Monday, July 21, 2008

Delayed Independence


Graduation can be a time of great excitement and also a time of great uncertainty. We typically focus on issues facing those who haven't reached this point yet but like they say, "failing to plan is planning to fail". Life beyond this milestone can be full of bills, more bills, and responsibility. How will I pay my bills? What about student loans? [If you have them,] it'll be time to start paying them back soon. Time to step into the work world. Where will I work? Should I take the job that's open now or wait on the one that I really want? Will the job I really want even pay the bills? Where will I live?

With so many questions and few, if any, answers for them, a lot of graduates are tempted to move right back in with their parents. Some can't imagine having to do this and do everything in their power to avoid it but, delaying your independence for a few months might just have benefits that are worth the sacrifice.
  • Obviously you'll save money since you won't (or might not, depending on your parents) have to pay rent. Even if you do it'll most likely be much less that any apartment.
  • You'll have time to breathe, focus, and come up with real, thought-out answers to all those questions. Research every option carefully and narrow down what feels right to you.
  • With one or two less expenses you can afford to take an internship at the place you really want to work for giving you more exposure, experience and making you even more marketable than before.
  • This time can also help you build a financial foundation (savings and credit history) so that when you do move out, you can do so confidently and avoid some of the struggles you might have experienced otherwise.
When you really think about it, there are some hefty benefits that could do wonders for you in the long run if you can survive a few months of torture and frustration. If you do choose this route, sources say that it's important to talk with your parents, agree on a time frame, and have an "exit strategy", unlike....

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