Living on your own is tough...

[Kevzaz]

I moved to phili this year to start school. I moved into a school funded apartment because I really wanted to become self-reliant. I had a job lined up so I was okay. When I moved in, I found out that the job I thought I had got messed up so now I have no job. I came in with 400 bucks. End of the month... 12. I got more at my parents house but not enough money to get there and too high pride to ask parents for help, or to even have them send me my own money. Going out job hunting tomorrow. I almost had an another job but I went for the drug test, waited a week and they said I never went for the drug test and the job went to someone else. Hopefully the food I have will last. Got any suggestions?

[ou.grizzly]

Call 1-800-PARENTSBorrow from them until you find a job and get yourself square. Seriously what are you going to do, get kicked out of your apartment, drop out of school, and move back home all because of pride?Selling drugs or turning a trick is not an option... Did you maybe not pass the drug test?

[Kevzaz]

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »Call 1-800-PARENTSBorrow from them until you find a job... Seriously what are you going to do, get kicked out of your apartment, drop out of school, and move back home all because of pride?I want to wait till I REALLY need the help. haha. Im trying to prove to myself I can do it. I got great accomplishments through my life that were harder than this... Eagle Scout, 1st place at national karate tournament. I think I will get through this! =DAnd to be honest I thought that was a real number for like... small loans. HAHA!

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by Kevzaz »I moved to phili this year to start school. I moved into a school funded apartment because I really wanted to become self-reliant. I had a job lined up so I was okay. When I moved in, I found out that the job I thought I had got messed up so now I have no job. I came in with 400 bucks. End of the month... 12. I got more at my parents house but not enough money to get there and too high pride to ask parents for help, or to even have them send me my own money. Going out job hunting tomorrow. I almost had an another job but I went for the drug test, waited a week and they said I never went for the drug test and the job went to someone else. Hopefully the food I have will last. Got any suggestions?As a parent, I have had this problem - the problem of a child being too proud (or scared) to ask for help. Believe me, many parents will probably do what they can to help and want you to come to them for help when necessary. It is all part of the deal we made when we chose to have children. Times are tougher today than I ever remember and unfortunately it will be a long time before they return to "normal", whatever that is. Wall Street, the big banks and many companies have screwed over us big time, and for the most part the people in charge have suffered little. My employer of 25 years screwed us "little people" out of our pension and our retiree medical insurance benefits while the big shots continued to get their lavish perks and separation bonuses. The 5% interest on our savings is now down to 2% because the government thinks that is necessary to save the financial institutions. We"little people" are paying the price of their salvation. The 535 people in the House and Senate are the biggest bunch of idiots ever known to man. I vote for whoever is running against them. But the sheep keep re-electing them.

[star_deceiver]

Take whatever job you can get your hands on. Weather it be Wal-Marx, or housekeeper, or McDicks... any money is better then NO money!!! School is expensive, hell I lived in my tent trailer during my Apprenticship courses. Your chosen career path will still be there but surviving the here and now is the real pain in the ___!Suggestions: Working at a place that serves food = free lunch. If it's name-brand, you paid too much. KD with weiners, it never gets old!

[keithvibe]

food stamps?

[djkeev]

First off, it's PHILLY....2nd, Welcome to the world of the grown ups!IF you are not a schumuck and have demonstrated to your folks over the years that you are hard working, reliable and trustworthy, they most likely would be thrilled to help you out of this short term jam if they have the resources.On the other hand, to have a child who EXPECTS is a whole other story. That child that thinks he / she deserves this and that and has a sense of entitlement, hasn't worked a day in their life, off doing drugs, getting into trouble, always has their hand out for "help" will get NOTHING from me. I agree, take any job, no matter how trivial or menial it may appear. It's fall now, people are cleaning up their yards and flower beds. There is a lot of pre winter work to be done on many homes. Network, contact your school office, talk to people with jobs, find / make a friend with a pickup and start up your own yard care or service oriented firm. Clean office buildings at night, the idea of housekeeping is a good one. Hotels are always looking for reliable people to do these tasks and the hours can be flexible. Philly is full of Hotels! As silly as it may sound volunteer at a non profit service organization such as a soup kitchen, a church, salvation army, etc. You'll work often with affluent philanthropists who may be impressed by your work ethic and drive and bring you into their firm as a paid employee.There is work out there, it is not glamorous or always high paying but the work is there. You are an American Citizen I presume, many employers would so prefer a hard working, English speaking, LEGAL worker who can DRIVE than to always be working around the laws and hassles that the illegal immigrants inherently have.May we ask what school? While there are schools IN Philly, there are many just outside of Philly out on the Mainline and in other outlying areas. Makes a big difference on the opportunities open to you.

