Thread: I'm 21 and really need advice…please!

ROOMMATES. Get to know someone first of course but having roommates is by far the cheapest living option. Some people can do it and some can't stand it, but it sounds like anything would be better than the situation you are in. It's time that they cut your strings a bit and you deserve much more freedom than you are getting.

Taking out financial aid for school often includes part living expenses too so you don't have to be rich to afford your own place while going to school

There are soooooo many creative ways to find nice housing, even nicer housing than you can afford that you can call a place to live. It takes thinking outside of the box a bit and some serious maturity on your part, but what about "house sitting"? or renting a room in a house that affords you use of the rest of the house? Living with a senior citizen in exchange for providing "basic" services like security(piece of mind), lawn and yard care(summer), snow shoveling(winter), errand running when you can, transportation to doctor's visits, the store, the library, the senior center, etc.

LOTS of "snow birds" go south for the winter, it's kind of late now, but more and more are staying as they're aging too. They stil have a house "here" (wherever you are) to maintain and they're living in the south. Lots of elderly people live alone with adult children in other states who worry about them constantly. If you're a stand up guy and can back it up with good references (a pastor is at the top of the list), this can be a wonderful way to live for little or nothing while getting the satisfaction out of helping someone else....what is better than that?

When I was in college, and didn't want to return home for summers and various breaks, I would drive through the nicer neighborhoods and put signs up at the entrances to those neighborhoods for "House Sitter" Solid references. Call 555-5555. You'd be surprised. Lived 18 months "house sitting" for zero financial out of pocket cost. Even had cable TV (haven't had it since...).

In grad school, by the way who has money in grad school?, I lived with an elderly gentleman in his big beautiful home that he refused to leave (to move into a senior center where his out of state children wanted him to go), took basic care of the house, looked after him, had an enormous bedroom and use of the rest of the house except his bedroom. I started out paying $8 per day and eventually negotiated it down to nothing in exchange for yard work, snow shoveling, a few errands and other misc, stuff that hardly ever happened.

Think outside the box. You have lots of options. At least I think you do.

Good luck.

Sorry to hear of your plight. I have a daughter your age,and a son and I love them but have always tried to love them unconditionally. Yes, there a lot of parents that only love their kids if they act/are in a certain way, or follow a certain religion/culture whatever. There are also a lot of controlling parents as well. They mean well ,but can be overbearing. The advice you've got from those above is good. if you want any more advice then please ask me ,or the others. Don't despair please. One day your life will be your own and you'll be glad and happy. Lots of love to you xx

Well, I have to talk about yoru anxiety as I suffer from them too. I think you start by going BACK on some mild meds, As long as your living with Her/them. I'm recomending a book/cd By Claire weeks, it has amazing info. I also think. going back to talk with someone is good. Releasing your feelings can ONLY help you. Youhave a right to dislike peopel even IF they are your parents. I knwo for me and I'm old enough to be your Mom, I still deal with my minupulating Mom but I handle so much more different now. Through Strength in my own convictions. YOu have a GOD given RIGHT to be whom ever you want to be.