Are you one of the millions of people who chose to become a roommate for financial reasons? Or did you just desire some good “old-fashioned” companionship? Whether you belong to the crowd of Atlanta roommates, you hail from the lovely Pacific coast or you are simply a city person trying to save a buck, sharing an apartment with other people can take some of the financial burden and become a fun experience. Unfortunately, the novelty can wear off as quickly as unconcerned roommates leave dirty dishes in the sink.
If you are wondering if it is the right time to live on your own, ask yourself these questions:
Do you feel stressed on a daily basis? If you experience continuous stress due to the actions of your roommates, it may be time for a change. A lot of people think it’s their fault for not wanting to stay in a community situation, and they try to cope because they consider it a flaw to desire their own place, especially if the roommates are close friends. They try to bury their unhappiness with their current living situation. Unfortunately, this results in a greater level of stress and does not solve the real problem. If you are stressing about your living situation, regardless of whether you think it is right or wrong, it is not your fault. Some people are not meant to live with others. If you find you are struggling internally, consider living alone once and for all. It’s not worth your mental and emotional health.
Do you like your place a certain way? Are you the type of person who likes everything perfect in your house? You have a place for everything and everything is in its place! You may find you get annoyed when your roommates use your things and misplace them or they give them back to you in worse condition. This could be a signal for you to start developing an exit strategy.
Are you constantly looking for alone time? Moving in with friends can seem like a great idea in the beginning but after a period of time, it can become quite overwhelming. If you value your alone time and never seem to find it in your current situation, it may be time for a fresh start. Imagine the hours you could spend in the peace and quiet. If you enjoy the company of others, invite your old “roomies” over for a fun dinner party in your new place. The beauty is you can send them back home and enjoy your peaceful atmosphere once again.
Are you financially ready to live on your own? You paid your dues, lowered your cost of living and now it’s time to move on. If you saved up and you feel you are financially ready to take the plunge, go for it! You should congratulate yourself for saving the money and arriving at a better place financially by finding a new place you can call home. If any of these situations describe you or if you feel in your gut it’s time to move on, a new place may be just what the doctor ordered. Create a list of pros and cons for each scenario and if your pros win, take the step and never look back.