Need Advice--Should I move out?

Sounds like you're stretched pretty thin, with some big decisions to make on top of that! It is understandably a scary time to be contemplating life after graduation.

You are going to be fine. It sounds like you have a few weeks to shop around for concrete options re your living situation. Check bulletin boards, put the word out among friends and colleagues that you are looking for a place to live. You never know who might know about a situation that will fit your needs.

Since the employment situation could be uncertain, you want to avoid increasing the size of your student loan. You also want to avoid getting locked into a lease that causes you stress you don't need. Once you have finished school, how much time do you want to spend working at the running store to pay your rent, vs. time you need to practice and keep your skills sharp to find a job in your chosen field? I think one of the most challenging things at your stage is making for your big-picture goals when practical, daily concerns seem to have a greater feeling of urgency. I don't remember what instrument you play, but are there community orchestras/semi-pro ensembles that you could join?

It also occurs to me that while working at the running shoe store seems to be alright for paying the bills, it is *just* a job, in that it doesn't do anything to advance your music career. I know the economy is terrible, but is there a possibility of finding work closer to school? The commute you describe is quite long. That's valuable time you could be spending practicing your instrument.

These transitions are never easy . . . but one day you'll look around you and take a lot of pride in getting out there on your own, paying your own way, and hopefully, doing work you love. It's a pretty darn good feeling, and that day will come. Be strong!

Hi. Stressed much? It has been a long time since I was in your situation, and I chose a different career path, so (knock on wood) I won't have to do it again. Oh yeah, and the economy is much worse than when I was starting out.

Anyway, here in Seattle it is a foregone conclusion that young people, or people starting a new career, will be sharing housing with someone. I shared a house after college with 2 friends for 9 years. Sounds like shared housing is what you need, both for the economy and the flexibility. Don't get tied up with a lease if you can help it.

One of my friends is working on her masters' in music something-or-other right now. She "owns" her house, but her mortgage is so high it's just like paying rent. She always has at least one roommate, and prefers to advertise for them at a college. Between the roommates and loans and the occasional music lesson she is getting by. I know you can too.

Jen, I've been there and it wasn't easy. It might not seem likely now, but things will be ok. Actually, better than OK if you are careful and smart.

Agree w/tc1, find a roommate, rent a room, maybe see if you can find some long-term housesitting or petsitting gig. I shared a one-bedroom apt in a not-so-great part of Philly when I first moved away from home after college. When I started my "career," I shared a house with two other gals.... You gotta do what you gotta do!

Sending you lots of good karma. Keep pursuing your dream of doing what you love (music), even if your "day job" pays the bills for now.

Marry a rich man.
lol

I think the roommate idea is a good one. Don't feel guilty for using your student loans for living expenses that's why the government allows for that. Honestly it sounds like the depression that your mother is feeling over your father's passing is creeping into you. I can completely understand needing to distance myself from that. I'm sure you are sad too and seeing her sit and watch TV all day isn't helping you. You are telling us what helps you, going out and interacting with the world and people your age. There is no crime in that. Best of luck to you.

Hang in there! Finding compatable roomates is the best advice I can give you. After graduating from college, initially my daughter rented a room in a home with a family (old family friends) to save money, but then put a group of 3 really good friends together and they rented an apartment together. Rent split 3 ways is really manageable, and she is really enjoying living with people her own age. Also, now that your mom's house sold, perhaps she can help you out in an emergency, to take some stress off. We helped our daughter in the beginning with the expenses of getting set up in an apartment (security deposits, etc.), but at this point in time she is supporting herself.

I remember that feeling from years of graduate school!

One thing that (sort of) helped me was to separate the real issues (Need a place to live) from my hyped up anxiety about the situation (OMG I'm going to be homeless; I don't even have a shopping cart; It's starting to rain; What am I going to do? I'll freeze; I'll die!).

Because there are rational steps to deal with the real issues (Look at places to live) while the anxiety just spins itself out of control.

Hang in there!

You are exactly where I was over 20 years ago! It can be scary, but it is doable. I have degrees in piano performance; while you play a different instrument, the story could be the same.

I agree that you need to have people to share living expenses with. Had I not done that, I very well could have ended up homeless and hungry.

I currently have my dream job, teaching music at a university. The road here was not easy, but I'm here.

Things I did: I worked for a realty office while I built up my piano studio. Lessons are a good way to get your name out there and make some money. I worked 8-3 at the office; taught lessons from 3:30 until whenever, five days a week and Saturdays. I also did some "free" performances here and there so that people would hear me play. From there, I got some regular playing gigs that paid, not a lot, but at least I got paid. That, in turn, gave me performances around the state, then around the nation that paid me and paid me well.

My position I have now started out as part time, teaching one class. I taught here, accompanied a local high school choral program, taught lessons, accompanied rehearsals for musicals, accompanied a community choir, AND accompanied state, national, and international choirs! I had AT LEAST five jobs at any given time. :eek:

I now have my dream job....and only ONE job! I guess, in short, if you're willing to be a little "creative", you can make your own dream a reality and live pretty comfortably.

Lorie

BTW the only thing I didn't like about all of this was BOOKKEEPING! You have to be detailed to make sure Uncle Sam is happy...

Syndirelah
I was where you are with working the odd jobs to make ends meet, with a bachelors of Music performance, flute. I can't remember what you play, but I hope you will stay plugged in. Never, Never, Never give up. I did that, got side tracked and have regretted it all my life.