Serious Security or comfort?

[Captain Squee]

So I've recently hit a snag in my life and have a choice. I can try to do the impossible and live my life where I am where I have a job, but there is a problem here. Despite having a job, I cannot legally drive. (NY state fucked me over a while ago, but that's a different story) Basically, I can choose to live securely with a job and all that good stuff, but being miserable. I honestly hate my job entirely, all I do is clean up after people who don't even do their fucking job. I can stay here and know that I can scrape by for at least 2 more years, but continue hating what I do and having no passion doing it, scraping on the bare minimal of life. There is however another option. I can go back to my hometown and take the 1200 USD that I have saved up (may grow as I stay here) and try my absolute best to find a place and job there, keeping in mind the job market is shit here in the glory of NY state.

Here's how it is if I choose my security:

Live close to work so I can have a job with no transportation and the only food is about a 1 hour 30 min bike ride away, or live close to a place i can afford more and can actually buy food by simply walking a short 2 miles and ride my bike the hour and a half to get to work. Either way, I am unhappy with my entire life. (Yes i have looked into carpooling.)

And if I choose my happiness:

I can live close to old friends by moving back to my hometown (most of them are still in school, whether it be high school or college) and hope to christ almighty that one of them with a steady job is willing to room with me, but due to their schooling will be unlikely. It's not as easy as giving them a call either, I've essentially lost contact with them entirely. This is risky because I don't even know what jobs are available there, I'd be running myself the risk of having to join a homeless shelter in the worst case scenario, not that that is very likely to happen, but it is indeed possible. I don't think it will come back to that.

So here's my question. Should I risk my security for my happiness or should I sacrifice my happiness to live securely in a low quality of life?

 

[Tmoo]

I suggest you start searching for job openings there (where you want to move) ASAP, and move when you've got a ringer, or find some place that will host you until you're able to get a place for yourself. Whichever path you take, if you're miserable where you are now, that's a clear sign it isn't doing your mental and emotional health any good.

 

[Omniplex]

I would definitely shoot for happiness...if that means staying where you are for a little while to get it...then do it...i worked at a hell hole for a year before i joined the military...it sucked...but it made me appreciate the things i have now all that more...dont make any rash decision that will hinder you...but dont rationalize being unhappy either

 

[Tucker]

Security. And I'm not saying that just because Omni said the opposite.

With this economy, it is almost impossible to get a job, especially for an 18 year old guy. I understand that you hate your job, but it isn't permanent.

But, I agree with Tmoo. Look for job openings in the area. Don't just leave, you need to have a secure reason to move to the other place that can impact your future. (AKA, a possible job)

 

[Roland_Deschain]

I was in the same shoes at one time. If I make make a proposal, I would tell you to look for something you never considered, because the road less traveled is the best road for change. Life always stays the same if you let it stay the same, some times postitive change must first go through the negative.

The following is an experience I went though, I reccomend it.

Apply at Xenterra.com online. It is a federal employed company that hires people of all different nationalities to work in national parks. I worked in yellowstone for two summers, turned my life around.

The requirements are not high because they wish to employ Americans before foreigners on college work and travel programs, and they will host you a dorm, in mountains or forest (anything from the Grand Canyon, to Denali or Yosimite), take the small rent directly from your paycheck. Then you can save up money partying in nature, usually they have employee pubs... fun time, lovely foreign ladies, beautiful hikes.

They hired me as a dish washer at 7 bucks an hour, by the end of the season I was making 11. It really does not matter you work history because they want to train you for kitchens and hotels in their own way. Its easy to spend no expenses while you are there and leave with a healthy sum of cash, and they will bring you back later on.

Now I am not saying its an amazing job, that it has a lot of future in it. I will say though, that it is an amazing opportunity and experience, that can change how you percieve your future.

Just throwing it out there.

 

[Will Graham]

I was going to say shoot for the stars etc. but someone pointed out there that you're only 18

You have your entire life to live yet and you might as well plug away at a job you hate to make some money. In a few years the economy will take an upturn and you'll still be a young guy, early twenties at the oldest. You'll have money saved up and can go out and go for something that will make you really happy. Nothing wrong with playing it safe at the minute, you have so much a head of you.

 

[Bambi]

as whoever said above, stay where you are for the time being, and job hunt in the area you want to go in the meantime. No point in upping sticks and moving risking long term unemployment. A jobs a job whether you hate it or not, especially with the state things are in at the moment

Also, are you living on your own? Would moving in with the parentals not be an option (unless that's where you are now, ofc)

 

[Shu]

I would definitely shoot for happiness...if that means staying where you are for a little while to get it...then do it...i worked at a hell hole for a year before i joined the military...it sucked...but it made me appreciate the things i have now all that more...dont make any rash decision that will hinder you...but dont rationalize being unhappy either

This. Never be stuck somewhere where you have to put up with people forever. It may pay the bills, but I would say slowly try to adapt and get a new job. I'm serious about this. I know you can't drive, but you can get around that. Unless you can't get a car, or even get a license then that will hinder you.

Play it safe, and I would also insist in not rushing into any relationships right now. This seems a time in your life where you are finding out what you are capable of. If you are hindered you might be jobless as well. I would say right now, keep on the beaten path, but passively look for other jobs if you can. Keep an ear out and get into the community a bit so you don't fade out. I have seen so many people who never went to college or went but didn't do anything afterwards except worked at a bookstore, that had no drive due to their peers having no drive.

It's like why be active when I can be lazy and be around my friends. Well guess what, if life passes you up, you rarely get a second chance. The older you get the scarier it gets. So don't sit there and be unhappy for a damn second. Make sure to get out there and search around. I would also try and resolve that transportation issue as fast as possible.

 

[Dee]

Opt for security now until you're 100% sure you can line up a job and a place to live. Don't be stupid and risk choosing your happiness by jumping into something you're not prepared for. You are still VERY young and have plenty of time ahead of you to enjoy the work you find. All of us (well, most of us) have had that one job we just hate. It's part of life. We can't always have that job where we go in each day with a smile thinking, "Man, I flippin' love this job!" Yeah, I don't know too many people, if any, who could and that ranges from ages in the teens to sixties.

Honestly, if you jump into something you're not prepared for, you can risk losing everything and become even more unhappy with unnecessary stress. If you truly cannot handle the job you have now, then do your homework. Contact your friends and see if they can offer you a place to live. Put in applications. Have jobs lined up. Be certain you will HAVE a job before you give your notice. Considering all avenues and consequences is not something many teenagers have too much practice in. Like I said, you're still young. But you're not stupid (I'm assuming). So be smart and do your homework.

 

[Captain Squee]

as whoever said above, stay where you are for the time being, and job hunt in the area you want to go in the meantime. No point in upping sticks and moving risking long term unemployment. A jobs a job whether you hate it or not, especially with the state things are in at the moment

Also, are you living on your own? Would moving in with the parentals not be an option (unless that's where you are now, ofc)

Parental units are leaving the state, I'm NOT going with them...On this I will not bend, I have until the middle of next month to get a place.