So,what would you say to a girl that is ready to fly out of the nest?

[Sapphire'sWings]

No,I'm not ready to move out from my parents' home yet.I'm 17,don't have a job,don't have a car,etc.But I want to start thinking and start planning.How can I get a job,or a car?

Right now I'm having some issues with my parents.I'm VERY grateful to them,because they have made my life easier and have supported me,and have just made me happy.

However,my problem is that they have a horrible attitude about the therapy and medicine I'm going through.I feel like a freak,honestly.

My family can't understand what I'm going through.I also think I've damaged my relationship with my parents because I decided to get help.

This isn't the only reason.I just think I'm a burden to them already.I also think that soon enough,when I turn 18,I should already start being more independent.Something just tells me that the right thing is to go.

I think that I would be more at peace if I can choose to get treatment,without having more stress at home,because it is really getting in the way of me healing.

Also,my mom wants me to stay here until I marry.I think that's crazy!Well,not crazy for a mother who wants to keep her child around,but I mean,I might not get married until my 20's,30's,who knows?

I can't deal with knowing that I'm a burden,and that I'm going to be given a hard time for YEARS by the people I love the most.

I just think that it is going to be time to go soon.I don't think the world is going to be easy out there.But look,my parents have overprotected me a lot (which I understand,I'm not ungrateful).So i just feel suffocated!I have barely any "street smarts".It is just pathetic the things I don't know or haven't experienced and I'm almost a legal adult!

I feel suffocated.I want to start learning how to get around in the real world already.I want to experience the world.

Right now I'm not ready to leave,but I will be turning 18 soon.I wont leave as soon as I turn 18,because I still need to get ready and know how to get on my feet.

So tell me about this..real outside world.I need to know what to expect.i need to know how to take care of myself,because I have no clue about anything,and nobody else has taught me.How do you get a job,a car,a place to live?How do you manage money?How did you tell your parents you were leaving,without losing contact with them?I feel suffocated already and as I grow older,I want to be more independent,or at least know what I'm doing.

Also,how did you find out it was time to go?

ETA:My therapist and doctor have already explained my depression issues very well,but she's so stubborn.No explanation will do.

[LilyMunster]

One of my daughters moved from her father's house to her husband's house. And that was not easy on her. The other daughter first found a job in the newspaper. Created a resume with cover letter using all of her life experiences to give an idea of what she was capable of. Also spoke of her attention to detail, self-starter, good attitude towards task at hand in her cover letter. She interviewed got the job. Balanced High School and a part-time job. After High School she and 3 of her classmates rented a home together. She takes the bus to work. That is a very brief idea of how my two daughters moved out.

LM

[wavebaby]

As a banker, my financal advice to you is learn about credit, and your credit rating, and how it works. Don't find yourself getting itno debt at such a young age (or ever, if possible) credit is easy to get and surprisingly difficult to manage. I would urge you to either take a class or read up exstensively on managing money, budgeting, and managing credit. It may be one of the best things you can do for yourself before leaving home. (It should be a mandatory course in jr high & highschool, in my opinion.) Best of luck to you with your move. I am sure you'll get great advice on how to handle the parent issue, I was in university and working when I moved out at 22, and I had a roommate too, so that made it easier, financially. Also, my parents had given me my car, so that helped too, but money was tight...a lot of bills to pay.

[jennysdreaming]

As a banker, my financal advice to you is learn about credit, and your credit rating, and how it works. Don't find yourself getting itno debt at such a young age (or ever, if possible) credit is easy to get and surprisingly difficult to manage. I would urge you to either take a class or read up exstensively on managing money, budgeting, and managing credit. It may be one of the best things you can do for yourself before leaving home. (It should be a mandatory course in jr high & highschool, in my opinion.) Best of luck to you with your move. I am sure you'll get great advice on how to handle the parent issue, I was in university and working when I moved out at 22, and I had a roommate too, so that made it easier, financially. Also, my parents had given me my car, so that helped too, but money was tight...a lot of bills to pay.

I can't second this enough! I got my first credit card at 18 and in 6 months had it maxed out and it took me 5 years to finally pay it off. It was only a $1500 limit! I paid that initial $1500 many times over in interest charges. Credit cards are nice to have, but for emergencies. Not televisions. That I learned the hard way. It seems tempting to buy the stuff now and just make the minimum payments but looking back now it would have been much smarter to wait a few months while putting the same amount of money in savings and then just buying and owning free and clear what I wanted.

