I keep hearing phrases like, “I hate my family,” and, “I can’t wait to move out,” from senior classmates. I might be naive, but I think that most kids are blind to all the burdens that come with living on your own. I’m sure that some people have good enough jobs where they could live independently and be OK, but the rest of us need to figure out how to get along cohesively in our various situations.

There are definitely days where I think about my future life and living on my own. I could set my own schedule. I could do household chores on my own time (the dishes could totally wait until tomorrow.) I wouldn’t need to worry about other people being noisy/annoying/demanding.

My biggest concern is that I will actually have to pay for everything. I understand that I’ll need to do everything. I’m OK with that—I honestly think I can handle it or figure it out eventually. My concern is coming up with the money for everything. I will have to pay off college loans, pay bills, buy groceries, get insurance, pay car-related costs, and probably purchase countless other things I can’t even fathom yet.

My other concern is finding a job. Not only one that pays well enough to give me a comfortable life, but one that I wouldn't regret having. Put another way, a job that would help me further myself.  I am hopeful that going to college will give me the skills, resources and networks needed to find an enjoyable job in a field I like. I am planning on going into writing and media arts. I don’t have a specific dream job yet, but I do enjoy making movies for fun with my friends.

I guess right now I just need to maintain an optimistic outlook, and enjoy the journey while I make my way to living on my own in the world. It’s very scary—and unpredictable—but it’s coming, and there’s no escape. I just hope I can be prepared.