Moving out

[98ciHemi]

So, I am thinking about where life is going to take me this summer, and one of the things that I am considering is staying in Houghton for the summer instead of going home. Nothing against home, and its definitely cheaper to live with my parents, but in the summer Houghton has got to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The other factor is that I might have a better chance of getting a decent paying job over the summer here than in Cadillac. I just don't know if I am quite ready to live 100% out on my own as opposed to just living in the dorms where it's still a pretty sheltered lifestyle, with food, cleaning and other things taken care of for you.

I know in the end it's whatever I decide, but I am looking for thoughts on the whole thing. Living in Houghton is also entirely dependent on whether or not I can find a decent full time job. I know I can probably make livable money doing some kind of work with my hands if I can prove to someone that I have ability to do good work.

-Walt

[Caveman Tony]

Re: Moving out

Walt, ask yourself this: are you going to learn anything new if you go back home and spend the summer with the folks? Or would it just be biding time until school starts next fall?

[1trickpony]

Re: Moving out

I can understand the staying around for better paying job. But something maybe you should think about also is if you make a couple bucks more an hour staying there, you will also be paying out for rent, food, etc..
Just food for thought?>

Is there any place back home that you could try and get a internship that would really look good on a resume? Or you might learn something when it comes to engine building, chassis setup, Fabrication shop??

I had a friend that stayed at college and worked at harris race cars in the summer rather than go home and work for his dad. He races IMCA Modifieds so he learned a lot in that summer that he can (and does) use for his personal hobby. Little tips and tricks to help him out.
But he also had to rent an apartment down there and had to work nights a couple times a week just to make it all worth while.

Just something for you to think about...

[98ciHemi]

Re: Moving out

There are no shops in my area, either up here or down in Cadillac. If I stay in Houghton it would be with the intent of working full time, spending evenings on the racecar, and then filling weekends with whatever I can. I would bet that I can pass the Michigan mechanic tests without problem to get my training permit, though, so I might look at doing that if I can find a gearhead oriented job.

[tedly]

Re: Moving out

Don't even think about it unless you have a job lined up. It's tough to find anything right now. If you want to stay for the summer, start looking for a job now. Summer is a long time to go without food and breaking a lease could screw up your credit. If things were better, I would tell you without hesitation to get your own place. If you've got something lined up, then I still say go for it. Otherwise, head back to the parentals.

One other thing: Apartments don't usually have garages. ;)

[1trickpony]

Re: Moving out

x2 on the tough job statement.

Maybe you could find someone with the same intentions and split a couple bedroom house??

You only live once Walt.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Re: Moving out

You're in school - why not do school type things? go on a summer program somewhere cool - Europe, Asia, wherever. Now is the only time you'll get to do that... you'll be working for the next 40 to 60 years, wrenching on cars, racing cars, raising a family.

[tedly]

Re: Moving out

^^^^^ The man makes a hell of a point...

[ch1ll]

Re: Moving out

You're in school - why not do school type things? go on a summer program somewhere cool - Europe, Asia, wherever. Now is the only time you'll get to do that... you'll be working for the next 40 to 60 years, wrenching on cars, racing cars, raising a family.

x3

And then again if the school related adventure "won't happen" I can verify shopping, cooking and cleaning SUCKS.
And as every day goes by it's one day less your folks will be around. Damn I miss my folks!

[SpiderGearsMan]

Re: Moving out

thought you were air force ? do some basic training should be ahh fun

[JOES66FURY]

Re: Moving out

You're in school - why not do school type things? go on a summer program somewhere cool - Europe, Asia, wherever. Now is the only time you'll get to do that... you'll be working for the next 40 to 60 years, wrenching on cars, racing cars, raising a family.

I agree.

Also, I know getting out and living the adult life seems like the thing to do but take it from a guy who has been on his own since about 15...don't rush to grow up. If life offers you the opportunity to be a kid and do those things, TAKE IT. If you can go home, maybe do some travelling, spend time with your family, build the car jump on it, because real life comes at you fast with all its unique troubles and stress.

AND, if you're going to be working this summer, paying rent food, electric, and so on..how much $$ do you think is going to be left over for the car.

[Barry Donovan]

Re: Moving out

never had a space of your own,
I'd try for that.

I still can't do room mate after my own space.. I despise landlords over 200 pounds, room rentals, hotels...
to this day, if I had a building room capable..it would break even with bills at $50 a week.

the rest is a sucking country killing lack of real credit while that fat ***** called a slumlord reels it in.

that is a shaping experience. take a deep breath in your own space...

[catchmeblue70]

Re: Moving out

I still have spots in the following study abroad programs if you're interested: Argentina, Austria-Bregenz, Berlin, China, Istanbul, Morocco-Spain, Prague, Slavic Europe, Quebec, and Tanzania. Most of the programs are about 4 weeks long and you can get up to 6 hours of credit. It's just a thought... Our website is www.kiis.org if you wanna check it out.

[TheSilverBuick]

Re: Moving out

I've been mulling over this one a bit. And from what bit I know you, I have to say, either staying where you are or going overseas will put you well outside your comfort level. Which isn't a bad thing, just be prepared for it, especially if you go overseas.

I spent 3 months in Italy as an intern in 2004. It was a fantastic experience, and certainly glad I did it. The bonus was I was paid to go. Prepare to give up lots of luxuries for the time you are overseas. Just going to Italy I realized how good we have it here in North America, even basic things we take for granted are often really luxuries overseas. I'd do it again.

Staying where you are at. In leiu of a great paying job, I recommend finding a good roommate or two and renting an apartment or house. Of course, you want to make sure you have steady work when you make this leap (same with said roommates). Fortunately for you being in the dorms you're already familar with the fact that lots of people are quirky, flakey and annoying, so pick carefully and prepare to comprimise and live with small annoyances. This option I think will test your abilities to make ends meet and be independant of your parents.

Then the last option, going home with the folks. I was a fan of taking the summer off of school to unwind from the stresses of working 40hrs/wk and going to school full time, to just working 40hrs/wk. More money is available if you are working, more personal projects can get done. I did body work and a 700r4 trans swap on a '69 Firebird with the time and money I saved by living with the parents for the first few years/summers with the folks.

[A/Fuel]

Re: Moving out

I'd still be living at home if I could ;D