This could be a touchy subject, but here's my point of view.
First off ... I live with my parents. Seems a bit silly when you consider my age, but, in all fairness, I pay rent, I help maintain the house, I contribute to groceries. Of course I get such perks as getting my laundry done (most of the time), and getting dinner most nights (which is also the only food I eat in the house - breakfast and lunch are own babies). My internet/phoneline costs I carry on my own (I had a seperate line installed).
I could move out - but I have a few things that stop me. First off, buying a house on my current salary is impossible, and I'm against paying rent for the simple reason that you're basically throwing money down a well - you get absolutely no return on it. And I'll eventually be inheriting my parent's place anyway - part of my rent goes towards paying the bond. Another factor preventing me is the fact that I'm planning to go overseas once I have my degree for a period of one or two years in the next 2 years - once I'm back I'll probably re-evaluate my options.
I realise a lot of guys out there will merely see these as excuses on my part, and others will see it as laziness - that's fair, each to their own. After all, I don't live my life for other people's approval.
Jobs-wise, my first job was delivering newspapers in high-school, also did various waitering stints and about 3 years at Mr Delivery. My current car was bought with money earned while pulling double-shifts as a waiter, 7 days a week.
