Flux
Life June 1st, 2008So. My parents are planning to sell the house by the end of the year. I’m not too surprised, as we’ve lived for an average of 3.5 years in any one house before moving to another one. It’s like my parents are property investors, except they tend to be living in whichever house they’re currently investing in. They’ve already have the next house bought (aka heavily mortgaged) and it happens to be even further away from everything than our current house.
My plan is to move out of home before all this goes down, which means I only have until about December to find my own place, and more importantly, have some sort of income to pay for rent. I can work more next semester and if the lawyer I’m working for stops being so fucking stingy with money, and if I can get rental assistance, I probably manage to just make enough to pay for rent and maybe food. Since I plan to be moving out with Tim, if he has some kind of income too, that’ll definitely make things easier. My only concern is that once I’ve graduated and I start the intensive coursework at the College of Law, which is going to last months, I don’t think I’d have time to squeeze work in at all. Worse comes to worse, I’ll have to move with my parents to the new place and just take forever getting anywhere. Oh joy.
As I was falling asleep yesterday night thinking about this, I became increasingly worried that it would all turn out horribly. I know so many people who’ve moved out of home without much of a hitch and simply learnt quickly to be independent in terms of self-management, but what if I can’t do it? What if I end up stressing out over what food to cook and how clean my home should be? What if it puts stress on my relationship with Tim? What if I run out of money… for some reason? What if the house burns down? :(
I guess I’ll have to just take things step by step… the only thing I could do now is just start saving money. Oh and maybe start my assessments that are due relatively soon.
I just moved out last week and it’s so far going smoothly. I don’t have enough money for everything - my mum pitches in food for me behind my dad’s back. Aside from that it’s going okay - I was able to find a really cheap place in a REALLY good area because I did my hunting much earlier than everyone else.
I think you’ll be fine. :) Have you talked to your parents about this and about your worries? It’s possible you can work something out. If not, at least you have a backup plan, even though it’s a sucky one (trust me, I know how horrible it is to live a bajillion miles away from everything).
Don’t worry. It’s all going to work out okay. Just like you said - step by step.
I don’t think I can move out any time soon… or be independent at all for that matter.
Going into a dorm is going to be a stretch because I can’t do ANYTHING on my own. ^^;
I’m sure you’ll be fine, but I think taking it one step at a time would always work better. 8D
Yikes! You’re worrying about all the opposite things that I’d worry about. I tend to worry more about the money to rent, get groceries, etc. than about how I’d handle myself away from home. Because I know I can always control myself, but sources of income? Those aren’t really flowing yet.
I think the fact that you’re thinking about all the things that could go wrong helps prepare you for what won’t. You’ll be absolutely fine. After all, you’ll live through whatever happens and come out with new experiences and you’ll know better next time. Good luck!
I think I understand the stress the situation is causing you. I’d be terrified if I had to move out of my parent’s house before being sure that I can afford it (both economically and academically). I know that the uncertainty feeling sucks.
I can only wish you all the best. *hugs*
If I can do it at 19, I’m pretty sure that you can do it at 22. It’s not hard :)
I’ll bet you that you end up loving it!
I echo Rose, almost. I was 20 rather than 19.
It may seem scary now, but once you’re actually out and settled into your own place, it’s amazing!
I am moving out of my parent’s house in less than two weeks, and it is a little bit scary. Though, I do have income set up, so I am sure the idea of moving out is 10x more frightening for you. But, I think that you’ll figure out a way. If your parents can’t help you out, then it’s time to get two jobs, do school, and sleep maybe 2 - 4 hours. Thankfully, you’re young, and you’ll be able to handle that for a few years.
But yeah, I wouldn’t worry about how clean your place should be… I would be more worried about paying for rent and utilities and clothes and food and any of the other things you might want.
There’s no point in me insulting your intelligence and giving you lots of hints about fiscal matters - you can figure all that out for yourself. :) Though, do contact your local Centrelink office and see what payments you’re entitled to. I believe if you manage to declare independency from your parents (e.g. they sign something saying that they refuse to have you in their house), you’re eligible for higher payments? It’s something to look into.
I’d also look into cash in hand out-of-hours work if possible (babysitting, etc.). One or two nights a week…$50 here and $50 there can really supplement your income. :)
Best of luck! Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. :)