Is this a stupid idea? Thanks.

[MetsNY1986]

Thanks. A few of your stories have me very confident about this now.

[gone down south]

I'm not trying to discourage, just point out things you need to take into account when making your decision

California continues to suffer record level unemployment levels. Employment recovery here is significantly lagging behind the national trends. And we have a steady stream of young people coming here because they've run out of options at home. Therefore, it's NOT realistic to assume you're going to find a job at a coffee shop or a restaurant - there are 20 other people all gunning for that job, and it still only pays minimum wage while housing costs are easily double or more what they are where you come from.

I'd say the $5k is really low as a backup plan. Even at starvation levels and living in the s@#$%^ place you can find, $10 a day for food $40 for a place to stay, a few extra bucks for incidentals, and you've already blown through your savings in 2 months. If you can work at home for a while and get another $5 or $10k together, you'd be in a much better place.

[ManOnTheMoon]

Mets,

A lot of what your plan seems to be contingent on a best case scenario. Yes, hypothetically, you should be able to succeed, but you can't count on everything working out as planned. Gone Down South makes a good point about the factors you haven't necessarily considered. If you don't have any experience living on your own, you're in for a significant adjustment anyway, even if you stayed right where you are. Radically changing every other facet of your life in addition to that inherently dramatic experience, and you have a situation you definitely need to deeply consider before acting.

In my experience, the first 6 months of independent adult living have more relevant real world value than 18 years at home. I would really consider getting some perspective before making a rash decision. Five thousand dollars can do a lot of good and get you a better headstart than bumming around California.

[.highnlite]

Join the Navy, see the world, get the GI Bill.

[MetsNY1986]

I'd never join military.

[dober1]

Go to the thread from a "former west coast girl" in the Orange County section. Should answer a lot of your questions.

[Dean Trails]

This thread is way too long,,,time to join the Navy or Hamas,,,ge a life and go on vacation,,,seriously.

and the answer to the question is,,,,,"Yes, welcome!"

[MetsNY1986]

I already got my answer. I'm not prolonging this thread. People keep posting. I've got my answers and greatly appreciate the positive comments.

[nullgeo]

I am counting the posts that are going to get cut ... 3...2...1...

[NewToCA]

Originally Posted by nullgeo

I am counting the posts that are going to get cut ... 3...2...1...

Final count was 39.