How to Enjoy Moving Out of Your Parents House and Living Life on Your Own

So you've found a job and are about to leave home and start living life on your own. Here are a few pointers to help get started.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Recognize the great position you are in. If you are working and aren't in debt at all, you are financially on higher ground than lots of people who have luxury cars and big houses and are overwhelmed and stressed out from their debt. You are operating in the black. You are not inferior to others nor do you have to 'catch up' with others. Materialism doesn't make people happy so avoid getting into the mind-set that you are poor and have nothing. Even if you're working a minimum wage job if you have food, clothing, and shelter, you have lots.

2. Realize that space is a luxury item. If you have it, enjoy it! An apartment that only has things like a table and chairs, a bed, a TV set or computer, cooking utensils and dishes for eating, is a relatively clutter-free environment. Once a person's needs are met, everything else isn't really necessary. If we knock ourselves out trying to buy more "things" to make us "happy" we are starting on the track towards a cluttered, overworked, stressful life.

3. If you need something like a piece of furniture, accumulate slowly and purposefully. Its better to buy one high quality item than ten pieces of junk just to fill up space. Think about your overall plan for your life when you decorate. Buy only what you love and what has special meaning to you and don't over-buy.

4. Build your wardrobe with an eye towards taste and versatility. When we first get out of school we are often stuck in the jeans and T-shirt mode. A basic pair of slacks in a neutral color and a matching neutral shirt or blouse (Black, white, brown or gray) can be the foundation for your wardrobe. Build on this with quality pieces. You can sometimes find nice clothes for less in resale and charity shops. Make sure these items are not too worn though.

5. Be sure to save at least 10% of your income every paycheck (More if possible). When you have accumulated enough savings to live on for at least six to eight months as an emergency back-up fund, start investing.

6. Don't fall for the loneliness trap. Realize you can enjoy being alone as much as you enjoy being with others. Do what makes you happy. Read a book, take up a hobby, take night classes, listen to music, watch a video, pamper yourself with a hot bath by candlelight, learn how to fix things, do your nails, call a friend, do volunteer work, write a letter, join a club that interests you. Be pro-active, really stop and enjoy the single life, and never rush into marriage or a romantic relationship just because you're lonely. Stay pure and avoid the guilt and diseases that accompany immorality.

7. Take care of yourself because, when you're on your own, no one else will. Make sure to spend some time just relaxing and recharging. Just because you're young and have time and energy, that shouldn't mean all your time belongs to others. Pace yourself and lead a balanced life.

[my1212]

on 7/31/2009 what a great article - thanks!