9$ an hour is shit for construction, i got offered a job for 17$ an hour with a chance for apprenticeship, i make 11.30 working at fucking best buy, you need to find a better place of employment, i dont do shit all day but sell computers.
it depends where you work and how much you pay out for living.
ie: i lived in a place where all bills paid duplex (1200 sq. ft. 2-story + garage) was $500/month on a good side of town in a low pop town. I had to pay for my cell and cable/net, thats it. i made ~$2500/month working 30 hours a week (or more, based on commission from Sears - commuted 15 miles down the road)
some people i know in bigger towns make lets just say $2000/month working 40 hours a week, paying $700 just for rent, $50 for water, $100-150 for electricity (+gas if you have gas) + cable/net
so city gross 2000 - 700rent - 300 (util/net/etc) = 1000 spending (+car + ins +food, etc)
vs small town 2500 - 500 -80(net)= 1920$ spending
so remember, you may make 11.xx an hour, but how much are you (or if you're living at home - how much would you if you weren't supported) spending on "living expenses" where you live?
take into acct how much money you have left over AFTER you spend your money on bills. Granted i drove an extra 7-10 miles than some people, but I would also hang out with ppl, go shopping, etc. only working 30 hours a week and kicking $600-700 a week is decent money for a college youth =)
i worked 6 hours on friday, 12 on sat/sun. sometimes i would work a little more... but i was doing college during the week.