I also agree with the suggestion of a roomate but make sure they are someone you can peacefully live with and will have their share of the rent on time. Best friends are not neccesarily the best roomates. Learned this the hard way also. I would have been happier in a tiny, tiny apartment I could have afforded myself.

Whatever you decide I wish you luck. It will be an adventure!

[Amber]

.How do you get a job,a car,a place to live?How do you manage money?How did you tell your parents you were leaving,without losing contact with them?

First, you'll need that job. ;)

If you haven't worked before then you might have to start by getting a part time job in a cafe, or bar, or clothes shop, or fast food joint. Your first job generally isn't going to be all that flash, and it probably won't pay that well either. However, it will help you get a better job later. With the good references you get from your first job, your second job should be much more fun and hopefully better paid too.

It's a whole lot more expensive out there in the "real world" than you might imagine, and like the other posters have mentioned you really don't want to get into credit card debt if you can help it. If you get a part time job and start saving up some money, then you'll have money for a flat bond/first few weeks rent when you do decide to move out.

As for not losing touch with your parents - it might be hard to tell them you're moving out. However, if you stay local, then you can still come back once a week to spend the day with them, or take a family meal. That might go some way towards keeping them happy?

Good luck with everything. :flower:

[SchnauzerMom]

It's very important that you learn how to handle money, how to balance a checkbook, live on a budget, open a checking and savings account. Usually in order to rent an apartment you need the 1st month's rent plus a deposit, you'll need money to pay deposits on electricity, gas, water, phone, cable TV. If you can get an apartment that has all bills paid the would be good but the rent is a lot higher on them. Learning to live on a budget is very important other wise you'll have too much month and not enough money. You'll need to decide how much you can spend on food, insurance, clothes, entertainment and so on. Getting a room mate will help with the bills but make sure it is someone you really get along with and who will do her fair share of the work and pay her fair share of the bills. Good Luck!

[Polgara]

Sapphire'sWings, the best advice I could give you is to have a good think about the key theings you want to get out of life and plan out how you are going to get there, doesn't have to be a firm plan or a detailed one.

In my case when i was 15 I wanted at some stage in my life to be able to work for an international aid organisation and i've been working on building up the skills i think i'll need to do that. I'm currently a project manager at a large food based company and am a member of a networking organisation that has many United Nations representatives for members. Another 2-3 yrs I can see myself attaining the position i want. But it's all been through making little choices and taking opportunities that have moved me along the path i want to go.

The second best advice i can give you is... go to university and get a degree in something, anything really. It will be the about the best investment you can make in yourself

If you want to move out of home, find a uni far enough away that you can't live at home. Living on campus is a good way to be independant without having to worry about paying electricity, gas and water bills, or cooking meals.

You have the whole world at your feet, life is fun, enjoy the journey :lafhard:

[Polgara]

Did i mention that life is fun?

LIFE IS FUN :lafhard: :whoohoo: :lafhard:

[enitsirk]

Two quick questions...have you finished high school or do you have another year left? I'm assuming you have another year left.

Secondly..are you planning on going to college?

It *might* be more worth your while to get a part time job and hang around until it's time to go to college, since at that point you'd be leaving anyway. But I understand that these aren't really trivial issues that you can just suck up and take for the next year.

If they are getting in the way of you getting better and you are hell bent on getting your own place asap-
first of all go after the job. Look online and in the newspaper. Your first job isn't going to be something glam, but you just want to find something where you can make some money and save it up. As for getting to the job obviously look for something you could walk/bike too if there isn't a car or public transportation at your disposal.
Do you have a checking or savings account? If not..when you get that job- get one. I'd get a debit card too but they are easy to spend money with which can be a bad thing =p

As for a place to live...internet and newspapers once again. Look for apartments in your price range and circle them..go see them. One thing to keep in mind- you might need a guarantor at your age/with your income (or is this just a college thing?) meaning that you'll need someone on your side that is okay with you moving out.

