Better idea: moving immediately after graduating or saving up for a couple years? (student loans)

[crayola]

I know I'm getting out of Michigan eventually, at least for a few years anyway. Would it be smarter to flee right after I graduate and search for a job somewhere else, or stay in Michigan for a couple years, where I have family for backup, while I save up some money?

I'm majoring in Information Systems so I'm HOPING finding a job won't be a problem, but you never know these days.

So which makes more sense, leaving right away or saving up some money first?

[Hoarfrost]

If you stay will you actually get a job here to save anything up anyway?

I'd just throw Hail Mary. Apply for jobs everywhere and go wherever you get one and hope it's somewhere you want to live.

[radraja]

You're typically not to supposed to move away without enough funds to last you at least 6 months.

If you don't have the funds, it might be better to stay in your hometown for awhile. That way if all else fails, you have the option of staying with family. You wouldn't have to stay for very long, just for enough time to create a cushion to take with you on your move.

[UnderTheLiveOaks]

I know it's imprudent... but I say "go". I did. It was MIGHTY lean at first, but in the end, I'm very glad I did it.

Then again, that was in considerably better times, economically speaking.

[tmac9wr]

I graduated a year ago and am still living at home because I can't afford to move out. Boston is way too expensive for me to move out with my current expenses (mainly student loans). However, I'm trying to save money to move out like you.

What kind of company would you be employed with? Large or small? I am currently employed by an MNC (Multinational Corporation)...I purposely wanted to be employed by such a company so I would be able to transfer to a new area and not have to worry about jumping blindly into a new area with no job to keep me afloat.

If you can get a job with a large company which will allow you some geographical mobility, you may want to be employed around your home until you can get the funds to move on out.