Originally Posted by
smoothy
Just for a point of reference....It was a few years after I graduated college before I could afford my own place....(like 8 years). And I was making a lot more than minimum wage with that degree.
I'm only pointing this out because few people your age really fully grasp this. Your standard of living will take a big drop for some years to come as you are able to move up the ladder into better jobs and get raises based on gained experience.
Nobody graduates High school....and gets a job and lives like they have been accustomed to in even a couple years. Its been decades since that was possible.
Knowing this, as you say, will help you deal with things. Not sure what I mean?...how many of your friends talk about what they are going to do when they move out on their own? If after paying for everything they have enough left to do even 1% of it...I'd be surprised.
It really is way different than you imagine....its a lot harder....and shall I say harsher.
The more you know..the better prepared you will be when the time comes.