I gained weight, got darker & learned to cook after 8 months of staying in Manila.
Here's my 8 real-life independent tips:
1. Move out for the right reasons. Living independently is a personal decision, no less than choosing your career path.
Even before you decide where you want to live, and what kind of house or condo you will move into, you need to be certain about your reasons, your means, and your capabilities. Make sure you are moving out because you know this will be the bridge to your future. Being independent is not merely stepping away from curfews and endless nagging questions. It’s about finally being brave enough to find the answers on your own, like a real adult should.
2. Embrace only what you can. Invest and spend within your means.
Being independent is not just a decision. It’s actually a journey, and it’s often a long one. When you’re starting out, don’t expect your lifestyle to be the same as when you had your income all to yourself. You may have to sacrifice a few luxuries, in order to attain bigger goals. The earlier you start, the better. Once you’ve fulfilled those goals, nothing’s going to stop you from pursuing bigger things.
3. Living independently means you'll be footing your own bills. Keep your finances in order. Make sure that you have your own system for keeping track of them.
Keeping house is not just about worrying about laundry, locks, and turning the lights off before you leave (although these are essential things too). You’ll also be in charge of a larger set of bills – your phone, electricity, water, and so on. In order to avoid overdue notices, calendar all your due payments, set up alarms if necessary, and find ways to make things more convenient.
4. There will always be sales. Whether it be for furniture, gadgets, or food. You don't have to spend a fortune to get the good stuff, you just have to be diligent and patient.
Most of the time, researching and waiting will yield the best results. For big purchases and financial decisions, don’t say yes at the first interesting offer. Canvass, look around, and compare benefits. Don’t compromise until you find the perfect deal for your needs.
5. Learn to cook!
Independence means learning to do things on your own. Mastering kitchen skills should be at the top of your list. For one thing, eating out all the time will take a toll on your expenses. Knowing a few killer recipes comes in handy if you have guests over. And if you’re missing home, whipping up your mom’s signature bas-oy or adobo is a surefire way to feel better instantly.
6. When you're budgeting, always make food your top priority.
Make sure that before you invest in your own space, your income and budget will be enough to cover not just the big bills, but also your daily needs. Don’t scrimp on the essentials such as food and transportation. At first, you might have to give up on certain indulgences to make things work. But it will be worth it in the long run. The earlier you start, the earlier you’ll become adept at managing your own life. And as you move up in your career, you’ll be able to easily set aside for more of your other goals.
7. Don't get pregnant
Pretty sure that this is not a mandate against reproduction as much as advice on planning properly. Don’t take risks if you’re not ready for the responsibility. Don’t be in a rush to fulfill all your goals in one go. Plot them in a mental timeline and prioritize which one you need to achieve first. Don’t be pressured by other people’s notion of the “right age” for settling down. The right time will be when you are fully ready and prepared on all aspects: financially, physically, and emotionally.
8. Be less emotional on situations that will burden you. Do a reality check – meaning situation versus goal – regularly.
There will be days when things will be just “too much.” Yes, living independently entails a slew of unexpected challenges and issues, but that’s just the way it is. Even those people with so-called perfect lives have their daily dose of problems. But there will be even more “high's” and rewards, too. The best way to survive? Keep a positive mindset. Convince yourself that you’re in charge, and that you can handle the situation. At the same time, it’s time to be more practical and realistic. Bear in mind that it’s OK to tweak or even give up some prior goals, and to adjust them depending on where life leads you.