All Life Insurance Tips

How could I possibly make it on my own?!?

I'm 18, a senior in high school, and my mother says I MUST be out of her house by graduation. I have a part-time job that pays $4 an hour plus tips. (I barely work my boss keeps hiring all these new people that take up most of the days on the schedule.) I can't find a better job no matter how hard I try, besides I can't work full-time until I'm officially out of school (which leaves me with virtually no money). I only have a little less than $3k saved up in an account. I still have to buy a decent car, my own car insurance etc. My whole life I was "sheltered" meaning I'm just now learning how to be independent and my mother keeps telling me I'll never make it in the real world. I need a better paying job, a place to live, money for insurance, food, bills, and all of everything! Honestly I'm afraid to live on my own, I already discussed this issue with some close friends, most of them are staying with their parents until they graduate college or sometime within 2 years after they graduate high school. I have no idea what I have to do. Please help me! Thank you very much for these answers, I appreciate them. As far as my father's concerned, he abandoned me when I was 14. My mother, she has bad bipolar, she's a deceitful and selfish person, I have done nothing to her. She just wants life to herself and I'm not just saying that out of spite. I am planning to go to college (both county and four year) majoring in criminology. I want something my mother never had, a future.

Public Comments

1. What does your father say about this? Seems a little harsh. . . . Are you planning on attending college? Can you qualify for admission and scholarships? If you have a plan, would your mother relent and let you stay. IF, for example you were going to the community college for their 6 month program to become a physical therapist or their 1 year nursing program or their 15 month auto mechanic program?
2. well thats not really nice of your mother. I still have my 20 year old son living with me, he went out on his own twice already but couldnt afford it, and now has a baby so i have to help him with her too.. parents should be there for their kids until they can make it on their own, I bet your mom is just bluffing you...but you should try to get a better job..good for you for having so much money saved
3. I take it that you have a single mom, cuz no mention of dad. The best thing i can reccemend is calmly talk to your mom, and tell her that you will help pay rent and it will be like you renting your own place. It is harsh for a parent to say that, but i don't know what the circumstances are between u and mom. My thoughts are, you did something that upset her and caused heartache, if not then you're better off on your own and finding a room mate. Talk your best or close friends, find someone who would allow you to stay and pay whatever rent you're able. YOu also might look into renting a room and just have to deal with a rough road. Sorry! Wish things are better.
4. First thing to do is: DON'T PANIC You still have a lot of time to get everything together. I will be important to stay positive and set up both a plan and a budget. You will need to find better employment and or get your employer to give you more hours. Offer to work any hours you are not in school and watch how fast your hours increase. Do not listen to the negative comments. Billions of us have made it on our own. You will too.
5. Have you thought of being a live-in nanny? You could do that after graduation and still go to school part-time, maybe even full-time since night classes are available in most places. Once you are on your own, you may qualify for a Pell grant to help with your expenses. You need to talk to your school guidance counselor right away. The fact that you have already saved some money tells me you are serious and have self discipline. You might also look for an older woman in your community who would like a live-in aide. You would be good company for her and help with shopping and meals. This would be good for both of you. She could teach you a few skills you may not have and you could assist her doing things she may no longer be able to accomplish. Take a big breath and make a list of all you can offer. You will see that you are valuable and can succeed in life.
6. I would strongly urge you to consider going to college. You can apply for financial aid live in a dorm while going to school. Financial Aid/ Scholarships can cover both school & housing costs. Plus your part-time job can cover your minor personal needs. Your mother sounds a little unreasonable; however, we do not know her circumstances or her reason for doing this. I suggest you speak with her about her demands & discuss your plans/ options. Going to college is the best thing you can do for yourself. Best of luck!