I know I can't just outsource the question of whether I should move out from my parents home or not. However, I'm interested in your take on this situation and what recommendation you guys have.
About me: I'm 24 years old and live in Central Europe. I finished my Master in Computer Science a few months ago, since then I'm working on my PhD. I'm pursuing the PhD because I LOVE the academic life. I love researching, reading current papers, get to the very bleeding edge and even increase the knowledge of humanity by publishing own papers! I have an amazing team and project, thus I do not regret my decision for a second. The only downside is the pay-check; I certainly could earn much more money working in industry.
I was a rather quick student, it took me just 4 years for my bachelor+master ('minimum' duration of study is 5 years). I did two semesters abroad (only ~3 months each) where I lived away from home. Except for these two exceptions I live with my parents. I bike to university everyday (~35km, 80min for the round-trip).
Current financial situation: I have ~35k invested in (mainly) an low-cost all-world ETF (actually 75% developed world, 15% emerging markets, and 10% bonds). I earn ~2.300 take-home pay a month (including a bit of income from my self-created company).
Enough preliminary, the reason for this post is that I'm dallying over renting a small flat (27mē + 10mē balcony) for 360/month. I'm thinking about it extensively for the last two weeks (is this too little time to make such a large decision? I don't know...).
My main arguments for leaving the nest:
* the new flat would be really close to university (~15 minutes walking, or 4' biking)
* I'm kind of limited for inviting guests over right now. Especially on short notice. And especially if it's a single girl, if you know what I mean. Every (other) month or so, I invite my friend group over -- this is okay, but even though I'm an absolute introvert I would not mind inviting people more often. I know it's okay for my friends to invite me way more often than the other way round, but it's nagging me a bit.
* Similar to the previous point: My ex-girlfriend (of ~4 years) and I broke up a few weeks ago. I don't feel like dating anyone right now, but thinking mid-term I know it would certainly be really nice to have an own place.
On a higher level, I guess I would really enjoy the freedom and independence. I hope to grow a lot by owning my own flat. I even look forward to the chores (cooking for myself, washing the dishes, washing the clothes, cleaning the flat, ...). This makes me ponder whether I'm overly idealizing the idea of moving out. The reality will probably not be as cool/ideal/perfect than I imagine it to be right now.
My arguments for staying with my parents for a bit longer:
* I hope the breakup is not influencing my decision to leave home too much. But to be honest, I would certainly enjoy the freedom of being able to hook up with someone without needing to explain myself.
* Money. I not only have to pay rent, but also for food (which is free right now) and various other things (internet, one-time investments like pans, vacuum cleaner, a table, a bed, ...).
* I have a really good relationship with my family. I don't want them to feel like I don't enjoy their generous offer (home, food, ...).
To summarize, I feel like I really want to live on my own. Right now, the advantages outweight the downsides by a lot. The only thing that's stopping me from pursuing this dream is that the grass is always greener on the other side. Do I really have to move out in order to gain the benefits listed above? Can't I be happy without spending so much money (unnecessarily?)? I'm more than happy for any response/feedback/personal story/your take in this/... ANYTHING!