15 hourly wage, shared tips and whatever food was cheapest. That was life for billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban before he built his fortune, and he’s reminding critics that getting ahead doesn’t always start with the perfect job.
But one person challenged that advice, asking how someone earning a McDonald’s paycheck could afford rent and other living expenses today. Cuban responded in a Sunday post on X with a glimpse into his own early struggles.
"Multiple roommates. Ramen noodles.
Near public transportation. Respect to the people who do whatever it takes," Cuban wrote.
15 an hour, plus whatever tips were shared. A retail job came next, but benefits weren’t part of the package.
"Had 5 roommates in a 3 br apt. Ate lousy food out of cans and ate a ton of peanuts and s*** food at happy hour.
Had credit cards ripped up. " Those years also gave Cuban an education in business.
He said watching his bosses and their bosses taught him what worked and what didn’t. "But I learned a ton.
Taught me what was right and wrong about running a business by watching my bosses and their bosses," he added. Cuban also acknowledged that the economy was different when he was starting out, citing 15% inflation and 10% national unemployment.
After getting fired from the retail store, he launched his own business with no cash and bill collectors already calling. "I know I was fortunate when I finally got fired from the store, and had to start my own business with zero cash," Cuban wrote.
"Bill collectors everywhere. " He didn’t dismiss the challenges facing younger workers today.
"But I recognize it’s so much harder today," Cuban continued. " Five Roommates and Lessons Money Couldn’t Buy Cuban later Sunday shared another post featuring the floor plan of the apartment he once rented at the Village Apartments in Dallas.
The current rent was listed at $2,388, which he said was equivalent to what he paid when he lived there, adjusted for 2026 dollars. With six people splitting the cost, each person’s share came to roughly $400.
"For those who care. This is the same unit layout, same complex in the Village Apartments, the Hills.
Updated," Cuban wrote. He also addressed the possibility that the arrangement wouldn’t be allowed today.
"Maybe there are extra charges. Maybe they won’t let 6 guys in there (we weren’t supposed to be there either).
I don’t know. " Cuban said he moved in at 24 and lived there, or across the street, for two years before eventually needing just one roommate.
Cuban Isn’t Prescribing One Career Path Cuban wasn’t suggesting everyone should follow the same path or accept a lifestyle that doesn’t work for them. He made that clear when addressing people who disagreed with his advice.
"If it’s not the lifestyle for you. So be it," he wrote.
"If you don’t think just getting any job to get started is the right career choice for you. Do what you think is right.
