BECOMING INDEPENDENT

I grew up in an evironment where I had to do things on my own. I learned to do chores at an early age. I hated them.

Now that I'm a grown-up, I have come to realize that had I not been trained early, I wouldn't have been able to make it through those difficult times that I've been through. (naks!)

After graduating from college, I looked for a job and landed a decent one. Then I moved out. I've been independent since then.

I have a lot of friends who still live with their parents. Some are just not ready to move out. Some just can't afford to. Some just don't care.


I have listed below a few things to consider if you're planning to move out. These are based on personal experience and should only be used as a guideline.

• FINISH SCHOOL Go to college and get a degree. That's the key!
• GET A JOB Get a real job, a good-paying job. A fastfood crew job is hardly gonna cut it.
• LEARN TO COOK You'll get sick of carry-outs, believe me. If you know how to cook, you won't ever have to worry about your next meal (unless you get broke).
• SPEND WISELY Take control of your finances. Make sure that necessities are paid for each month. Don't be an impulse spender.
• SAVE Always save for a rainy day. Paydays don't happen everyday.
• SET YOUR GOALS AND REACH THEM Your ultimate goal is to build your future.
• ENJOY LIFE! Work hard. Play hard. Reward yourself for a job well done.
• CONTEMPLATE & PRAY Make sure that you don't lose track of things. Pray for strength and guidance.