A WOMAN has explained why she chose to be homeless after getting frustrated of forking out a fortune on rent.
TikToker Destinee told her 17.2k followers that she was tired of spending $2,000 (£1.5k) on rent and household bills.
The young woman chose to be homeless after growing tired of spending £1.5k on rent and bills every month[/caption]
After spending the first few days sleeping in her car, Destinee had a chat with her manager – and now sleeps at work[/caption]
Like a growing number of people, the woman first tried living in her car after leaving her flat – however, this didn’t last very long, as the vehicle completely ”broke down” on the first day of Destinee being homeless.
”I slept in that car for so many nights without air and heat.”
One day, she bravely admitted on TikTok, she couldn’t ”take it” anymore and approached her employer at work.
”I told my manager I was living in a broke-down car – and now I sleep at work,” she shared on a video.
Although Destinee hasn’t revealed what she does for work, she recently took footage of the small room where she allegedly spends most of her nights in.
The space features an extra long recliner which Destinee uses as a makeshift bed, as well as a lamp and a mini table for her to keep all her essentials on.
The young woman also spends just £15 every month on a gym membership to be able to have a shower, do her hair and make-up before work.
”Self-care is not always aesthetic. Self-care is sometimes the small luxuries that make a difference.
”For me, that’s being able to take a hot shower at the gym and throw in my shower steamer,” Destinee said in an another clip.
Destinee, who collects her online orders from Amazon Pick-up locations, as well as her work, added that just because she doesn’t have a home doesn’t necessarily mean she doesn’t have money.
”I don’t eat out of the trash. In my office, I have access to a microwave,” said Destinee who also stores her food in the office fridge.
She went on: ”I usually use a meal-prep service. This week, I ordered spaghetti, garlic bread and corn, and it is another expense
”But to be honest, I am not paying rent, so I am not complaining.”
Destinee has also spilled the beans on what it’s like dating when you’re homeless and said she doesn’t usually reveal this fact until the second or third date.
What to do if you’re made homeless
In England, your council must help if you’re legally homeless or will become homeless within the next 8 weeks.
You may be legally homeless if:
- you’ve no legal right to live in accommodation anywhere in the world
- you cannot get into your home, for example your landlord has locked you out
- it’s not reasonable to stay in your home, for example you’re at risk of violence or abuse
- you’re forced to live apart from your family or people you normally live with because there’s no suitable accommodation for you
- you’re living in very poor conditions such as overcrowding
There are different types of support your council could offer you. For example, they may offer you advice, emergency housing, support to find longer-term housing or help so you can stay in your home.
If you are looking for advice you can contacting housing charity Shelter for advice, Citizen Legal Advice for a legal aid, and speak to your local council for help.
”It hasn’t been an issue so far. If you have a problem with me dating, just remember – I’m homeless by choice and unlike you, I don’t have any rent to pay.”
Although some social media users struggled to understand why she’d choose to be homeless and instead sleep at work, Destinee hit back and claimed having more money in her bank account is ”definitely worth it”.
‘You’re gonna be a millionaire’
Destinee’s video has since taken the internet by storm, winning her more than 2.5million views, over 2,300 comments and 90.9k likes.
Many flocked to share their thoughts and personal experiences, with one woman writing: ”I did the same thing for 4 years. honestly it’s not as bad as people may think.”
”You’re gonna be a millionaire,” thought another.
Someone else chimed in: ”Rent is definitely high nowadays, but I will pay anything to have my own space my own peace, my own sanitise bathroom.”
”My peace and stability would be worth the $1,980, but that’s just me,” a fourth agreed.
