Should I Live Alone?

[swimswithjeans]

Long story short, I just had a break up a few weeks ago. I am 20 years old, moved out when I was 16. Did the whole dorm thing, hated it. Moved into an apartment with another girl, kind of a horrible experience. The last few years I have been living on my own. I am kind of an introvert, and it is lonely at times.

 

I have a dog that I acquired quite unexpectedly. As such, I am leased into an apartment that allows dogs, but is quite expensive, about $1500/month, not including utilities. That is kind of tight for me. I work full time at a good job and am a full time student and am just meeting my expenses for the month- I have no credit card debt, but a little student loan debt...

 

Obviously, I am very independent. I also, honestly, have depressive tendencies. I don't have a lot of days off but with this breakup I have spent the days that I do have off just kind of... in bed.

 

I do have an extra bedroom in the apartment which has been empty- well, kind of my junk room. A girl I met came to see the apartment yesterday with the intention of moving in. She offered me $700/month and wanted that to include her portion of the utilities as well. She would be getting the smaller room, and I do have my big dog which is about $50/month in pet rent. She is also 20 years old.

 

I am wondering what to do. Should I let her move in even though I am really nervous about having another bad roommate experience? She seems cool but everyone does at first and I don't necessarily get along well with other girls. I also grew up as an only child so that may have something to do with things.

 

Would it be good for me to have someone around? Or should I do my best to make ends meet and use that room as extra space for me like a home office or guest room or, hell, even a meditation room or home gym?!

 

Thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated.

[carhill]

How much longer is your lease?

[swimswithjeans]

I was going to move in with my now-ex in July. So I was left no other option but to resign my lease for 13 more months on this apartment. Ugh.

[carhill]

In that case, one option is to investigate the cost differential of an appropriately sized apartment and inquire of your landlord regarding the cost of terminating your existing lease. If the apartment is in demand, as they often are in towns with colleges, those costs may be minimal, generally advertising and carrying/administrative costs. IMO, talk to your landlord. I'm a landlord so that's my advice. I'm also an only child and, though I've been married, I know the value of solitary time versus living with a roommate. I've got a big house and a big mortgage payment and am happy to struggle rather than take on a boarder. People bring problems

[swimswithjeans]

An apartment in the same complex would be a $700 surcharge to move and cost approximately $1300/month, and reduce my square footage by about 325 square feet. I'm thinking if I am to live alone, I would like to stay in this apartment because even though I'd be saving about $3600/year, I want my dog and I to have enough space...

 

I really appreciate your input.

[carhill]

Given those numbers, I tend to agree, presuming other pet-acceptable apartments are similarly priced per square foot. Is your job stable?

[swimswithjeans]

In my area, yes, other pet-acceptable apartments are unfortunately similarly priced; this happens to be on the upper-end of that spectrum, though.

 

My job is stable enough, I absolutely get 40 hours per week... And with how I am doing, again, I am okay on day-to-day expenses, but I really don't have the means right now to make a cushy safety nest or savings account which worries me.

[carhill]

Given your age, and what you've shared here, I'd stick with the present path and look for ways to improve your economics between now and when the lease is up, then look hard into a concrete improvement. It's entirely possible, and overwhelmingly likely where I live, that you'll meet another romantic partner during this time and, who knows, you may end up with a roommate you want around the place

[swimswithjeans]

Carhill...

 

Thank you so much.

 

It's worth noting I am NOT a partier at all and I would say 95% of other 20 year olds are, unfortunately, and I definitely don't want to compromise my lease either.

 

Strictly from a financial standpoint, it's the right choice to have her move in. Perhaps psychologically, it would be good to have someone around... But, deep down, I don't think it's what I want to do.

 

I really appreciate your words about my meeting another romantic partner. As with most other people on this site going through a break-up... It doesn't feel like it's going to happen. Thank you for your kindness. It's very hopelessly romantic of me, but I also don't want this girl to move in in case I find a special someone.

[carhill]

One last thing.... with a full-time job *and* school, personal time is so valuable and any distractions from that can be very costly, both in real terms as well as psychologically. Some people thrive on 'connectedness'; IMO, if you're questioning this, meaning having a roommate, such is not a feature of your natural style. IOW, you don't 'need' to have a person around to be OK with yourself. If I misread, apologies. It's OK to want. That's normal. It's OK to 'need' too, if that is one's style, unfettered by exigent circumstances, like a breakup and a big rent payment. All things to consider. Sounds to me like you've done well for yourself, considering the early age you apparently became emancipated from your parents. I wish you well.