[Whelan]

Honest opinion. Man up and call the rents. I know you want to save it as your LAST option, but they will probably take more pride and feel you are more of an adult for calling them instead of keeping your distance and lying that everything is going ok. Your young still, making me feel old at 28. Even today I would be struggling to move out of my house by myself and pay all the bills at my current lifestyle. And I make 50k a year. But I'm moving in with my gf and we are pretty hooked up in terms of what we are getting. Also, if YOU really wanted to there are ways to save money and cut back. Here are some ideas my father would toss around that years ago I would have laughed at, but now they make sense:-Internet access is a luxury, not a necessity.-Cell phone plan could be downsized. -You could sell your car (you do live in a city now, mass transportation)-Drive less = less gas = less maintenance-No eating out, clip the coupons, and only buy the bargain brands.-Look for a new place to live, negotiate it out with your Landlord and they may either decrease your rent temporarily or give you time to find a new place while paying a bit less, who knows. The worst they can say to you is "no".-Don't start using your Credit Cards to get by. That only makes the problem worse.So there are a few items you can look into. Bottom line on jobs is they are everywhere and unless your braindead or have no ambition, you can find out. Go wash dishes, go serve at a restaurant, bust tables, whatever. Get involved in multiple jobs. Find a couple part time jobs and play around with your hectic schedule until you get yourself situated with a good job permanently. I went to school, worked at Home Depot and TGI Friday's for years to keep myself goin. I worked two jobs from 16-23 and I live in a smaller town. You are in a CITY. Go look into the PPA (Philiadelphia Parking Authority) and become a meter reader, walk the beats. Maybe you will land a spot on Parking Wars.

[lovemyraffe]

It is tough being on your own. Keep your chin up and realize that things won't always be this bad. Call your parents. Don't be so proud and call your parents. If you lose your apartment and your car because you were too damn proud to call your parents, it will show up on your credit and effect you negatively for years to come. Good luck.

[Sublimewind]

Ramen noodles.. I became a Ramen SPECIALIST at one point.. I love mine with some eggs cracked into it (easy eggdrop soup..!) While I commend you, I see all the time, with my dad, what bullheaded pride can do.... It's not cool...

[bodhi_tree777]

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind »Ramen noodles.. I became a Ramen SPECIALIST at one point.. I love mine with some eggs cracked into it (easy eggdrop soup..!) mighty tasty that way To Kev, it is tough out there but TRUST ME when I say that you'll appreciate every bit of help you can get along the way. Think its' tough now, just wait until you find yourself out of school, getting married, having kids, etc etc. Only having yourself to worry about at the moment, that's easy and its' the best time to learn the ropes and make your mistakes. I spent years bouncing around, working odd jobs, travelling the country, sleeping on couches when I had to and going hungry when I had to. You learn to show a little (removed), find ingenious ways to make a dollar stretch and you will continue to amaze yourself with your ability to get by. There is no shame in applying for food stamps or other kinds of assitance in addition to any help you can generate on your own. No shame in asking your family for help, either. As many folks have already pointed out to you, that is what family is for

[Kevzaz]

Thanks guys. I asked my mom if she can go into my room to find the safe with my money in it. Hopefully she can put that money onto my checking account and I will be good for a while. I was saving up for a new project car. That wont happen for while. I'm emailing our job placement director in hopes he can find me a part time job. I can make 50 dollars a day doing meals on wheels. That wont be bad.

[Whelan]

50 a day at 7 days a week is 350 a week not counting taxes which is 1400 a month. As for cars and projects. Stop it all unfortunately. Right now you put gas in it, get the oil changed, and drive nice and easy to save money on gas.http://www.indeed.com is a good job posting site as well.Get a classifieds from the paper, or just walk into places and ask if they are hiring. Craigslist can find part time jobs as well.

[djkeev]

While the internet is a great place to get some leads and also post a resume, I find that many employers want to meet you and talk to you. Show initiative and walk into places with resume in hand and dress up a tad. Even for dishwashing, come in looking like a respectable person and not some punk and you'll get the job. Sure, employers can't discriminate but they don't have to hire you either. If you come in looking like a gang member with your pants falling off and hat on sideways.......well......It's an old worn out saying but you only get one chance to make a first impression, use it wisely.You can prove yourself a poorly dressed idiot after they hire you!

[BlueCrush]

If you are able to, donate blood or other stuff , you could make an additional couple hundred a month.

[jimincalif]

I remember when I first moved out. Fortunately I did not lose my job, but toward the end of the first couple of pay periods I was eating mac and cheese or popcorn. Was a good experience, made me a saver for the long run.Now I'm a parent with two kids off at school. I understand times are tough. I don't mind helping them as long as they are doing well in school and not screwing up their lives.You say you're an Eagle Scout, congratulations. And you have a great attitude wanting to take care of yourself and willing to work, and you even had savings at home. Sounds like your parents should be proud of you and would not think anything less of you just cause you need some help til you get a job.Good luck.

