Are You Really Ready to Move Out of Your Parents' Home?

Let's face it: living with your parents is not the best way to impress a potential date. When you're young and ambitious it can feel like a hindrance to be living at home. Typically, you're abiding by your parents' rules and adhering to the standards of their household- something that can be a real drag when all you want to do is go, go, go. Despite the potential pitfalls of cohabiting with your parents, the benefits can be to your advantage when you're just getting a feel for the real game of life. Still, there's no stopping the internal clock of independence; there will come a time when you'll want to pass go and collect that $200. Is desire enough to see you through the trials and tribulations of living on your own, or are there some other things that you ought to consider before hunting for a new place to live?

Financially speaking, it's important to be sure that you can rely on your income in order to get by. Your parents are bound to help you out from time to time, but if you want to gain the full benefits of living on your own then you had better shape up and get ready to act the part. Look, I'm young too; I know that at our age it's not realistic to have a huge amount of cash set aside for an emergency, nor is it likely that we'll be able to stick to a budget. Things happen. That doesn't mean that you'll never be able to put money aside in your savings account or that you'll need to eat ramen for dinner every night. The best advice that I can give you is to look at the costs you'll incur when you move out. Obviously, you'll have to consider the cost of your new abode; you'll also have to consider the cost of utilities, transportation, food, and so on. If your salary is enough to cover your bills, then you'll probably be fine. You can always look for ways to cut corners and save money. For example, to save money on living expenses you may want to find a roommate. That alone can do wonders for your savings account. Having a credit card can be great for emergencies, but don't overdo it; this is your chance to show everyone how responsible you are, not to treat the gang to wings and beer at Hooters.

On that note, discipline is another important character trait when it comes to independence. This is especially true if you are still a student. Look at it this way: for years, your parents may have reminded you to set your alarm clock, to schedule an appointment with your doctor, or that some school project was due by a certain date. When you move out, that's going to change: you are going to be responsible for your own affairs. This can be a blessing and a curse, depending on your own level of maturity. Are you going to be motivated enough to wake up for your first class, or to get ready for work? We all feel the strain at times; we get tired, stressed out, depressed, or just too caught up in our own lives to tend to our responsibilities. If you're not positive that you can function as an adult, if you know that you won't be able to get out of bed without your mother banging on your door and telling you that you're about to miss your bus, then I wouldn't recommend living on your own. Being an independent adult means holding yourself accountable for your actions; even if you don't want to do something, you need to make sure that it gets done. Your independence is going to falter otherwise.

Emotions can play an important role in your decision. Are you ready and willing to leave the proverbial nest? It may sound strange, but I remember that emotions were running high during my first few weeks as a freshman in college. Our Residential Life department even offered programs that were designed to ease the feelings of homesickness and to help the students adapt to their new home. You may argue that you're just going to be moving a few blocks away; that doesn't really matter when it comes to homesickness. These emotions aren't based on logic; it doesn't matter how far away from home you are, it matters that you are living in a new environment and that things aren't the same. Living away from home is going to change your relationship with your parents, on some level. They are going to view you differently and vice-versa. Emotionally speaking, you can wind up feeling pretty depressed and confused if you rush into any decisions at this stage in your life. Take some time to consider your emotions before you make any plans. If you feel that you're ready to cope with any changes that may come your way, then move forward. If you still have doubts, then shelve your whims for now; you can always give it another try, in time.

Independence is a great feeling, if you're ready to embrace it. If you're forced into it, you may find it a bit uncomfortable, even intimidating. That's why it's best to take steps towards your independence that coincidence with your personal comfort level. Don't do anything that you're not prepared for. Moving out of your parents' house and achieving a new level of independence should be a happy occasion, a new chapter in your life that will create lasting memories and provide invaluable lessons. You're only going to deny yourself these positive aspects of change if you force yourself into anything. At this stage in your life, time is one thing that you definitely have on your side. Use that to your advantage; you have no need for hasty decisions when the path is long and the future is bright.