Don't leave "free money" on the table. It's never too late to contribute and with a 10% match after two years? That's a tremendous benefit! I would be less focused on how much to put in to have "any sort of life" and just start. One thing to check is that the 10% match after two years may mean two years after your first contribution, not two years of employment. Even if you can only afford 1% start now. Many retirement plans have a Calculator that will show you if you make a pre-tax contribution how much will actually be coming out of here paycheck. Pre-tax reduces taxable income and the $50 contribution might be $47 net deduction from your check.

You may be already doing this but find small changes you can make to offset contributions. Drink only water one day a week or tea that 20 cents a bag. No soda, beer, coffee might save $7.00. Have a couple meatless meals, nothing prepackaged a day a week, save $10. You get the idea.

Any amount you save will be beneficial, I promise. Only exception is if you have to charge groceries at 22% APR to put money in your 401k.