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[Otaking]

I'm exhausted from a long trip to take my girlfriend to the airport, so I'll make this short and sweet. Back in December I hooked up with a girl I've known for quite some time over the internet. This girl lives in Florida. We hit it off well over the phone, so I decided to go visit her in January. That went well, and we became an official couple. Just these past 2 weeks she came up to visit me and we took our relationship even further (best way to put it). Again, please note that things didn't progress as fast as I am making it sound. There was a lot of interaction and a lot of work involved in the process to get where we are. I'm just too tired to type it all, and this is not a dating thread. There is a point for me mentioning all this, I'm getting to it.

Anyway, back on topic. For a while now, I've been throwing around the idea of moving out on my own. Cannot live with my mom forever (although I'm only 18, so it hasn't been very long). I've decided that I want to move from Pennsylvania to Florida. Not only is the weather better, but my girlfriend lives there too. Not to mention, a majority of my online friends live in Florida. The other reason is that I cannot deal with the whole long term relationship anymore. I am very much liking this girl, and I want to try and make a go of things. Taking her to the airport after her 2 week visit was emotionally crushing, as I know she won't be here anymore and I cannot be near her until I return to Florida. Therefore, my question to you is simple: What is the cost of living like in Florida? I am curious what I can expect, and what type of job I'll need to survive. I'm curious what apartments go for in Florida as well. I'm not looking for anything fancy, just a simple one room thing would even suffice. If I'm going to try living on my own, I might as well do it near the person I wanna be with. What type of apartments do the general majority of people live in when it's just themselves and no roommate? I'm just lost, and wanna make a go of this as soon as possible. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Willco]

Just pack a bag and start a life on the rails!

 

[Pochacco]

I'm not sure if you know, but there's school AFTER high school - something called College I think. I hear it's usually pretty important.

 

[lexy]

Correct me if I'm wrong to assume this. You don't intend on going to college or any kind of post-high school education?

 

[beerbelly]

You're 18.

 

[Great King Bowser]

You think you can support yourself at 18? If you really think you can, go for it.

 

[madara]

I'm not sure if you know, but there's school AFTER high school - something called College I think. I hear it's usually pretty important.

Sometimes though you have to wonder if college helps in this day and age. Six years of schooling, top of his class and my brother is still looking for job. He likely just take first one offered to him,which will be boss overly demanding and 2/3 of pay he expected.

 

[lexy]

Sometimes though you have to wonder if college helps in this day and age. Six years of schooling, top of his class and my brother is still looking for job. He likely just take first one offered to him,which will be boss overly demanding and 2/3 of pay he expected.

What did your brother major in?

 

[Pochacco]

College definitely does not gurantee success.
And not going to college (or any post-2ndary school) does not gurantee failure.

But still..
..I don't think it would be a wise move to move out on your own with no post-secondary education to an unfamiliar place with no family (I'm assuming here). But hey, that's just me.

 

[beerbelly]

I wouldn't recommend it. If you've never tried living on your own in a familiar place, it's going to be infinitely more tough doing it in an unfamiliar area. What type of job will you be looking for, do you have the experience for that job and what are the chances you'll be hired? Do you even have the money to get a flight there and rent a place first?

 

[Otaking]

Oh yes, I do plan on attending college. Er, wait. That's right. I could probably just live in the dorms. That's actually kind of a good idea now that I think about it. I'm still tired. Probably going to sleep. Cannot think straight.

 

[Celicar]

Not only is the weather better, but my girlfriend lives there too. Not to mention, a majority of my online friends live in Florida.

Best reason to move...ever! :lol :lol

Oh yes, I do plan on attending college. Er, wait. That's right. I could probably just live in the dorms. That's actually kind of a good idea now that I think about it. I'm still tired. Probably going to sleep. Cannot think straight.

Sounds like you've got everything figured out. :lol

 

[Wellington]

Anyway, back on topic. For a while now, I've been throwing around the idea of moving out on my own. Cannot live with my mom forever (although I'm only 18, so it hasn't been very long). I've decided that I want to move from Pennsylvania to Florida. Not only is the weather better, but my girlfriend lives there too. Not to mention, a majority of my online friends live in Florida. The other reason is that I cannot deal with the whole long term relationship anymore. I am very much liking this girl, and I want to try and make a go of things. Taking her to the airport after her 2 week visit was emotionally crushing, as I know she won't be here anymore and I cannot be near her until I return to Florida. Therefore, my question to you is simple: What is the cost of living like in Florida? I am curious what I can expect, and what type of job I'll need to survive. I'm curious what apartments go for in Florida as well. I'm not looking for anything fancy, just a simple one room thing would even suffice. If I'm going to try living on my own, I might as well do it near the person I wanna be with. What type of apartments do the general majority of people live in when it's just themselves and no roommate? I'm just lost, and wanna make a go of this as soon as possible. Any advice would be appreciated.

