Becoming Independent

One of the biggest goals we have as young adults is moving out. All our lives, we’ve been counting down to the day where we can leave the house and have a place to call our own.

Even though leaving the nest has become one of biggest signs of independence, it’s not the only thing that qualifies you. And for a while, I thought otherwise.

I used to feel a way about not being able to afford my own place. I wanted to move out on my own, decorate, and just enjoy my own company. However, that just wasn’t my situation.

So, I had to find a way I could enjoy living at home and still become an independent woman. There’s been things I’ve had to unlearn and investigate, but along the way I think I’ve picked up some good tips.

Today, I’m sharing them with you. Let’s get into it!

I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T

Independent means to have the freedom to think or act for yourself. In Webbie’s song “Independent”, he describes a woman who has her own.

Now, while you may not have your own “house, car, or multiple jobs”, you can gather that in order to have those things, you need to be able to make important decisions by yourself. And that’s what adulthood is all about.

Leaving the nest is still a goal you should have, but while you’re at home, you should take advantage of the time you have and learn all you can. That way when you are out in the real world you will be able to thrive!

5 WAYS to become independent while staying at home

1. Clean up after yourself.

It may sound obvious, but clean up the messes you make.

There’s nothing more annoying than cleaning up after other grown adults who are able. Now, if they offer to help you here and there, that’s cool. But they shouldn’t be your maid.

Wash your dishes, do your laundry, and keep your space tidy. This shows that you care about the home and that you don’t expect others to be responsible for your actions in the real world.

2. Help without being asked.

Yes, you need to practice doing things without being asked.

Usually, it will only cost you your time and energy, but look for ways you can useful to others.

It can be as simple as replacing an empty paper towel roll, picking up trash that’s landed in your yard, or washing a cup you didn’t use that’s in the sink.

You become selfless when you offer your assistance and that’s extremely important if you want to be a productive member of society and have healthy relationships. We should always look for ways to lighten someone else’s load.

3. FIGURE OUT YOUR FINANCES.

You need to learn how to manage your money.

Educate yourself on saving, budgeting, credit cards, and loans. Be well rounded on these topics.

In addition, start seeing what you can handle under your parents’ roof. Buying your own toiletries, favorite snacks, and even picking up bills, will put things into perspective and give you an idea of how things will be when you move out.

Take this time to save as much money as you can and get familiar with household expenses.

4. Learn to do things around the house.

While working towards getting your own place, you should learn how to do normal household tasks.

This includes things like cooking, disinfecting and cleaning various spaces, organizing important paperwork, changing an air filter and replacing batteries in a smoke detector. Maybe even trying out some yard work!

Make sure you’re not limiting yourself to a specific gender role. I know in the past, women have been known for taking care of the household while men worked. Obviously, we are living in different times and it’s just good to know how to do a range of different tasks without depending on the opposite sex.

5. Learn to do things outside of the house.

The point of independence is being able to handle your own business. That means getting comfortable with doing uncomfortable things.

That may look like going to places by yourself, running errands, going grocery shopping, knowing the basics of car maintenance, scheduling or cancelling your own appointments, or simply advocating for yourself.

Since birth, someone else has been there to do those things for you. And now, it’s time for you to take over.

This can be a little intimidating, but don’t worry. You will always need your parents, it will just look different than it did when you were a kid.

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Being in this weird age range can be an adjustment, but with these tips you’ll be well on your way to independence.

One of the biggest things I had to learn about independence is that I still need other people. And that’s the beautiful thing about it.

I’ve always loved doing things by myself, but knowing I can still lean on someone else in the process, makes it that much better.

As you wait to move out, know that I feel your pain. Lol, I’ve had those moments where I start looking at apartments out of the blue and then closed that mental tab.

But seriously, enjoy this time. Work on becoming independent right where you are and when moving day arrives, you’ll be so glad you did.

One time for the independent women! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