And now I've lost my train of thought and for now can just say listen to what other posters have said..
oh..and in my college town at least you usually get a better deal if you take a room with roommates in a complex where utilities and all are included. But it depends on location and all and I'm sure things are probably different in non college places =p

[TheFragile]

First, get a job. Get any job that you can, even if its fast food. Since you are living at home right now, I'm assuming you have few if any bills. This is a situation that you will probably never be in again; once you move out you will always have to pay some sort of bill. So, since you don't have to deal with this right now, make a good savings plan and stick to it. You want to try to save at least 50% of your paycheck. Do not dip into your savings no matter how tempting it is, because you're going to be depending on this money later to help cover down payments and security deposits.

Use whatever spending money you allow yourself to start a hope chest. Start buying things like silverware, cups, plates, towels, shower curtains, sheets, ect. All of these items are relatively cheap, but having to buy them all at once can end up costing quite a lot. Stick to small, portable things that are easily moved in one vehicle, and that will be useful no matter where you live.

Learn about finances, as others have suggested. I found Suze Orman's book for the Young, Fabulous, and Broke very helpful in explaining how all sorts of different financial things work. Borrow it from the library and read whats pertinant to you.

Honestly your best option for getting out of the house right now is to go to college and live in the dorms. Dorms come prefurnished, so you don't have to worry about buying furnishings right away. Don't be afraid of student loans if you need them, but keep working part time so that you are not existing solely on borrowed money. By getting a college degree you are setting yourself up to eventually get a job on which you will not only get by, but thrive.

If you decide to skip college and get an apartment, make sure you have looots of money saved up. All of those things you take for granted at your parents home will be gone. You will need to be able to buy furnature. I spent several months living in a place with only lawn chairs and an air mattress, and its not fun. Good Will and Salvation Army are wonderful places to shop.

Its difficult and intmidating at first, but being well prepared can help make it easier. And once you get to a point where your settled and comfortable, I'm sure you will be very happy. Its soooo nice to be away from the parents. But really, consider going to college.

[Shermie Girl]

You have received a lot of good solid advice. I won't even try to repeat it. :lafhard:
I can tell you this, tho. When the time is right, you will know. I was almost eighteen. One day, I went out, found a job, arranged to stay with my Gran for a while, until I got on my feet and off I went.

My family was in the process of a long-distance move and we had stopped to visit with Gran, and I just knew that it was my time to go. My mother cried her eyeballs out, gave me a little money,(what she could spare) a huge hug and some advice and when they went on to Arizona, I stayed behind and began my life on my own. My Gran was sweet and helpful, but she stood back and let me fly on my own, while giving me a place to fall if I needed it. I didn't stay with her for long. Soon, I had my own place and was an independent woman.

Take the wonderful advice you have been offered by everyone in this thread. Take your time, let it happen naturally. I have a feeling that you will be just fine. ***big hug***

[cichlid]

...as far as cars go make sure you understand all that is required for general car maintenance. I have had a car for 2 years and my dad is acting like he told me it all even though he never did. I'm really mad at him about it too!!! He never told me I should be checking my tires monthly, and I should rotate my tires...and get them balanced and all that good stuff. :evileye: Right now I am chatting with some guy friends about what needs to be done and when since they are the only one to help me. My dad acts like a jerk about this sort of stuff so... Oh, and buy a slightly used car...let someone else take the hit with the value going down.

Getting a job is easy...jobs are easy. Just apply and make good impressions. I was hired on the spot so...I dunno about anything really helpful. Dress nice, be friendly, look interested...be available to work whenever. I also don't know what type of job you are looking to get and if it will be temporary and you are going to college or something. I just have a part time job as a cashier and was hired because I was homeschooled (all my life...except now. I am in college), wanted time off for church activities (aka...I am a goodie goodie), and had a nice smile.

And obviously I can't help you with living on your own...because I live at home. Right now it is better to stay at home and get free room and board...and my parents and annoying too. My mom is not the nicest person to live with. :depressed: She's really negative and doesn't have any faith in me and thinks I will do poorly in college. Right now I am halfway done with my college career and I have a 3.69 GPA which is pretty dang good. But anyway...I figure the stress at home is better to deal with than the stress of trying to live on my own right now. I can't go to school and work full time...I am afraid my grades will suffer.

[Sapphire'sWings]

First off,thanks.I had no clue about money,renting,or any of the stuff you all posted.All I had in my mind was a little fantasy or a desire to leave.

I think that I've already realized I want to move out.I would like to move out later when I'm 18 (not my early 18's!) or when I'm 19.I think it is the best for all of us.Sure,they have 2 other kids to go,but I'm sure it would be easier for them to handle money and everything else when I'm gone.What's the point of me staying if I can make it on my own,and there's really no reason for me to stay?

