In a time when many people are struggling to save on rent, one young woman in Hunan, China, has taken an extreme step to cut down on living expenses—she is living in a factory bathroom.
The 19-year-old, who grew up in a poor family, said she couldn’t afford the 800 yuan ($110) rent for a decent apartment. As a result, she sought permission from her employer to live in a bathroom at the factory where she works. Surprisingly, her employer allowed her to do so.
The bathroom, which measures just 6 square feet, has become her home. Despite the cramped space and unpleasant smells, she chose this option to save money.
She received a range of reactions when she posted about her situation on social media. According to the young woman, her employer tried to help her find a more decent place to live, but the rent for apartments ranged from 800 yuan ($110) to 1,000 yuan ($140)—an amount she could not afford, as she only earns 3,000 yuan ($415) a month.
She explained that she would rather save her money for her dream home than spend it on rent. Even though living in a bathroom is less than ideal, she believes it is a better choice for her financial goals.