I need advice... opinions... whatever you've got...

So I'm kinda conflicted.

I still live at home. I reeeaaally want to get out of my house. I hate it there. Even though I do go to school full-time and I do work like 30+ hours/week... I still feel like a loser living at home...

I'm not really motivated in school (I need one more science class to have my Associate's in General Studies)... and I don't really have a desire to continue on right now. I completely LOVE my current job to pieces... I love my coworkers, I love learning everything about running a small business, etc. But there's no way I can stay here and be able to afford moving out. My hours fluxuate from 20-35 hours a week at $11/hour.... I couldn't move out even with a roommate to split the costs.

So I've been looking around at jobs.... and I found one I definitely meet all the standards/qualifications for.. working as a dispatcher/communications officer for the Police Department.... I think they start out at $21/hour+ and there's benefits and guaranteed, consistent hours. It's the kind of job I've seriously considered trying out as a career for the last 3 or 4 years.

The drawbacks are.... it's in Tacoma.... I'd rather stay in the Kitsap area.... mostly because of the commute. But also (truthfully) because it's closer to DB (which is silly, I know)... and closer to my family. And I can't decide if I want to give up a job that makes me happy, to take one that might not make me as happy... and would tie up my schedule... but would grant me a little more freedom. I mean, I could still work a few days here and there at my current job if I wanted to.... but... I don't know.

Anyway... that's my dilemna. Thoughts? Advice? Please?

I would take the job that would give me the freedom to move away.

The way I look at it is that you and your db will at least be in the same state together, kwim?

My opinion...if you only need one more class to get your degree... just get it over with. If you stop now, you will not have the motivation to go back to it. The new job sounds good though...sounds like it is promising. Do what you think would make you the happiest and gain you the most benefits

I agree with Pebbles. :yes

I understand COMPLETELY how you feel about staying at home! So yeah I would take the job that made me happy as well as allowed me to provide for myself. As far as being closer to your DB and family, I wouldnt sacrafice an oportunity just to be closer by a few miles. Now if it was crosscountry, then that would take a lot of thinking!

My opinion...if you only need one more class to get your degree... just get it over with. If you stop now, you will not have the motivation to go back to it. The new job sounds good though...sounds like it is promising. Do what you think would make you the happiest and gain you the most benefits

I totally agree. I bailed on finishing my AA because I had other things going on, and I just didn't want to. I went back at 22 and worked my ass off to finish, and correct my mistakes. I got a 2 year degree in 1 1/2 years. I realized then how dumb I was to not finish when I should have.

School is so important. Take that one last class and be done with it. As for work, I say go for a higher paying job. Sometimes you have to deal with working at a place you might not enjoy 100%. That's why it is called work. :)

Good luck. :)

Wait, would you stop going to school if you took this other job in tacoma?? :puzz

If that is the case and its only one more class, than i would finish up school. Or see if you can transfer credits to a school closer to where you would be working/living kwim?

I agree with Ali that if you stop now, you probably wont go back to it.

Is there a college near where the new job would be? You could take the one class while you worked full time.

If you're not happy at home, you could try moving out. Heck, if it doesn't work out, then you can always move back. But don't give up on that degree! It will help you in the long run.

if it were me, i would totally get the last class to get the degree. at the same time i would apply for the new job, because it is making more money closer to your db etc. if you get the job and your gut tells you that is what would make you most happy, take the job. if you don't get the job, then you can finish up the last class, and have your degree. in the mean time keep your eyes open for other jobs that are of interest to you, and go from there.

i live at home right now too, and ive lived at home for the past 2.5 years, and it is getting really old. living at home did give me the chance to finish school, and for the past year ive been working full time, and saving money so when my db is home i can move out with him. it is not always fun though. so if i were you id apply for the new job, for sure, enroll in that last class because then you will have your degree and feel accomplished, if you get the job GREAT take it, if not then finish the class, stay where you are happy and look for a new job once the class is done! good luck that is a big decision to make! :goodvibes

I can definitely take the new job and continue with my classes. I'm taking a full-time courseload for Fall... but I'm doing the coursework for my internship over the summer so all I'll need to do is fill out some paperwork and that class is done when the quarter starts. The other class I'm taking is two evenings a week and easy... it's a sociology class. The third is a Health/Wellness class online, which should be a piece of cake as well. All I'll need to do is take one science course over the winter and I'll be finished with the AGS degree.

My biggest concern is losing my health insurance. As long as I'm part time or better, (12+ credits, a full load is 15).. I can stay under my parent's insurance. If I don't take enough credits, I get kicked off. I know this new job will have benefits because it's with the City, but... ahhh!! I don't understand any of that crap :( hehe

Thanks for the opinions everyone.

Holy smokes... I just added up what I'd be making at the other job... even if they start me out at the minimum...I'd still be making around $43k/year (give or take). Not too shabby for a single 21-year-old. :-D Especially compared to the maybe $11-12k that I make now working while in school.

take the last class and just put all you've got into it knowing you are DONE afterwards kwim? i say take the job that allows you to get out of a toxic place.

Finish school!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girl- don't feel like a loser when you are living at home. You are not!

I commute back and forth countries alot and when I come home, I come home- to my parent's house.......to my bedroom!

I think you should stay at home atleast until school is finished. When that is done- you are free to move countries if you really wanted! Just get that diploma!!!!!!