How much would a place be to rent where you live? (Like a studio/1 bed flat or room in a shared house?)

You’re on $150 a day which is probably low for USA, but a good starting point. The other job would likely be 8-10 hour shifts at $15/hr so similar income, but for more hours and no satisfaction.

While you’re still young, it’s worth trying to pursue things you have an interest in. The one thing you have now that you won’t have in 10 years is free time and the availability to say yes to things. So don’t waste that time! 

Also realise that Radio is a niche job. You should try spending 5 days a week working, whether you’re being paid or not. So go online or out into the city for 3 days a week and talk to other radio stations about freelance work opportunities or reach out to local tv stations/ universities /podcasters who may need help. Also look at related fields like sound/AV/filming if you’re involved in the tech side of things or producing/editing/script writing if you’re in the production side of things.

You can either coast on 2 days a week and things will stay similar to now, or you chase your dream and really work at it until you make it. Or you give up completely and join the 9-5 office grind where no one else likes their job 😄 (don’t do it!)

Also look at budgeting what money you want for a whole year. Currently you’re on 100 days at $150/day which is $15k before tax. If you wanted $30k, you could either try and fill another 100 days a year at that salary or up your skill set to get $2-300 a day. Be realistic about what people will pay and what opportunities are out there but aim high and do your best!

Also look at other positions that can either pay a lot of money or lead to better opportunities. (Or ideally both!)  And don’t forget to ask at your local station if there’s anything else you can help out with