I really enjoyed reading your stories too.I just feel more at peace right now,like I will take this time I have with my family to start making my little blueprint.

It will be sad to see my parents when they're upset about me moving away,but I'm sure they know that one day I have to get out and experience things.

I just feel I need more independence and privacy too.I can't spend so many years sharing a room with my sister.It isn't that easy anymore.

I need one more year to graduate.I can't believe how time has flown by!No,I don't have a checking or savings account.I really don't know so much about that! :sweatdrop:

Cichlid,I will definetely get a used car.I need to get around,I'm not looking for a shiny new car or anything.The type of job I get doesn't really matter to me.Sorry about the situation with your parents.It is really hard to do what you want to with their negative attitudes.It just makes life confusing sometimes,but with that 3.69 your mother can't complain!

And yes,life is fun. :whoohoo: Lol.I'm just going through a little rough spot right now,but I'll take care of it.:drool:

[cichlid]

When you learn about savings accounts and checking accounts...look into investing in mutual funds and stocks and bonds when you get some money saved up...start early rather than later. Which reminds me I should probably start investing. :sweatdrop: Take a class about managing money and stuff like that. You can always read some of Dave Ramsey's books but they are mostly about getting out of debt and staying debt free. Then again he also has a lot of great advice for those that are not in debt about money stuff. He is also a little anti-credit card. Lots of good tips about managing money. :grinhappy: Just go look at some books at the bookstore. Probably good and you can always look back on it if you forgot something.

[Amber]

Having a car is really fun. Or you can always go the whole hog and get a van... it's sort of like having an spare bedroom all for yourself. I had a huge station wagon when I was a student and loved it for that very reason. When I went on holiday I could even put a double matress in the back and sleep in it! ;)

Just be aware that with cars, the initial purchase price is really only a fraction of what your car will end up costing you. Insurance, repairs, oil, petrol, new tyres, registration costs... so expensive!

[cichlid]

Yeah insurance is horrible for people younger than 25 years (?). I pay a good $780 a year overall to insure an old '95 car. Only been in one accident and it was completely not my fault. I was just driving straight in my lane and this lady in a honda decided to swirve into me. Her insurance paid for it all despite teh fact she refused to talk to them about it. Life lesson: ALWAYS call the police no matter how minor the accident. Mine was minor body wise but she messed up my power steering and it was a good $1000 fix for the insurance company.

Repairs haven't been bad...like maybe $100 a year. This year I had a broken thingie break that monitors some oil in the car. It was gushing oil...but the fix was an easy $30 part that was done at home. Also had some antifreeze leaking all over. That was $100. Cars ALWAYS break in teh winter it seems.

Oil costs about $20-$30 and I do it myself. Get a guy friend to show you...it's easy! And saves you a bit. :happy:

Gas sucks...it's like a bottomless pit. :bored: I am lucky...I get great gas milage. Look at the number on the gas pump. It rangles from -4 to 4. 0 means you get exactly as you should and 4 means you are getting slightly more gas than you should. I fill up at a place and get the pump that is 3 and the price is always cheap. The owner is cool too...he always waits to raise gas prices. Every little bit helps. :drool: Those pennies add up!!!

[Diana]

I moved out a bit over a year and a half ago, just after I turned 20. I moved out because of the distance between my parents house and uni, and also because my boyfriend also lived a distance from his uni, so we moved in together to a more central location.

My biggest piece of advice would be.. Have far more money saved up than you think you will need. I was pretty well set up before I left, and after paying all the costs associated with moving into the new place I still had a bit of savings. Then just a month or so after I moved in, my car blew up in a very expensive way, costing me $2000. Eek. I needed my car because my job was still over where my mum lived, a 45 minute drive that wasnt serviced by any public transport. That was in my first semester of uni, and it was pretty hard to have to deal with that kind of expense. I had a credit card which had a $1500 limit, so I had to use all that, all my savings, and get a bit of a loan from my grandma to pay for the rest. Dont think it wont happen to you!!! My car is neither an old bomb that was likely to do that kind of thing, nor a fancy car that should cost a lot to fix. Beware of the evil car costs!

