When I was an entry level chemist (2007-08 and starting salary was $24,000-$26,000) all of the kids I worked with lived at home with their parents. I did not and suffered as a result (and didn't really have the option). I had to work overtime every week just to live paycheck to paycheck. The student loans were almost the same as my rent. I struggled my first two years until I get a job that gave me a significant pay bump, then I just blew all my money paying debt down.
America! f*** YEAH!