#1) NOT a good idea to move to Florida because of a girl you like. You are only 18, what if things don't work out between you and her?

#2) Online friends? Realize that while you may not hit it off with some of them, people aren't always as they portray themselves via the internet. What if you dislike most of these online friends?

#3) You're only 18. It's not as simple as you may think to move out, get a job, and live on your own.

 

[Manabanana]

You'll need a down payment on the apartment and usually the first and last month's rent. You should have at least $3000 and a tight budget to get settled in. There's a lot you'll need to buy, you'll need to support yourself for a bit in case you don't find a job for a few months, you need to have an apartment in mind, and I wouldn't recommend moving in with your girl just yet. Relationships get a lot more complicated when you start to live together. I learned all this first hand and I've had to survive almost entirely on my own as my parents aren't able to help much in their current situation. I can understand your lack of enthusiasm for college, but I wouldn't rule it out completely if I were you. Keep it in mind, maybe attend some evening classes or something.

If you have the funds, and you honestly think you're capable, then go for it. It can get pretty rough, and if it weren't for some pretty important people in my life I don't think I'd be in such a comfortable situation right now. I made it, I learned a lot, and I'd like to think I've grown up. Good luck.

Edit: :/ Yeah, dorms.

 

[fart]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAH


sorry


AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA



...

sorry

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

 

[enjoy bell woods]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAH


sorry


AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA



...

sorry

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

:lol :lol :lol

 

[Chony]

Try moving out in your area first, unless you are attending college in Florida, to see if you can actually support yoursefl, if not, you are close to home and no harm done. Sounds like you have nothing figured out. Plan it out. Write everything down as far as budget etc. Assume always the worst.

 

[Pochacco]

On second thought, I wholeheartedly support your decision to move to Florida, so long as you keep us updated here on GAF

As for a job...uhh.....chef?

 

[kevm3]

Come on man, let me be straight up with you. DON'T BE AN IDIOT! Moving to another state for a girl and some online friends? Honestly, how much do you expect to see these guys? They're probably online all day, so don't expect to many nights out. You'll probably be doing the same shit with them in Florida that you're doing with them where you're at... Talking and playing games online. And the girlfriend issue is one of the worst things I've ever heard.

Moving in and living together and having her visit you are two ENTIRELY different things. With these short trips, you only get to see the VERY best side of your mate, especially since she's taking a vacation and is amped up to see you. But being around that girl a while, you start to see the real her... The nagging, bitching, complaining, etc. all comes out.

I mean if you're going to to go college down there and to build up on your marketability down there with the added convenience of having your girl around, hey go for it. But if the only reason you're going down there is for your sweetheart, don't fucking do it. Come on man, what kind of job can you really get without a college degree? Mcdonalds burger flipper? Sure, some guys hit it big without a degree, especially in sales, but is that a risk you're ready to take? Most relationships don't last, point blank. I know you're willing to do everything to make it work out, but what if she doesn't have that same attitude? How will you feel if ya'll broke up and you're stuck down there? What tangible reasons other than your girlfriend are you willing to move down to Florida for?

I'm being harsh and upfront because life isn't a romance novel. Maybe you can go down there and 'just make it work out,' but there will be a hell of a price to pay, especially if you're going to go on without a college degree.

 

[Cerebral Palsy]

If you were moving down there to live with her it might be different. But taking that huge risk to move all the way to Florida to live on your own, and to meet some "online" friends? Fuck that. Get off the internet and meet a local girl, and some real friends.

 

[Mama Smurf]

I've only just moved away from home for the first time. I went for the Uk...to Vancouver. On my own, didn't know anyone out here.

Outside of the stress of having to find a place as soon as possible so I could stop living out of youth hostels, I haven't found it hard. There are things I'd never done, like paying bills or washing clothes (yeah I know, shouldn't have just let my mum do it, leave me alone, I do it now), but you pick those things up really quickly and just have to ask people if you're stuck.

Maybe I'm just good at it, I dunno, but looking after myself isn't a problem.

 

[DjangoReinhardt]

If you want to give yourself a hole to dig out of then proceed with this plan.

 

[ToxicAdam]

Most of these guys are too afraid too leave thier parents basements. Screw em.



MOVE. GO DO IT.


