On the possibility of Moving Out and changes that will come with it

This year, I set out a certain goal that is highly dependent on me graduating law school and getting my CPA license: moving out. It's been one of those experiences that I yearn greatly for, but know how financially crushing it can be if done wrong. 

Moving out to a place that is unknown, it's a huge risk for someone whose income is subject to hourly rates. Don't get me wrong, I really do love my job and I respect the people who gave me a chance. Hell, I've even determined what I could rent with the current income and expenses I have (including law). Moving out fits into the overall goal of 2017: becoming self-sufficient. I realized that at nearly 28, I haven't had certain experiences that come with being self-sufficient on a broader sense. Or maybe I yearn to finally be on my own and say "I can do this." 

The talks with those who are closest to me are varied: from excited, to cautious to almost sad to see me go (even though I expressed quite clearly this wouldn't happen at least for six months). The metaphor "spread one's wings" sounds kitschy, it's more like finding a place you can do your own weird recipes, walk around with penguin slippers and pajamas well past the appropriate time or just sitting down and saying "this is mine."

It's part of the reason I've gone zero-waste and minimalist, to make it easier to transition from where I live now (with family) to a smaller space. I am by no means kidding myself in getting a large apartment, just one I can settle in and maintain easily. I've done a fair amount of budgeting, and I understand that to make the most out of my work, I need to work more time, and wake up earlier to greet the day by studying, but visualizing the space, seeing myself wearing my graduation cap, it is so worth the sacrifices.

And yes, I'll link to the references the next post, I promise!

att. Swattie