I graduated with a degree in MIS a few weeks ago. I'm trying to figure out what my next steps are.
Currently: Live with parents, pay for nothing except gas and my car payment. This can be continued indefinitely, until I move out. I'm still at the internship I started last summer. They made a permanent offer, but I didn't take it due to this not being the place I want to start my career and I thought the $$$ was a little low. I can stay as an intern for at least the next 2 or 3 months but this may change as my boss has a management meeting today to determine when I'm getting kicked out. Full time I'll bring home around $2000 per month.
Future: I'm tempted to make a big move. I've lived where I do my entire life. 90% of my family is within a 15 minute drive. Went to school with many of the same people from K-12. Went to college 30 minutes away. Denver is my main pick due to the relatively low COL, climate, and job market (tech). I want something new.
I don't know whether I should live at home for a while or make a big move now when nothing is holding me back.
Live at home:
Pros: Cheap, could pay off my student loan debt much faster, comfortable, close friends/family are near by
Cons: Feel stuck, "what could have been", very cold/icy/snowy winters, not as great job market, but could still find employment
Denver:
Pros: Better job market, weather, see a new part of the country, independence, I've always felt happier when I live on my own
Cons: Take longer to pay down debt, scary being alone, moving expenses
I'd done some rough budgeting and paycheck calculating. If I make at least 40K* in Denver, I can cover rent and service my debt but only have ~$200 leftover each month. Tight IMO. Parent might be willing to cover some of the SL in their name while I get settled since I'm "saving" them some money by moving out. 45K would make me much more comfortable. Within a few years I think I should be making 60K+.
One scenario I've been giving thought to is working my internship for another ~5 weeks. Then going to Denver and staying with a friend. I'd be leaving with ~5K. I talked to a recruiter last week who said he could definitely help me, but it's hard to get companies to take you seriously when you're not there. He told me if I could come out for at least a week, he'd start working on finding positions and setting up interviews. I guess worst case is I end up back at home, where I'd be if I don't go. Student loan repayment doesn't start until December so I could stay in Denver for maybe all of July/August. If it doesn't work out, cut my losses, head home and have 3 months to find a job.
*That number is reasonable for someone with a bachelor's (and a minor) in MIS and a year of internship experience right?
So what advice does everyone have? I'm hoping some people have experience relocating like this or any other perspective that might be helpful! I don't know to balance quality of life with getting out of debt sooner or if this entire plan is way too risky.