Getting together some things for the house is a great idea. Since I was 18, I had been asking people for things for when I move out for christmas and birthdays. I was lucky that when I moved out I had so much stuff that I didnt really have to buy anything. Cups, plates, towels, kitchen odds and ends.. all very handy to have!

Good luck!

[Kuchen]

If you're having issues with depression (I don't know any more than that, but it seemed important to me and I never learned the money lessons, so can't advise there:ooh: ) then one of the best things you can do is learn to monitor your moods and spot if you're tipping into it again. Then to promise yourself that you will always make an appointment with your doctor or therapist or whoever it is that you see for help. And then, don't let them tell you you're ok, when you know you're not.
When you're out of the nest and solo living it's very easy not to reach for help, and also to be fobbed off by a professional (and some of them do do that - they've had a bad day perhaps, some other issue). It's very important to stand your ground when you're the only one responsible for yourself. :flower: :flower: :flower:

[wimsey]

Two books I wish I had read when I was your age:

Your Money or Your Life by Joe Domingez and ???
The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyzyn

Also, think about what you want your life to be like in 20 years and start out headed in that direction.

[Airmide]

My experience has been a little different than the rest here I guess. I moved out with pretty much nothing a couple months after I was 18...some friend's parents took me in for a few months and that gave me time to save up a little. I had zero knowledge of how the world worked when I moved out. I never had a credit card and never had any financial training or budget other than "save, save, save".

To get a job, I would suggest retail cause they'll hire anyone with little experience usually. Or better yet a temp service for office jobs. If you have decent typing skills and know some basic computer stuff you'll be ahead of the game. If you need help on their specific programs they often have tutorials in their office which you can use - and it makes a GREAT impression for you to be in their office every day bettering yourself - you'll be the first one they think of when a better job comes along. I had to take a couple icky telesurvey type jobs for a couple months but after that they put me on a fantastic admin job. If you've got a little time before you *have* to get a job....get a volunteer job somewhere! It'll give you some experience to put on a resume, and will probably require less time so would be easier to fit around school.

If you have the opportunity to go to college...do so! Find people to help you through scholarships. Find out what the rules are in your state - sometimes if you don't graduate high school they're still responsible for your education till you're 21 and you can make the government pay for your community college. Other states (Georgia I know and maybe some others) have free college for residents as long as you had, and keep up, a certian GPA. Don't stress too much what you get your bachelors degree in, cause most people don't end up working in the field they studied anyway - the degree is more proof that you jumped through hoops than anything.

But don't let people pressure you into thinking college is the ONLY way to go. If you've just got too much going on or don't think you could handle it now, you can always go back later, and there are ways you can support yourself and live a good life without a degree.

When you move out - beware of roommates! They can and will create incessant drama in your life by not paying their bills, not cleaning and treating you horribly. I ended up paying thousands more than I needed to over a few years because of roommates who stuck me with the bills.

Save up as much as you can, but as long as you only have yourself to be responsible for don't stress THAT much. I saved up about $1,000 and was fine, never had to ask for help from anyone, always found a way to make ends meet. Though that was with taking the bus - a car could be much more risky and expensive. Sometimes I wished I'd had an "emergency" credit card....but I'm glad I didn't cause even though it was scary sometimes, at least I never ended up in credit card debt on top of things.

Get everything you possibly can from hand-me-downs, garage sales, presents. Be prepared to make due with less, and upgrade as you can. Find out what resources are in your area - try freecycle and craigslist for TONS of free stuff! Goodwill can be good, especially if they have a by-the-pound outlet in your area. Sometimes other second hand stores can be good, but consider how much stuff costs new too - sometimes it's better to get closer to what you want, or have more wear left in things if it's just a slight price difference.

Find out if there are any discount grocery stores in your area, shop sales and use coupons. Buy store and off-brands....most of the time they're as good as the name brands, but compare ingredients.

For entertainment, when possible combine it with your food budget - go out to dinner or coffee (at a diner, not a designer coffee place if possible) with friends, but at inexpensive or mid-range places. Drink water rather than paying for drinks. Bring leftovers home.

