Getting the strength to go back home?

[Caitlin2009]

The reason I'm making my age an 'excuse' is because everything I've looked into, requires me to be 18 or have parents present at the time being of whatever I plan on doing. His college requires students to be 18 before even getting into the college. From what I've looked up and read I cannot get a job until I am a Florida resident, and how do I exactly find jobs that pay under the table? I know it seems like I'm asking for a lot and I realize that I am like that sometimes. I DO know that growing up is a gigantic pain in the ass and it's not all handed to me easily. I just am completely lost as to where to even start if what I've looked into says I can't do anything. I do want to stay here, and be with him and start my life here but I don't know where else to look for help.

What I'm scared about in this relationship is if we will always just be here, not having our own place and own lives and always taking things from his parents. It makes me feel bad about it because I hate having them support us. I'm just worried our lives will only be that.

it wont be like the entire time, just take what they give you now and when you or him finally get something you dont have to worry about that anymore, sometimes you have to rely on others for a brief amount of time before things start to pick up on your own. stick it out and you'll see what happens

[Kristin91]

how do I exactly find jobs that pay under the table?

Advertise that you babysit/ dog sit/ house sit/etc. I'm sure you know people or your SO knows people or your SO's parents know people that need someone to do something like that. Even if it's something a little unconventional, like fixing computers, you can charge people to do it. Little things like that might help you get some income at least. If you're crafty try selling those items... Be creative!

Most states (if not all of them) allow you to have a job at 16. If you're serious about finding a job just keep looking. Of course it's difficult to find a first job, heck it's difficult to find any job, but you have to TRY!

Also, I've never heard of any school where you had to be 18 before they even let you in. If you're 17 you may need parental consent forms signed and such, but I don't think they can flat out tell you that they won't admit you.

[MissVampyxo]

If I were able to get in - I'm not a resident, and would have to pay out of state tuition, which I don't have. If I apply for the residency for students I will only be allowed to be here until college is up...

[temporaryuser]

got www.fafsa.com - federal student aid. Fill out the information. There are ways to pay for college - you just have to do the leg work to find them

[Kristin91]

If I were able to get in - I'm not a resident, and would have to pay out of state tuition, which I don't have. If I apply for the residency for students I will only be allowed to be here until college is up...

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds to me like you're making up every excuse to not have to do anything. You have to decide what you want and figure out a way to make it happen. Life isn't handed to you, you have to work at it!

[tanaquil]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds to me like you're making up every excuse to not have to do anything. You have to decide what you want and figure out a way to make it happen. Life isn't handed to you, you have to work at it!

Agreed!! I'm not much older than you so maybe I understand why it seems as if you are making more "excuses". But, hey, at least you're not like me and you have to pay INTERNATIONAL tuition -- no loans or anything!

A lot of people have given you advice but you've shot down most -- are you subconsciously telling yourself you don't want to stay where your SO is anymore?

Take student loans, maybe you'll even qualify for a scholarship. As for the residency expiring when you leave college, why don't you worry about the present and I'm sure there are loopholes or ways for you to stay afterwards. Who knows? In four years, maybe you two will want to move elsewhere or back to your place :P

[Caitlin2009]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds to me like you're making up every excuse to not have to do anything. You have to decide what you want and figure out a way to make it happen. Life isn't handed to you, you have to work at it!

amen!!! quit being lazy about this and just do what you need to do to fix this situation

[Sanney4709]

I cannot get a job until I am a Florida resident.

I believe all you have to do to declare residency is get a Florida drivers license and have a stable address. If your staying with his parents use their address. Look into it. If you want to stay there with him make it happen. If you really want it you need to go after it. Don't wait for your life to start because as others have said things will not just be handed to you. I have had such a huge issue with finding a job I know first hand it isn't easy. Just keep trying. Good luck!

[floridaellen]

I don't see why not being a Florida resident would affect you getting a job. I'm a Florida resident and I work in both New Jersey and Florida without issues. My father is a Florida resident and has a job in New Jersey working at an Army base without any difficulty.

I would look into babysitting, housesitting, petsitting, watering plants, ect. Getting paid under the table may be to your benefit.

I agree with some of the other posters - stop making excuses and just do it. My boyfriend (19) is currently working his way out of poverty and has been since he was 16. He works at a job he hates and bikes or walks anywhere he can (and we live in the backwoods so it's a long way to get to anything). He works full time at one job, part time at another, and is starting college full time in the fall. It's difficult but worth it.