Craig Evans said his first trip into "The Real World" was harder than he thought it would be.

Pilate Middle School in Newton sent its students there earlier this week. First, the students selected a career. Evans chose to be a lawyer, but in reality hopes to be playing the NFL or NBA.

Next up, students received a monthly salary. And then the expenses started coming out of it, some of which were unexpected for the 8th grader.

"Paying taxes and entertainment. I didn't expect that you would have entertainment like that," said Evans.

For the teachers and staff, watching the kids spend their money wasn't always easy, especially when they ended the month with only a few dollars. But they say, the experience gained by the students is well worth it.

"Most of the kids have been interested in all of it. They've been so excited of the annual salary that they will make," said Cola Shelby, guidance counselor. "They've been excited about how much money they have left over. And a lot of them have been surprised about they don't hardly have anything leftover at the end of the month, so now they see what their parents are going through."

"I got to see how my parents, well, what they go through every day or every month, and how hard it is if you have one child or three children. It's hard," said 8th grade student Shafony Blaylock.

It seems like the consensus is that, for the most part, it is hard when you are just starting out in the real world. And with the way prices are constantly rising for many things, Evans fears it will only get harder from here.

"I guess this was just a minor thing, but I guess it was just like giving you a little hint," said Evans. "I guess it will be harder in the near future."