Moving from a smaller city to live in Cleveland was one of the best things I ever did in my life. It's the greatest growing experience you will ever have.

Home will always be there, if things get too rough.

 

[NLB2]

Just pack a bag and start a life on the rails!

Seriously, this is the best advice so far. I've met so many cool hoboes.

 

[Dilbert]

If you make plans to move, you need to keep two things in mind:

1) You have to be able to support yourself based on a conservative (read as: pessimistic) estimation of your finances. If you can't make ends meet, it's a non-starter of an idea. Unfortunately, your earning potential at 18 is not very good, and if you're working constantly to pay the bills, college is NOT going to happen.

2) The move has to make sense SOLELY for your own personal reasons. Girls and friends come and go, but you have to live with your choices for the rest of your life. If you can make the move as part of a larger plan -- say, going to college -- then that's great. If you want to move because a girl is on the other end of the trip, you're making a huge mistake.

 

[xsarien]

2) The move has to make sense SOLELY for your own personal reasons. Girls and friends come and go, but you have to live with your choices for the rest of your life. If you can make the move as part of a larger plan -- say, going to college -- then that's great. If you want to move because a girl is on the other end of the trip, you're making a huge mistake.

Probably the best piece of advice in this thread. Apply to schools in Florida, get into one. I have a couple of friends who wanted a "break" from school before starting college, and each and every one of them regret the decision. They found that as time went on, and as they took on jobs to pay everyday bills, it either became economically or socially harder to do. (Or both.)

 

[Tommie Hu$tle]

Move from Penn to Fl for a girl and you are 18 with no secondary education. I say go for it fuck the haters. You only live once and hell what's the worst that can happen?

 

[Maxwell House]

Nevermind, I read your post wrong.

You could always get a job selling drugs when you get down there. Florida is big on that kind of business.

 

[Celicar]

The guy got laid. Probably his first lay ever. Why not move 1000 miles away if it leads to getting more action. :lol

 

[Great King Bowser]

Joke thread?

 

[Meier]

Even though I think it's a terrible idea, I'll answer a few of your costs realistically. Florida has a very low cost of living in most areas (no state income tax either) and due to the in flux of people and whatnot, apartments are EVERYWHERE in the larger cities. You dont mention at all where this girl is in Florida though which seems odd since there is so much variety in our state.. honestly, if you're in Ft. Lauderdale it's going to cost you probably ten times as much then if you're in Homosassa, Plant City, or Perry.

FSU is the cheapest tuition in the country as far as major schools go for in-state and one of the lower ones for out-of-state tuition... so it wouldn't be a bad idea to move here and save up for a year then apply for the school with your in-state address.

 

[Otaking]

Well now that I'm awake I can speak more coherently. Yeah, this doesn't make much sense, what I wanna do and all. It's reckless and stupid. But my home life isn't much better. You have made me think about it more, though. For now, I'll wait and just go visit her like I have been doing. With my current job, that's inexpensive. Next time I go visit I'll take a look around and see what the options are. I had more reasons for moving than what I stated. But I guess I'll take what you guys said to heart and wait a while, maybe look over my options a bit. College is big on my list right now. And I have looked at colleges in her area. Oh, and that reminds me. Someone wanted to know the area she lives in. Lakeland, Florida is the city. It's not a bad place. Like I said, I'll do more thinking on it. I know I shouldn't really do it. But I don't know. My life isn't going anywhere right now where I live. It's in the same place it has been in this whole past year. To be more up front, I hate where I live. I'm almost 19, and have been out of highschool for a year. Perhaps a roommate would be a good thing to help with apartment costs. But my current potential roommate that was originally going to move in with me changed his mind and instead of moving to Lakeland with me will be moving to Tampa to live in an apartment with his 'not-yet-girlfriend' that he hasn't even met yet and has only known for less than a month (and you think my situation is stupid?). Oh well. I'll think about it more. The ratio of people against it to for it is large. Just wanted you to know, I'm not doing this just because of a girl. She told me she didn't want me doing this just for her and to have my own reasons. The reasons I stated in my original post were stupid sounding because I wasn't entirely awake when I posted. Anyway, I'll shut up now and you can go back to your regularly scheduled programming.

 

[U.2.K. Tha Greate$t]

To make this short and simple:

"Before you move out, make sure got your sh** together, because its hard out here in this world homie, just make sure you know what you doing, if not, you could end up homeless"

I didnt move out, till i was 17, and ever since i'm a married, and we str. 3 cars, i got 2 other cribs in 2 different states, got over 70,000. So you do the math....