Highschool graduate thinking of moving to Georgia, South Carolina area (Savannah: college, place to live)

[oregongirl5]

Hey everyone! I'm an 18 year old girl from Oregon and I am quite basically looking for feedback on whether or not I should make a jump and move all the way across the country. I've looked at alot of places in the southern states and I really love the idea of the small town lifestyle, like I've grown up in. I want to get off of the west coast and experience a new lifestyle and part of the country. I've looked at the Savannah area, Beaufort SC and alot of other towns between the two states. I'm not limiting myself to Georgia and SC but I'm most interested in those two.
I basically just want an opinion on if you all think I should move down South at such a young age. I'm also wondering if in the Beaufort area, if there is a large group of people my age? I've been told it's more of a retirement area, I don't know if that's right or not.
Need anymore information, just ask! Thanks!

[ellie]

Well, Savannah is not a small town and it's fairly a fairly expensive place to live unless you have a good job.

Do you have one lined up? This is a terrible place to be if you're poor.

What about job training or getting more education? Perhaps you should do that before leaving Oregon. Go ahead and take advantage of in-state tuition, etc.

Then, maybe you and a friend can visit us on your vacation so you can see if you will like it here.

[Padgett2]

Being less than 21 years of age and not being from this area would be a red flag for most employers. Wait until you're 21 until you try a big move like this.

Do you have any special skills? Work experience? I can understand your wish for a change, but you would have a much better chance if you were older.

I have several grandchildren in your age range and while all are very intelligent, I wouldn't hire any of them. There are too many older women looking for work. Take the next two years to get more education. It would mean much more in a good job.

[oregongirl5]

I have alot of work experience, mostly in the food industry, and at this point I'm not planning on going to college right away. I'm a photographer, and I know that's cliche because everyone seems to call themselves that now a days.
Thank you for your guys advice! It gives me alot more of an idea of what I should do rather then just moving immediately after I graduate.

[ellie]

Originally Posted by oregongirl5

I have alot of work experience, mostly in the food industry, and at this point I'm not planning on going to college right away. I'm a photographer, and I know that's cliche because everyone seems to call themselves that now a days.
Thank you for your guys advice! It gives me alot more of an idea of what I should do rather then just moving immediately after I graduate.

I'm not the biggest fan of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) because it's crazy expensive, but if you have money to burn, their photography department is a good one.

[gentlearts]

I admire your drive to succeed. I think that this is key, no matter where you go. Why do you feel the need to go all the way across the country to do this?
We have many creative people here, but they are already here, and have connections. Connections are key here.
I am conflicted as to how to advise you. On one hand, I am a believer in going with your gut. On the other hand, it makes more sense to use the connections you have to gain the objectives you seek.

[pink caddy]

FWIW: City Data has a Photography forum. I went to the forum today because I'm interested in B&W work and I was inspired with one particular thread featuring some very good B&W. photos.

I too did not go to college immediately follow graduation from H.S. and agree with you that time away from schooling can set a direction for your future.

[pink caddy]

Originally Posted by gentlearts

I admire your drive to succeed. I think that this is key, no matter where you go. Why do you feel the need to go all the way across the country to do this?
We have many creative people here, but they are already here, and have connections. Connections are key here.
I am conflicted as to how to advise you. On one hand, I am a believer in going with your gut. On the other hand, it makes more sense to use the connections you have to gain the objectives you seek.

Gentle Arts...This question is fascinating to me because it's all about "the path" in the road that one takes in life that charts your life. Perhaps this is not the right forum for this discussion but I can't help mentioning a couple of things.

My favorite author is Paulo Coelho who has written some 10-12 books. I'v read all but one of them and the common thread throughout the books is "the path". Reflecting back over my life, I have no doubt that the one or two paths one takes (like the OP's move across country) is in you soul, your being, and from there one is directed.

I don't think you need to feel "conflicted" on how to advise, simply because, that advise carries a great deal of responsibility and perhaps it is not our "job" here on City Data. I for one feel uneasy giving advise to a 18 year old.

Just my opinion.