When I moved to London I couldn't afford to rent anywhere. So I housesat for a friend of my mum and dad's - and had to look after her sickly cat. That was the only way I could survive on a meagre intern wage.

The quote "When I moved to London I couldn't afford to rent anywhere. So I housesat for a friend of my mum and dad's - and had to look after her sickly cat. That was the only way I could survive on a meagre intern wage" by Alice Levine highlights the challenges she faced early in her career, particularly the financial struggles of starting out in a big city like London. Levine, like many young people, found it difficult to afford basic living expenses, such as rent, on a modest income from her internship. Her resourcefulness led her to take up housesitting, where she could stay in a friend’s home in exchange for looking after a pet, which became a practical solution to her situation.

The mention of having to care for a "sickly cat" adds a humorous and relatable element to her story, showing the sometimes unexpected and slightly inconvenient tasks that come with trying to make ends meet. The use of a sickly pet in this context highlights how even minor difficulties, like caring for a pet, can feel more burdensome when someone is struggling financially or emotionally, further illustrating the sacrifices she had to make in those early days.

Levine’s experience underscores the meagre wages that many interns or early-career professionals are paid, particularly in competitive industries. The fact that housesitting was her only viable option for survival speaks to the limited financial opportunities available to young people starting out in expensive cities like London, where the cost of living is high and entry-level wages often don’t cover basic needs like rent and utilities.

In essence, this quote offers a snapshot of the hardships and determination that come with pursuing a career in a big city, especially when financial resources are scarce. It reflects the resourcefulness and flexibility required to navigate such challenges and the personal sacrifices one must make early on in their professional journey.