I’m facing life on the street because of heartless mum
Dear Coleen
I am a 24-year-old guy and a really hard worker. I grew up with an abusive father until he ran off when I was 10. Since then I have lived with my mother and her boyfriend, who she met when my twin sister and I were 12.
My sister now lives with her boyfriend and they have a child together.
I’ve paid rent every month for my room since I was 17 and I also take care of maintenance because of my carpenter’s background. I have always fed myself. I never drink alcohol, never smoke nor abuse any other substance and my mother has never had to spend a penny on me. But I’ve always been grateful to have a roof over my head.
Recently, though, my mother dropped the bombshell that she’d decided to sell our home and I have five months to find alternative accommodation. She’s told me I’m not welcome in the new home she gets with her boyfriend. Where we live, house prices and rent are ridiculously high. I took double shifts at work to earn as much as possible, but it’s taking its toll on me. I went to the bank to ask about how much of a mortgage I could get, but without a deposit they won’t lend me a penny. I’m worried I’ll be out on the street.
I don’t have any close friends or loved ones I can crash with and I’ve never really seen eye to eye with my sister, so I don’t know what to do.
Coleen says
It sounds like you’ve been a very good son and it must be hurtful that your mum is apparently being so heartless.
Have you actually explained how you feel to her and that you’re looking into finding a place to live, but you’re terrified of ending up on the street?
Have you asked her if you can move in with them if you still haven’t found somewhere, even if it’s just for a short time? If she still says it’s not her problem and you can’t afford to buy, then look into a house share which is more affordable than renting your own place. You don’t need friends for that. You can just rent a room in a house and it could actually be a great way of making new friends.
It might even cost you less than you’re paying now and you’ll probably really enjoy living with people your own age and having more independence. Most young people these days can’t afford to buy a place of their own and have to rent rooms for a long time before getting on the housing ladder.
You’re working hard,so keep saving a bit each month to use to pay a month’s rent in advance, and search the ads for rooms to rent.
It’s always scary when you’re presented with a big life change, but it’s also an opportunity to create a different and better life for yourself. Good luck.