Smashed Avo's Just The Start: What Would You Give Up To Save For A House?

We asked members, in the wake of avo-gate: What would you give up to save for a house? Here’s our favourite response.

The question isn't, "what would I give up?" It's "what wouldn't I give up to save for a house?"

Given that Centrelink rates for Youth Allowance were capped at around $236 in the early 1990s, when they were first introduced, and the cost of living and unemployment has risen exponentially, the dream of owning my own house feels like trying to close a fist around a wisp of smoke. Impossible.

The more I try, the more disheartened I am. The casualisation of the workforce has ruined the idea of stable earnings for young Australians, especially those struggling to juggle university studies and working to keep a roof over their head.

I can't think of a single person my age who has not only the money, but the time, to sit down at a fancy cafe and buy the dreaded smash avo we're accused by older generations of ruining our chances at stable housing with.

I've already given up my dignity; relying on Centrelink makes me feel like a beggar in a world where no one should ever be ashamed for wishing they had money to keep food in their belly and a roof over their head.

I've already given up security; with $20 a fortnight left after rent and bills I have no 'nest egg' stashed away for emergencies, let alone a housing deposit.

I've already given up my dreams; settling for studying in a 'stable' field like Education (where teachers are always needed) to avoid the crippling fear that I will end up not only unemployed with a huge university debt but remain in the continued cycle of poverty that my mother and her mother before her faced.

I don't have anything left to give up, and the depressing thought is that it still probably won't be enough, and I will be in rental properties for the rest of my life.

Congratulations to Dana for winning this writing challenge, answering: What Would You Give Up To Save For A House? Dana wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Comps section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge!

Photo: iStock.