Newly Graduated in May, Thinking of Temporary Move Before Peace Corps (Seattle: rentals, month-to-month)

[plats001]

Hello Everyone!

So I am thinking about a move out to the Seattle Area in Early June of this year, and I would like to get some opinions on some things.

I'm just about done with my undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota Duluth. I have a couple online classes that I plan to finish this summer. I planned it this way so I could be just about anywhere in the country (as long as I have internet access). I received a job offer to work in central Wisconsin for an outdoor gear outfitter, who specializes in selling stand up paddle boards. I have experience kayaking and such, as I did instruct and lead groups on trips all of last summer. However, I have a high desire to move out west, where I believe "my calling" awaits. There is a catch, however. My application to the Peace Corps is just about finished, and I plan to start that early next year, given I get accepted. This leaves me with 3 options for the 7 months after I'm free from Duluth.

1. I take the job in central Wisconsin.

2. I move home and focus on my studies, and free rent.

3. I gamble, see what I've got in me to follow this passion to move out west, preferably Seattle, at this point in my life.

The first two options sound horrible, but don't get me wrong, I do feel lucky to have a job opportunity right out of college...

Anyway, sorry to make this so long, let's get to my questions.
First, is it realistic to think I can get a month-to-month lease in Seattle, as well as a temporary job?
Second, I'm very highly motivated, and I can definitely show the success I've had as a student supervisor at our Recreational Sports Outdoor Program at the University of Minnesota Duluth. I would like to get some new experiences in other realms of my life, while continuing to promote a healthy, active lifestyle.
Finally, who has taken a risk like this in their life? How did it work out for you? I have a strong desire in my heart to pave a new path, and not resort to what many of my fellow grads are doing (i.e. moving back home, staying in Duluth, or moving down to the Twin Cities). I need something new, something different, something exotic. Thank you everyone, you're commitment of time is appreciated in this post.

[west seattle gal]

Since you only have 7 months & seem confident that the online courses will be easily achievable from anywhere, I would make the wild n' crazy choice. Why not take a job at REI in Seattle? The staff are forever doing outdoors activities outside of work, and you would get a discount. You could probably find a short-term rental if you looked hard enough. I would find a roommate in order to decrease the cost...

[west seattle gal]

seattle rooms & shares classifieds "shortterm" - craigslist

craigslist has listings for short-term rentals, shared space. $500/month or so is not bad!

also, I saw that REI does not appear to have any openings. However, the University of Washington always has temporary positions -- check there. Finally, have you considered doing some kind of transfer to one of our colleges for just the summer as a visiting student? May not even be of interest to you, but financial aid could cover it so that you don't have to work. Not sure if it's an option through your school, or ours...

[mrman78]

I would do it. Now is the time to do things like this while you have very little responsibility. Believe me, once you get settled somewhere it can be really hard to get out! I'm going through this now and have been stuck in Houston for over six years. I've just had to save and save and will be moving with or without a job to Seattle in April. I've had interest, but generally nothing comes from it as I'm out of state. I thankfully have a couple of interviews next month. Anyway, I just decided where I want to be and hope to never have to do this again!