Regressing societally speaking

LegacyUser

Over the last year I feel like I am going backwards instead of growing as a person. I'm sorry if this sounds long winded and I know there are other's going through more but I needed somewhere to vent and some friendly advice

So I suppose I'll start it at where I think it all began:

End of June 2013 I came out of a relationship that decended into a constant "see how far she could push me before I called her bluff", so I ended it. We were looking for somewhere to move in together that was in the middle, between her family and mine that we could afford but she was refusing to even compromise on the location (I moved into hers for a couple weeks as a test run as my lease expired and hers was about to too). The when she told me she'd call it a day if I didn't give in and the two of us stayed there (The place was far too small and overpriced and approx 60-90mins from my family while hers where all 60secs away). I had enough and broke it off myself.

Luckily I had some savings and I found a place to live quickly then a couple months later I took a paycut of near €2k a year but managed to survive within my means. (I would prefer not to discuss my income)

Fast forward to June 2014. My lease was due for renewal and the landlord told me he was upping the rent (per tenant) by €100 a month and when I told him I couldn't afford it he told me its the market rate. I looked around and rent is going up and up so I couldn't afford to rent anywhere that was cheap enough that I wasn't spending on travel what I'd be saving on rent (ie that €100 difference or more) as I work in Dublin city.

I had a chat and a friend said about going back to the family homestead until I get back on my feet. I spoke to my parents and they were very willing to help me (for which I am lucky and grateful). So I moved into my parents home on the start of July 2014. Since then any attempts to find a place to live have fallen flat on their face.

I've spoken to my employer about some form of payrise to help and he spoke to the powers that be but they aren't interested that the wages match the market rate.

Socially its not helping as I am back under the my roof my rules regime (I know I have to accept it but its hard after 4 years and I am trying to look on the bright side). When I get chatting to women or go on dates as soon as they find out my living circumstances they lose interest altogether as if I am living up to the peter pan generation stereotype. And next year with water meters coming in I will be even less capable of affording my own place.

I don't drink or smoke and I have considered giving up the car but it's the only freedom I have right now. I've looked for better paying jobs in my field and tried to upskill but its harder/taking longer than I hoped.

I am quickly becoming more and more demoralised and demotivated as time goes on. I don't know what to do but I don't want to stagnate in a life of mediocrity and spend my days going forward in a 9ft x 7.5ft room in my parents house.

Sorry for the length of the post but wanted to be comprehensive in explaining the situation.

Rubberchikken

Would there be anyone you're working with that might be looking for a flatmate or know someone who is?

It has to be hard to go back home after living independently for a time.
Best of luck