Leaving home for the first time to venture and explore for yourself can evoke a plethora of emotions: fear, excitement, loneliness. They're things we've all felt whilst flying from the nest for the first time, and it's different for every person. Here are some of the many pros and cons of moving out.
Pro
No more rules! Except the ones you'll be setting for yourself. No curfew, no asking for permission, no guilt trip from your mom when you stay out late multiple nights in a row. It's just you coming and going as you please. Freedom at last.
Con
You will have basically no money. Rent, electric, gas, wifi, cell phone, car insurance, etc. etc.. And that's before you even go grocery shopping. You will find yourself wondering every month as you sign your checks why you left the rent free lifestyle of living with your parents.
Pro
You get to decorate your place the way you (and possibly your roommates) want it. The vintage floral couch of your dreams, a bean bag in the dining room, an entire wall dedicated to your love of cats. It'll feel great to walk into your place after a long day of school or work and see the home that you've created to match your style.
Con
There's so, so much responsibility that comes with living on your own. Your laundry is piling up, the trash is starting to smell, you have no clean forks, and the only thing in the fridge is hot sauce. No one's going to bail you out and you're going to have to find new ways to prioritize.
Pro
You get to invite people over to YOUR home. You get to tell people that it's yours and only yours and see the looks of envy from those who are still living in their childhood bedrooms. Everyone will know that you're (kind of) a real adult.
Con
You'll actually start to miss your family. The loneliness and self-doubt will kick in. For some it might be immediate and for others it might come after the high. Regardless, the sadness will come and it won't be fun. You'll miss coming home and having someone to talk to about your day or to watch TV with before bed.
Pro
You have taken the next step into adulthood and no one can take that away from you. You will feel braver and more confident in your self than ever have before.
