fear of renting an apartment?

Question

I'm 20 years old, i just graduated from a 2 year college, i just started a nice well paying job a few days ago...and I have a 15 month old child.....i think it's about time that I get my own place, I get excited just thinking about it, but I'm also scared, I'm scared that i might fail or something bad happens and I get fired from my job, then I won't be able to find another good paying job....then i won't be able to pay the rent and then I'll get kicked out, and have to live back at home....I feel like i should just jump out there and see what happens, but it's scary to do that when i have a small child that i need to take care of...what do you think I should do??? and no, I don't sponge off of my parents, I've always helped pay bills since i was 17, I've always worked 2 jobs to make sure my mom wasn't always busting her a$%......i went to college to make sure i can provide a great future for my son.

Answer 1

I think that you should not rush into getting an aparment just yet. It is a lot of responsibility and you need to prepare for it. Work for a little bit longer and wait til you are sure that this job is stable. Also search all the apartment in the area and see how much they are going for. When you figure that out take that money and put it aside every month. Get used to being able to pay that bill. Make a budget for yourself and stick to it. Then when you feel you are good and ready you will have all that money put aside to get your self furniture and make sure you keep a little for emergencies. Remeber that you never know what is going to happen so put yourself in a spot where if something comes up you wont have any saved money to get you out of the hole. Think smart and work hard and you will do fine!!! Good luck to you. Just remember to be responsible with your money and keep your head up!

Answer 2

I think you are right that you should be out on your own, being 20 and having a child. But then again is it that bad at home or are you just feeling that you should move. ?

When/if you move try and find a place that has a rent that is low enough that incase you loose your job you can still cover it with a less paying job. You never know, you might have to work at mcdonalds for awhile until a better one comes around.

Since your son is young you might want to look into getting a one bed room apartment for a while, they are cheaper and it might make you more comfortable with the fear you are having.

The best thing and if you can do it is to find an apartment that you are wanting to move into, find out the rent for a year and save that money up, ALWAYS keep that in the bank while you live there so god forbit you loose your job you will have at least enough rent money in the bank to cover you till you find a job.

Good Luck and try not to worry, it will work out.

Answer 3

Good for you for finishing school and stepping up to your responsibilities!

Here are my tips for getting out there on your own :)

- When you move out, it is a good idea to have a three month "safety net" in your savings account. This means enough money to cover your rent, groceries and electricity for three months. Then, if you do lose your job, you have three months to find a new one without worrying about getting evicted!

- Remember to "start small." No one's first apartment is fabulously furnished, or has a plasma screen, or a water front view :) Check out craigslist.com for home furnishings...a LOT of people there give their furniture away for free.

- Cinch in your belt! Make sure you are only buying the things you really need and skip the daily latte :) It will really help you keep your expenses low.

**Remember, you parents have emotionally supported you through the birth of your child and your college education. If you should fail, they will still be proud of you for trying and they sound like the type of people who would help you get back on your feet! You are not in this alone, family is forever.

Answer 4

it is always scary to move out but you have to do it one day. It sounds like you have supportive parents so you know if anything does happen they are there for you but you can not put things off because of the "what if's". Make sure you have a bit of money ready as it can be very expensive to move out. You have to buy furniture, get the gas/electricity put on , pay a bond on the place you rent and you don't want to run yourself short of money

Answer 5

I had my first child at 16 and continued to live with my mom until I was 20. I worked two jobs and went to school. The problem I ran into was that my daughter formed a stronger bond with my mother than she did with me because there wasn't enough time for just me and her. My mom spoiled her rotten and when I tried to put my foot down and not let my daughter have her way all the time, Social Services was called because my house was like "a boot camp". My daughter now lives with her dad. Speaking from personal experience, I would advise you to move out and make your own way. There are programs out there to help people when they need it.

Answer 6

Welcome to the world. There are no sure answers and lots possibilities to be scared of. Economically it is probably better if you stayed at home and paid rent to your Mom. You could do that for the rest of her life ,but that might not be the future you want. If you have been working two jobs and going to college, your Mom may have been doing a lot more babysitting that she anticipated. Better ask her what she would like,

Answer 7

Your fears and concerns are totally normal.

There's a saying: feel the fear and do it anyway.

Move out. You'll be fine. Will there be problems? Oh, yes. But there will also be solutions.

In the end everything will be okay, so go for it.

Good luck and have a great life!