Use the library and internet for movies, books, magazines and music. You'd be surprised how quickly a few little purchases will add up in your budget. Find out if there are any second-run theaters in your area which may cost a lot less than seeing a movie when it first comes out. Smuggle in your own snacks (I've never had them look in my backpack or large purse, and if they did you could claim you had dietary restrictions so you couldn't buy their concessions or go the whole movie without eating)

This may be unpopular advice among some but....live with a boyfriend or girlfriend at some point! Even if you're against sex before marriage, consider living together just as roommates before marriage. Make sure you can bounce back if anything goes wrong. I've found it's easier to live with someone you're romantically involved with than just roommates usually. And you learn SOOOO much about a person! I always thought I'd wait till marriage, but then my boyfriend's parents kicked him out and I wasn't going to let him just be homeless so I took him in....and I was so thankful I had that experience! If you're living apart you can keep up best behavior for years, but living together you get to practice working through household issues, and have finances sorted out before you ever get married. I believe strongly in marriage being forever....so I wouldn't want to marry someone I knew so little about! But don't let marriage get put off forever...once you start buying joint property and combining finances it's important to have legal protections.

Geez that's a lot of rambling! Anyways that's all of the most important things I can think of right now. Hope my experiences do someone some good :happy:

-Airmide :ginger:

[cichlid]

Find out if there are any discount grocery stores in your area, shop sales and use coupons. Buy store and off-brands....most of the time they're as good as the name brands, but compare ingredients.
I thought I might pop in and say...it is the name brand stuff. Just don't know what one it is. Like we have some bread and it is some store brand...guess who makes it? Rainbow! The off brands I don't know about. And coupons go a long way...I frequently see people that end up with their grocery bill in half from using them. Course...they get on my nerves, but it's a great way to save money. But anyway, I ended to getting a $2.70 snack at work for $0.62. It was a dollar off but since our store doubles coupons. :parp:

I wouldn't really go to garage sales either...often times it's a bunch of worn out junk. There are stores that sell slightly used clothes and makes sure they are in decent condition. Also thrift shopping is really big for a lot of college age kids here. Take advantage of teh trend. :happy: And department store sales...personally, I love JcPenny's Buy one get something of equal or lesser value for free or $1. And Old Navy has stuff always on sale back in teh back of the store.

[icydove]

I'm sorry your parents are not more supportive of you. (((hugs)))

Honestly, I would tell you to stay home as long as you can (within reason, of course, LOL) Living with your parents while you are preparing yourself to be independent can be a good thing, to keep you grounded. Sometimes too much freedom at once can be a very bad thing. Use the next year, 2, or 5, to learn how to manage your money, cook, run a household, decide on a career, go to college or trade school, everything you will need to know to survive in the real world. Ask to help out around the house, do the grocery shopping, etc. You'll learn the skills you need to know as well as gaining the respect of your parents, possibly to the point of seeing you as an "adult." Eating out is one of the biggest money suckers there is, as well as prepared foods (think frozen and boxed dinners). Learning to cook even basic things will save you a ton of money in the long run, as well as being healthier.

Since you aren't moving out right away, I would advise that you be a little more picky about your job selection, especially if you don't plan to go to college. Try to find a job having something to do what you think you want to persue long-term. You might even consider doing a free internship this summer at a business you are interested in. It is invaluable experience and something you can't afford to do when you move out. It could also lead to a great, paid position. I did two unpaid internships and both led to paid jobs because I was able to prove myself.

You've gotten lots of good advice here. I've also heard that it can be good to take out a tiny loan ($250-$500) from the bank and pay it back in a month or two order to build up a credit rating.

I lived with my parents until I finished college and got married (I was almost 22), and I don't have any regrets. I think you can be thoroughly aware of the "real world" without moving out. My parents were very protective of me, but they became much more lenient when I turned 18, maybe yours will do the same. I saw many of my friends screw up their lives and go in debt when they moved out. That doesn't mean you won't be successful at it, but you need to be aware of the possible pitfalls (charging the credit card, living beyond your means, partying too much, not being responsible).

[Sapphire'sWings]

Well,I told my mom that I'm going to work towards moving out.She was actually happy for me!I do plan to move in with my boyfriend at one point.Also,I just want to move out of state.I just want to explore and seek better places.I'm not very happy here.And I'm just not very happy living with my parents and siblings.Something inside me is just telling me I need to go.Of course,I'm going to prepare myself and take all the great advice here.I am going to stay with my parents as I prepare.I agree that just being launched into the world without preparation can be hard.I wouldn't be able to handle that. :boggle:

[Amber]

I'm really glad your Mum was happy for you. :)

Keep us posted on how the job hunting & other preparation goes!