Jobs used as bargaining chip

[DanaC]

The last full time job I had (2004-2006) I was paid £13.5k per annum.

That works out as a little under $22k per year. Some of that went to Income Tax and National Insurance. Leaving me with a net income of: approximately £10900, or $17700

Out of which I had to pay $7300 in rent, $800 in Council Tax, and approx. $2500 in Gas and electric.

After rent, tax and fuel, I was left with approximately $7k per year for everything else.

And that's in the North, where prices are comparatively low.