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Like a rolling stone

Surgo

Surgo

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What may come as a surprise to some people is that I'm a real wimp. And this wimp needs some advice to get over it for at least until the summer ends.

Here's what's up. I have a really great summer internship (which I already accepted)...in California. I live in Pennsylvania and New York. While I have lived "on my own" before (which I am technically doing now I suppose, but I have a college around me), it's never been like this...

I'll be working in the summer in a strange land, an unfamiliar city, with no knowledge of any people or places or things. There will be no one to look out for me, or care about my well-being, or even miss me until I don't show up for work a few days in a row if I accidentally drive myself into a secluded ditch and die (I actually won't have a car where I'm going but you get the idea). I will be about as "on my own" as you can get. And this is fucking scary.

So my question for everybody is: how did you deal with this when it happened to you?

Also, a second question is does anyone live in the San Jose area? I'll really need a few friends to hang out with occasionally when I get there :(
 
Unfortunately, I live in Los Angeles, but California is California, and let me tell you, it is very different from the rest of the country.

Just a comment though, if you look at the whole thing with pessimistic eyes, it only makes it seem a bit scarier. Looking at the whole damn thing through confident eyes makes it seem a bit more like an adventure. Plus, since I'm assuming you've played pokemon, (you are here after all,) you should regard this journey as something similar. A new place to go, with new opportunities and such.

Only problem is, Dawn doesn't live here in California, and that is the curse of this world that will forever haunt me as long as I live.

T_T isn't it sad SlimJim
 
I got into about 5 colleges in California and I didn't go t the last minute because I was afraid. This was one of the worst decisions I've ever made in my life. You can't live with regret. At the end of the day, even if you hate it, you can at least say that you tried it...
 
Although moving to a new place can be daunting you need to try to make the most of it straight away. Try to socialise as much as time allows or maybe find a new hobby that will help you meet people. It will be tough at first but try to see it as an opportunity rather than a bad thing :)
 
i live near San jose, so if you need help, ill be there. might i ask where you are being interned?

whoa, thats not right.

where did you get the internship?
yeah, thats better.

anyways, california is like, a big mixing pot of ethnicity, culture, and religion. so that means that it is a great place to meet new people. but yeah, disco the gist of it in his post above. just dont be shy, because youll never meet people if you stay at home playing pokemon until the wee hours of the night. find some hobby that could become part of your daily or weekly routine and then youll meet people for sure. and it is currently 2 45 here, and im tired as hell. its sleep time.
 
Yeah, the college version of "living on your own" isn't really living on your own. It's just like a really long sleepover party. This is gonna be way different. And while living on your own may be scary at first, it really does have its benefits. The freedom your granted will be amazing.

Although, it will be all about upkeep. Waking up on time, by yourself (and thus, despite no chains, making sure you get a good night's sleep), keeping clean, getting to know the city and the places around you. I'd suggest that for the first week or so, just spend time around the city in your spare time; get yourself familiar with where the diners are, the laundry places, the bank, supermarkets, the bars... the places that matter.

Also, at least for a while, keep a rigid schedule. Don't take any chances, and plan our your day. Always assume you'll get to work or any other place late, so you can learn how traffic is and estimate how long it takes you to get somewhere. And, of course, just use common sense.

I think you'll be surprised how fast you'll adjust to this, though. That's what we humans do: adjust. You'll be fine!
 
How is college not living on your own? I live at college and do not go to parties and shit. Anyway, living on your own is amazing. I do not really have any advice on how to 'adjust' because there is nothing about it that disheartened me. You can always go drinking with your co-workers, if you are of age and they are into that!
 
Provided that you're in a dorm and not some place outside of campus, college isn't living on your own at all.

Thanks for the advice, folks.
 
When I first went on my own I had a reason. By "reason", I mean that I absolutely could not live with my family anymore. It was a living hell. That basically removed any fear of responsibility that there may be. Maybe if you can find something you want to get away from at "home" then it will help you out. It will give you something to look forward too instead of fearing the unknown. I'm sure you'll be fine. It isn't too difficult, especially if you are intelligent (which you are.)
 
How does being in a dorm have anything to do with 'not living on my own'? I make all of my own decisions, I do what I want when I want, and I work and purchase all my own food and do not use any of my roommate's shit and whatever the fuck else. The ONLY thing that living in a dorm means is that someone is invading my life each day.
 
I'll go out on a limb and say you have friends that care, in a proximity in which they can show they care...that's the difference isn't it?
 
I have 'hung out' with a friend five times since August, so no, not particularly. When I had a 103 fever, I had to hobble to a doctor falling over sick, so I am pretty sure that I am on my own!
 
I will be doing the same thing this next coming school year. I will be going to college down in Southern California, which is VERY different than from what I know up North. If my parents let me go to this college, I will go. Basically, it's a new opportunity to learn about yourself. You don't really know much about yourself until you are challenged. It will be the first time I will be away from my parents but I am looking forward to it. Also, San Jose is a busy city. I honestly don't remember much about it.
 
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