Hello all you amazing people! I am in search of some advice and different points of views for my upcoming living situation.
I am 19 years old, and because of a change in my parents relationship and the whole "becoming of age" thing I have decided to move out on my own, still in the area of where we all live now, starting mid-June until around September, when I will move to Victoria, BC.
I do not have a job at the moment, but I am getting one ASAP. I will have some support financially from my parents, but not very much.
I've been thinking and planning this whole moving out thing for maybe a week or so now, and I'm really pumped to do it, but a bit daunted financially. My parents weren't the smartest money people, so we are all learning how to do all this at the same time.
By moving out in the area I live, I would be spending $300-$450 per month on rent, plus other living costs (I have no debt, student loans or car to worry about!)
Today I was talking with a friend of mine who is visiting, she is also 19, and she gave me a proposition; move in with her and her Mom/Stepdad, pay a max of $2oo rent (if any), contribute to things like groceries, gas, car insurance, and get a job where she works (starting pay $12.50 per/hr).
My dilemma is that while it sounds easier to make/save money by living with her, I wouldn't get all the benefits of moving out on my own in a small community with a strong support group. I still won’t know how to A) find a place to live on my own, B) how to budget living on my own and C) I would still be living with “family” and not get the same independence.
I like the idea of moving in with my friend simply for how easy and stress free it would be, but it feels more like taking a step sideways, not a step forward.
Is it wrong to take a step sideways?
Basically, I am posting this to try and get more points of views, and to think of more questions (and hopefully answers) as to which might be the smarter plan.
Please feel free to ask me for more details!