The lady I stay with is very controlling doesn't want me going anywhere. I feel like I don't have a life outside of here. Any advice?

I was in college at the time and offered to to sleep over the mothers house every night during the semesters, I was offered by her family room and board in exchange for sleeping in her home at night. I had a nice room, but watched me like a hawk, she was in her eighties I purchased and ate my own food. Well it did not work out, I needed to go to the library every day after my classes, and she wanted me with her during the day, taking her out for lunch/dinner, errands and so on. I did not mind helping her, but my studies had to come first and she should have stuck to the agreement, I was at her home between 5 - 7pm every night. Once the year was up I was glad to say good bye, commuted about 1/1/2 one way and was much happier with my freedom. Move out and get a small apartment, or perhaps a roommate type agency. My brother used an agency and was very happy. He lived in NYC and has 2-3 college roommates. he told me they were never in the apartment or perhaps Senior Housing. Good luck.

Here are the Federal guidelines. As says, States may differ but not by much. Note that it says you need to be paid and mentions time off.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/79b-flsa-live-in-domestic-workers

This is against the law. Live in help still receives a salary. I think at least minimum wage. They cannot deduct room and board from your pay. And, as an employer they must be deducting SS (and matching it) and income taxes. They also cannot work u 24/7. You are entitled to time off.

You need to go to your local Labor board and find out your rights. You are vertually a slave. I hope you have someplace to go. If not, go to your local Social Services and ask for help until u can get on ur feet. You are virtually a slave.

That's abuse. Or , indentured servitude? Or slavery? You pick. In any case, sounds like an illeagal situation to me. If it were me, I'd call APS, and the labor board and then leave. It's up to you. Find a job that gives you dignity.

When I was growing up my mom hired a live-in maid. My mom gave her Saturday thru Sunday evenings off and had pay, and a room - for 10 years. She cooked the best damn mexican food and taught me to speak spanish. When I turned 13, she was let go - cause I was old enough to take 'babysitting' jobs! Anyway . .that's beside the point, sorry about the side trip.

I forced my mom to pay her caregivers - in an underhanded way sort - of, but I was ready to call the labor board and APS on her if the caregivers complained about getting abused from her - weather underpaid, or doing chores that were not in their 'scope of work'.

Bottom line - Everyone has a life outside a job. You should too. It's up to you to make the change.

You DON'T have a life. All they do is provide shelter and a little food and cigarettes? You're basically working for cigarettes.

I agree with Florida DD--you need to get out of there and find a better way to live. People will continue to abuse you if you allow it.

How did you get in to this situation? It's heartbreaking to me.

Look into local shelters -- many places are putting homeless in hotels during Covaid.  Go in and talk to them, they should be able to help you relocate.  Then you can start looking for a reasonable job.  Very sorry.