When I was 22-years-old, I moved out of my parents house. I felt like it was time for me to be on my own, and I thought my mother's house was too full.   So in order to make things easier for them, and myself, the best thing was for me to move out.

For a couple of months, things worked out fine. I enjoyed my quiet time, and I slept easier and I wasn't arguing with anyone. I was working just enough to pay rent, PG&E bills and I had a cool little bucket that got me from point A to point B For food my mom always hooked me up with food boxes when she went down to the church where she volunteered. I could finally say I was content with what I had.  

But things didn't stick that way. My car began to over-heat and I needed brakes really bad. It had gotten so bad that one time I tried to stop coming down from a hill and my brakes were grinding so hard I looked out the window and saw metal dust flying around. You could say that I really was “ridin' till the wheels fall off.” Next, my phone bill was getting out of hand, so instead of paying it I just went without one. It was a little weird, but good at the same time not having anyone call for month.   On top of these bills, rent was overwhelming me.   Having not paid it on time I came close to being “escorted by the sheriff.” I have my mom to thank for helping me get out of that situation.   But I tried not going to her because she has other children to take care.  

When it looked like it was going to get even worse, I looked into getting help with my rent and PG&E. My mom has told me about places that offer assistance. The next day I called some of these places and asked what is it that I needed to get my electric bill paid. They told me that I had to bring in: one proof of residence, two forms of I.D., three most recent pay stubs and a copy of my bill. Only after they saw all of that could they see if I qualified -- meaning that I didn't earn too much. The place help partially pay my rent, and I came up with the rest. Even though it worked only for that one month, it took a lot off of me.

There are many agencies that work directly with helping people with their housing situation, but they usually only cater to families. So when a single younger person in your early 20's, still in school, is also having difficulty paying rent, you are pretty much on your own. Most assistance programs only help people who are in worse situations.

The only thing I could think might help me was to either get a roommate or go back to Mom's place. Some may think, well of course get a roommate. But I've seen and heard too many stories of why getting a roommate won't work. Some of them never pay their half of the rent, some don't like to help clean up, or have surprises that you never expected. I know people who have even been kicked out because they had too many people living in one apartment. Plus I'm the type of person who likes living by myself.   So my mom will be expecting me pretty soon. Plus, I got more bills on the way and Christmas is almost here.

I think things will be both the same and different when I move back. My whole family still lives there, plus my sister now has a two-year-old baby. I'll I have to pay rent, but I think all in all it will be good for both my mom and for me. Now we can both save a little money.