I am 26 male and had a very late start in this world. Never worked retail and only worked at age 24 in accounting. I reflect and don't really have much excuses. I was lazy and never really had the urgency to do anything. I feel as though my innate motor is quite low.
Anyways, I started working in accounting and make 50k in a HCOL area which is pretty terrible and my raise was 2.5k this year lol. I live with my mother in a 1 bedroom helping her cover her mortgage. My income is probably not going to change dramatically until maybe I'm around age 30.
I know I have "something" which is my career but can't feel so far behind. I won't truly get to save until I hit age 30. IDK if I can even marry someone or take care of a family. I am potentially deciding to live a life alone.
Keep in mind I live in Canada. If I lived in America I would have much more hope and my peers down south make closure to 80-90k entry level in simialr cost cities.