country that are not NYC or LA or DC with their sky high housing costs.

Another option: work 40 hours a week and retire early. Or instead find a job you love.
Or start your own business and choose your own hours.

Bingo! If you love what you do, you won't consider yourself to be a "wage slave." Find a job that you are passionate about and that you actually look forward to going to each morning.

[Andrew Jackson]

I guess I came off as kind of mean. Sorry for that if I did. But I would have to agree with the other guys that the real problem is that you need to work in a field that you enjoy, whatever that may be. It might even mean starting your own business from scratch. Few jobs can be more satisfying then being your own boss in a job you know and love.

[happygirl]

What about health insurance or disability insurance. You should probably make sure your plan considers what you would do if you became sick or disabled.

I remember some time ago there was a blog/article on this site (I think there is an article section? I'm not very computer literate, sorry.) in which the guy described choosing to live homeless and how he manages and his life sounded kind of cool. He was young and single like you I believe.

I agree with the others who said you shouldn't judge all jobs by a few summer minimum wage jobs though. You may just need to think beyond the typical employment options. You are young and don't have a family to support so I personally think this may be the best time in your life to at least try something not typical. Who knows, in a year you may decide that a full time job is appealing after all. Good luck!

[v1k1n95]

Thanks for input everybody.

@Andrew Jackson: Although I never asked to have my head bitten off for asking this question, you have a few valid points...and some questionable ones. Although I'm not against having kids, I am most concerned about being happy and for me, free time to travel the country would do just that so you should think before you assume people's lifestyle choices are "insane." Also, I live in a semi-rural area and apartments are cheaper across-the-board. Once again, think before you assume. The bit about owning a house, it's not something I can take to my grave so it's really not important to me AT ALL. However, reading through your post, I realize I need to find a way to make this work out and make it still possible to have a family in the future and not live with a roommate forever.

@Happygirl: Never thought about the insurance. On the to-do list. As for starting my own business, I am already considering a few different small business ideas I have as I just hate being told what to do all the time, so I can be my own boss.

I just don't want to be obligated to live my life at work. I hope it can be done.

[cypher1]

I just don't want to be obligated to live my life at work. I hope it can be done.

While my very first thought is "Good luck with that idea.", I realize my response is coming from a workaholic's perspective. But that doesn't mean your view, or my opinion is right or wrong for judging. You're young, you've got your health, and all the time to figure things out as they come along for options. Nothing wrong with having a plan in life, but nothing always goes according to plan. No plans of school right now? Travel, take different jobs, volunteer, learn new skills. As for hobbies/interest for self business, stick with what you know. Down the road you may realize 40+ hour weeks may not seem so bad, as in life priorities may change. Budgeting smartly is one thing, but sacrificing entertainment/finer things in life just seems so...dull.

[GREENBACK]

Okay, I would like to start out by saying that I am only 18 and will be moving out of my parents house after attending college for 2-4 years. I have had two full 8 hours-a-day summers of work experience at minimum wage and guess what: I HATED IT. In fact, for the past three months I have basically put my social life on hold as I'm working on a system that I plan to use to work only part-time (20 hours at most per week) and life comfortably for my entire life.

If you just laughed at that, you're not alone. My parents did too.

Not laughing at your writings but I will say you should listen to the advice others have given. I was an absolute wage slave when I was your age and for about 7 years afterward. I got out of college and got the career I wanted and would rather do 80 hrs. a week in my current occupation than 10 hrs. in the various part time jobs I did to support myself.

You're being idealistic which is common at your age(most of us were). Trust me, you'll do far better to find that which you really want to do. It's not a grind if you have a passion for it. I'm not putting your idea down but just giving you my opinion based on personal experience. A career is far more than dollars earned per hour or hours worked per week. If you hated those summer jobs you had you'll really hate doing those types of jobs in 30 years. Part time jobs tend to be like the jobs you described.

[dpb]

Okay, I would like to start out by saying that I am only 18 and will be moving out of my parents house after attending college for 2-4 years.

You're very fortunate to be afforded that opportunity.

I have had two full 8 hours-a-day summers of work experience at minimum wage and guess what: I HATED IT.

Welcome to adulthood.

My last position required me to work 12 hour shifts, five days-a-week. That doesn't include the occasional 24 hour (straight) duties that were almost always on the weekend (my days off). No one enjoys working long hours, especially for minimal compensation.

In fact, for the past three months I have basically put my social life on hold as I'm working on a system that I plan to use to work only part-time (20 hours at most per week) and life comfortably for my entire life.

That's a part of having more responsibility. And who's to say you can't maintain a social life? It's all about how you prioritize your time.

I cannot stand the idea of work 8 hours per day for my entire life in order to get my freedom when I'm too old to enjoy it properly. Wage-slavery is my number one fear in this world, and I will basically give up all the "good stuff" to avoid it.

Again, welcome to the real world.

That is an unfortunate reality of being a working-class citizen. If you don't want to work a full-time, minimum wage job, then don't. If you want to work under your own terms, then by all means, do so. But it will require a lot of effort and hard work. Success won't just come knocking on your door. You have to seek it out.