I commiserate. Rent isn't as expensive here in central nj but it's too much for me to afford on a single income. It's about 1500 a month for a two bedroom in the town I want to live in. I'm not willing to move too far because I'm very socially isolated and my family is in this town. Without them I would have nobody. It's cheaper in the city but it's also dangerous. I have a small child and I don't want him exposed to that.

Now that I took a less stressful job I am pretty much screwed because I took a huge pay cut as well. I hate living with my mom, she's not awful but it's just a constant reminder of my crappy childhood and I just want to be on my own. I feel like it will never happen though.

No advice, just wanted to offer support. Housing costs are just insane.