Should I stay or should I go?

United States
March 29, 2009 11:33pm CST
First, just wanted to say that you've all been great. Thanks for the warm reception. Here's my situration that I need help with. I'm living in a small community in southwest Minnesota. Jobs out here are getting VERY hard to come by. I'm currently unemployed and my only job prospects are ALL fast food. I'm not above flipping burgers, but there's not way that I'll be able to survive financally on what they are going to pay. The area I live in has three types of people. A large population of seniors that have lived here all their lives, a smaller population of 30-40 year olds that have families, and from august to may, a population of college kids that raid the bars and become raging alcoholics during the time they are here. There's really not much for single 25-35 year olds. I don't really have any close friends that live here. It's a very lonely life. My folks live here, and I know that they will help me financially if I get in trouble. If I stay, I'm sure they will have to. So, I'm faced with a crossraod. Do I stay and somehow try to make it work? OR Do I leave my family behind and more to a larger community that offers more chances for employment, even though it would mean leaving my family and my safetly net? I'm sure that I'm not the only person in the country facing these kinds of decisions with the economy today, but I don't know what to do. I'm a momma's boy. She's my best friend and I love her to death. I don't want to leave, but don't want to be a burden either. So, I'm stuck. What do you all think? Stay or go?
3 responses
@goldeneagle (6745)
• United States
30 Mar 09
This is definitely a tough situation to be in. I surely wouldn't just pick up and move without some plans or something, but if I were you, I would probably be looking at employment offers in other locations for sure. What you would really have to ask yourself is whether or not the job you plan to take when you get to where ever it is you would end up moving would pay enough to survive on, and whether it would be worth moving for. I moved away from my family when I got married. My wife already had a house and stuff in another area. I am 400+ miles from home. It is hard being away from my family, but we have a decent life here. There are probably more income opportunities in a bigger city than where you live now, but the bigger cities have some drawbacks as well. One thing is for sure...you can't be a momma's boy all your life. At some point, you are going to have to get out on your own and learn to stand. It is hard to do, but in the end, you will appreciate things more. You also have to think about the fact that you may have to start taking care of your parents at some point instead of them taking care of you. That is hard to do on a fast-food salary man. I have a family of my own, and my wife and I BOTH work in restaurants. The money is not that good, and there are a lot of things I want to do for her that I cannot afford to do because we don't have the money. You do not want to end up like me man. I would advise you to take any job you can get right now. Some income is better than NO income at all. You can always look for other options while you are working, and I would probably be advising you to look at employment options in other locations. I grew up in a small town in Georgia, and though there were a few decent jobs around, most were minimum wage jobs at places like McDonald's or the local grocery store. Those jobs are fine for students or for people who are only looking for a part-time/second job for one reason or another, but it is hard to get ahead working in places like that, especially if you plan on getting married and starting a family any time soon. There is one other option you may want to look into as well. Have you considered going back to school and trying to get a degree or something that will help you get a better job? Financial aid is available for people who don't make much money, and if you wanted to do that, a job in a local burger place or grocery store may be the way to go. The income usually falls under the financial aid limitations, and those places are usually pretty good about working with you around your class schedules. I am actually considering this option myself. I have the school and the degree I want picked out, but I am having a little difficulty with the financial aspects right now. I hope to get to start classes by at least September, but I don't know if I will be able to or not. All I can really say is to give it some thought man. Take what you can get for now, then start looking for other options as they become available. Good luck...
• United States
30 Mar 09
Thanks for your comment. It's tough here. I have my own place, car and things like that, but prices are rising here and it's going to be very hard to servive after my child support is paid. I wish ya the best of luck with school. I have my montgomery GI bill from the army waiting. I just have no idea what school to go to and what degree to shoot for. So, you're way ahead of me in the game. :) Thanks again!
• India
30 Mar 09
Hi lotter iam sorry dear i cant understand what to suggest as i believe that one wrong suggestion can change the whole life ,so iam sorry. All the best for your life ahead.
@krupesh (2608)
• India
30 Mar 09
Its a difficult question to answer.You cant be your momma's boy all ya life.being a boy you have to earn & look after your parents.If your love to your parents get more sentimental then you are into trouble.Go for the employment , work hard , earn money & take your momma with you when you have sufficient money but till then send her some money which you earn keeping for yourself some.