Convince my dad that I can live and study in chicago?

Question

at 22, he doesn't think i can live in chicago and go to school on my own (also my health insurance is getting ready to run out); just spent the last 4 years there getting my degree; want to go back because I fell in love with the place and because of the networking, resources, and sheer size and speed of it all; come from a small town where the biggest things going are a casino resort and the superwalmart; went to college or a full scholarship so i have very little debt. how do i explain that i'm prepared to do this

Answer 1

Start the process immediately. Begin a serious job hunt for a good job that will support you living there - update your resume, write a top notch cover letter and do MONSTER and craigslist research.

Start researching Cragslist for affordable housing and email some prospective new roomates in order to cut down on cost.

Start SAVING money.

Open an ING Direct Savings Account which will earn interest. it is free, and it is easy. A move to another state will cost you so start researching how you will do that, and how much you will need to save. Will you need a car ? Prepare to answer how you will either live in the city and not need a car, or how you will be able to afford a car.

If you are currently living at home, get a job (if you don't already have one) that will support you on a temporay basis. Make working and saving a BIG priority. Your actions at home will start to affect how he thinks of you and your goal is to get him to think of you as a responsible adult. Keep your friend interactions minimal (atleast in front of him). Make it look like your next big steps in life is to succeed - which it actually is, however you need to pull out all your guns - and not socializing.

Make a list of all the things you are doing to support your life. Get your finances in order, and outline how you will make it on your own. You may even go as far as making a 5 year plan for him and show him your dedication. Write down all the people you know who are currenlty living and working in he are as people who can emotionally support you during a transition - this will show him that trusted people are there with you and you are not alone in a big city by yourself.

When it comes down to it - you are 22. You are an adult. You need to be clear and mature with him.. If he yells, do not yell. If he gets upset, do not get upset. Approach everythign very clearheaded and business like. Do not get emotional in front of hi except to show that you are passionate about the success of your own life. He will begin to see that you will do want you want, and you will make it work. IN the end though, you should just do it. He will come around. he will. he is your father and like it or not you are family.

I got into this same arguement with my father about boston. I have been living and working here for 6 years. I was the first one in my entire family (extended as well) to leave the state for College and then make my life in a new place. It took a while but he now thinks my move and my success have been wonderful.

Answer 2

You are an adult, just tell him you are going, it has to be better for you as far as opportunity than the little podunk town you came from. He's just afraid of losing his little girl to the big, bad city.