Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about my current living situation and whether or not I’m happy with it. I’m finding that I’m not as happy as I could be, and since this new year or whatnot is supposed to be about continuing to learn how to be an adult and do that whole “finding myself” thing, I need to do something.

Don’t get me wrong, living with the parents rent-free has its major benefits. Namely, no rent. Also, though we tend to butt heads I do like my parents for the most part and enjoy watching reality television with my mom or silly movies with my stepdad. Or cuddling with the adorable yorkshire terrier or big black cat. However, when I moved home after college I told myself I would give myself a year to find a job, get a leg up on my loans, and then move out and away. It’s now been two years, and I’m starting to get antsy. Nevermind the fact that though I know they’re trying their best, I can’t help but still feel like a teenager in my parents’ home.

My goal was to move to Los Angeles before next fall. But I haven’t been out on my own since college, and even then I had the cushion of being a student to fall back on–I wasn’t quite a grown up yet, even though I was working full time as well as being a full time student and wanting to pull my hair out with all the stress that entailed. What happens if I make it all the way across the country, only to crash and burn because I’m too far away from the experiences of living in my own place? Plus, at this point I’d be moving to LA without a job, since I highly doubt anyone would be willing to fly out an entry-level for an interview, and that’s kind of a terrifying concept.

So I decided that, for the short term at least, finding my own place was necessary. Yes, it will push back my plans for LA, and I accept this. But I’ll have another year of work experience under my belt, and be well in the habit of paying my bills on time. Also I’ll be closer to having paid off my loans as well. And who knows, maybe I’ll even be able to scrape together some more savings by then as well. My good friend Reggie also needs a place, so I even have an awesome roommate to search with instead of trying my luck at Craigslist people.

Wish me luck!