View Full Version : Should I move out when I turn 18?
mittens_28
Jul 18, 2014, 11:08 PM
I'm turning 18 in a few weeks and really want to move out. My mom and I have been fighting on and off for the last two months and I can't deal with the stress anymore. I still have one more year of high school left and I would have some one else living with my to help pay rent
Fr_Chuck
Jul 18, 2014, 11:23 PM
Nope, you should stay home, work, save money, go to school.
Homegirl 50
Jul 19, 2014, 07:54 AM
Having arguments with parents at that age, just before the time to go away to college or go out on your own is normal.
Hang in there, get your education so you can get a decent job so you don't have to rely on a roommate to help with rent.
IMO 18 is too young to be out on your own. It all sounds cool and good but it is more than a notion.
Wondergirl
Jul 19, 2014, 08:50 AM
What do you fight about? She may be scared to death that you are old enough to leave home but she hasn't prepared you well enough for new adventures when on your own. Can you cook and bake simple things? Do you do your own laundry? Do you know how to drive and have your own car that you take care of? Do you have a job and a checking account?
We moms get really nervous and stressed when we think of our children going out into the cold, cruel world. Maybe that thought underlies why you two aren't getting along.
smoothy
Jul 19, 2014, 02:48 PM
Keep in mind turning 18 gives you no special rights in your parents house... yes it is theirs, they only let you stay there. YOu will have to continue to live by her rules, and do what she says.
So suck it up, learn to listen, get a job, save money, Go to college if you are smart enough and are able, because when you move out, you aren't going to get to do everything you want, whenever you want either... How much you get to do depends on how successful you become and how hard you work... until then learn everyone is going to be telling you what to do... just like at home with your mother.
It's a misconception all teens have that the day they are 18 they can do everything they want... very, VERY not true.
Moving out and supporting yourself is NOT as easy as you think its going to be....if you think its hard living at home...its going to be ten times harder the first few years out on your own, living only on what you can earn.
DoulaLC
Jul 19, 2014, 04:57 PM
Just to add: there is more to consider than just rent when you are living on your own... add possible water, electric, gas, phone, cable, insurance, food, internet, transportation, just to name a few things that you might become responsible for.
Don't be in too big of a hurry to take on all of that on your own, or even with a roommate. Better to figure out how to work with your mom so that you two can have a good relationship.
cupcake86
Aug 10, 2014, 07:48 PM
Move out if you have a chance, because as you get older, it would not be better at 18. If you possibly have a car and good friends than yes, and try and see how your parents would react. If you want to come back then you will and they will not want to lose you again.
J_9
Aug 10, 2014, 08:03 PM
Just because you are 18 and legally able to move on your own doesn't mean that you are capable of caring for yourself 100%. Still being in high school means that you can't work a full time job, therefore you won't have the means to afford to live on your own.
Never count on a roommate. They are not a constant in your life and could leave you stuck with rent and utilities.
By moving out without a solid plan, only because you and your mother don't get along, is setting yourself up for failure.
Homegirl 50
Aug 10, 2014, 10:21 PM
A car and good friends don't pay rent, buy groceries or pay insurance premiums. You hang in there. Try and settle whatever differences you have with you mom. 18 may be legally old enough but that does not mean you are prepared to live on your own.