[cptnsolo77]

No credits cards!!!!If you start using them, between school loans & credit cards you will never get out of debt!!! Stay clear & only use as a last resort!!!

[rebbierae]

God, AMEN to the credit cards! I'm 40 and STILL trying to get myself out of THAT rut. I agree with what most everyone else says--it sounds like you are a responsible young man, and you ARE trying to go your own way without expecting your parents to help you. That goes a long way and I would think that as long as they have the means, and they know you are trying, they will be glad to help you out. Good luck to you--sounds like you really have your head screwed on straight!

[Kevzaz]

Thanks guys. I try to think I am more mature than others my age...

[L5K]

For me living on my own was easy. All I did was stop partying so much and it was amazing what else that money could do for me. However I live with my parents for the time being because there are no design jobs to be had at the moment.

[Kevzaz]

Quote, originally posted by L5K »For me living on my own was easy. All I did was stop partying so much and it was amazing what else that money could do for me. However I live with my parents for the time being because there are no design jobs to be had at the moment. Design? Graphic Design? Thats my major right now... interesting.

[ou.grizzly]

So if you do meals on wheels, do you have to use your own vehicle? And how many hours a day will you be working? Can you fit it in with your school schedule?

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by Kevzaz »Thanks guys. I asked my mom if she can go into my room to find the safe with my money in it. Hopefully she can put that money onto my checking account and I will be good for a while. I was saving up for a new project car. That wont happen for while. I'm emailing our job placement director in hopes he can find me a part time job. I can make 50 dollars a day doing meals on wheels. That wont be bad.Do they pay you as an "employee" on a W-2 where they take out taxes and pay half the FICA tax? Or is it as a self-employed "independent contractor" where they issue a 1099-MISC and you have to pay all your own taxes.As an independent contractor you can write off miles at about 50 cents per so keep track of them in a log. Your net income might be very low after that self employed business expense.As an employee maybe they reimburse you for mileage. If they don't it is tough to get any benefit because to file the Form 2106 Employee Business expenses you have to be itemizing deductions.

[L5K]

Quote, originally posted by Kevzaz »Design? Graphic Design? Thats my major right now... interesting.Indeed graphic design. Most places here have laid off, and the available jobs are for like 9 dollars an hour. Right now I make 12 in a warehouse driving a pallet jack, part time, with benefits, and 70 bucks a week in incentive bonuses, and about 400 bucks every three months worth of a quarterly bonus. Soooo I could do that part time and make more money than a full time design job with the current wages people want to pay.

[Kevzaz]

I think I would only be working 1.5 hours a day. But at 45 dollars a day. I don't spend that much money on food in a week.edit: and it would be my own car.

[Blanco_Diablo]

It's not all bleak when it comes to graphic design, however, my advice to you would be keep your grades up and do some internships, even if they are unpaid. Build that resume and make as many industry contacts as possible. They key is knowing the right programs...primarily Illustrator, InDesign, PhotoShop...knowledge of web software would be a smart move too.

[Kevzaz]

Quote, originally posted by Blanco_Diablo »It's not all bleak when it comes to graphic design, however, my advice to you would be keep your grades up and do some internships, even if they are unpaid. Build that resume and make as many industry contacts as possible. They key is knowing the right programs...primarily Illustrator, InDesign, PhotoShop...knowledge of web software would be a smart move too.My school is doing a really good job. I am required to do some internships, I am already building a stronger portfolio. I joined AIGA. We worked in photoshop a lot already. Starting illustrator soon.

[L5K]

True, it isn't all bleak, my problem seems to be that everyone is looking for experience (because there's so many experienced designers laid off). There are more listings this Sunday in the paper though than there have ever been on a Sunday in the like the past year. So hopefully I'll have a design job soon. lol.

[b train]

Find someplace that is flexible with schedule, I worked at a Hobbytown USA in grad school, was fun and made enough to get by... also look into work study if you qualify for financial aid you can get a work study job on campus they pay pretty well and work around your classes

[Tubaryan12]

Quote, originally posted by Kevzaz »Got any suggestions?Yes. Stop whining. Calcutta slums are tough. Mexico city is tough. Dude, you'll be fine. Your worse day in this country is better than the best day in a lot of places on this planet. Take the suggestions of the other posters on how to live on the cheap. There was a period in my life where I lived on a package of Ramen noodles and a can of vegitarian vegitable soup per day (btw...Winn Dixie brand for both). That, along with the pecans that fell from the tree across the street (I was living in Alabama at the time). Maybe I should go back to that diet. I could stand to lose a pound or 100. When you fortunes turn around (and they will) you will look back on this time and think "eh, it wasn't so bad".....and it will give you great stories to tell the kids.

[KNINE]

I joined the Navy when I was 18. Uncle Sam fed and clothed me. You'll be fine. It sounds like you have a good attitude. Nothing wrong with being self reliant and earning your way through life. I wish more people did. Good luck!