Ok, here's the deal: I lived with a boyfriend for the past year. The relationship didn't work out, so now I am looking for a place on my own. The problem is that I really can't afford to live on my own in the area that I want to live in. I just figured I'd keep looking and my friend suggested I get a roommate. I am very anti-roommate just because I like my own space, my own stuff, and freedom to do whatever I want. I am 26 and feel like I'm past the whole roommate thing. I always thought I'd be married by now and I feel like looking for a roommate is kind of a step back in life when I already feel behind. I reluctantly signed up for roommates.com and I've gotten a few e-mails but nothing promising. So, I'm kind of down and out about what to do. Should I keep looking for something I can afford? Should I continue the roommate search even though I'd prefer not to have one? Have you used roommates.com or known anyone that has? Any words of encouragement or advice is welcome! Thanks!
if you already know that having a roommate isn't the way you want to go, i wouldn't get one. just keep looking for something you can afford. i have a friend who is very independent but got a roommate to help out with finances. they ended up not being friends, it was a bad situation. i have other friends that have gone through the same thing. i've never used roommates.com but i would be very skeptical aout it. you never know, you may find something in a different area, for a little less money, and end up LOVING it! good luck
I agree. First try to find a place that you can afford on your own. I also value privacy, especially after a long day surrounded by 30 kids in a small compact room.
I would not get a roommate. I feel it's worth the extra expense to not have to worry about anyone messing with my stuff, my dogs, or me.
I agree with the others. If you feel really hesitant about getting a roommate, keep looking for someplace you can afford. It would probably be worth it to do so.
I would not want to live alone, but that is just me....I hate when my husband is away for work...the first night is ususally okay ( a little alone time is good) but after a few days I get lonely! But if you like living alone (lots of people do!) they try to make it work- money wise.....
I completely understand what you are saying about feeling over the whole "roommate" thing. I used roommate.com back in 2000 and used it for a couple years. I was renting a house with my boyfriend at the time and we had two additional rooms we needed to fill. I wish I could say only "normal" people lived with me during that time....but that isn't the case. However, I did find a couple of good roommates. My advice is if you CANNOT find a place to rent on your own (I know there is no way I could live alone on my salary) than do your research. Meet these people you are considering - go to lunch or something. Ask them questions (and tell them it will be so much easier if they are just honest) - do they clean up after themselves? Do they bring home strangers and have them spend the night? Do they have crazy ex boyfriend or girlfriend? Anything you can think of - ask. Find someone who is on your level - a working professional. Perhaps someone who has a boyfriend of girlfriend and may not be around a lot. Settle on a time frame for the lease that you both will try your best to meet. And I'll admit - I have a fondness for roommate.com - that is how I met my boyfriend of 5 years. Good luck!!
I could have written your post four months ago, except that I'm 28. I never thought I could afford my own place either, but I found a killer deal on Craigslist and now I have my own place and I'm SO SO glad I didn't cave in and get a roommate. Good luck! I'm able to afford it mostly because it's small and they were asking very little because they were having trouble finding a tenant (but now that I'm living here it's perfect). There is also gas included in the rent which makes it feasible. I think the financial burden is worth my sanity. I really hate roommates.
I think I would try networking before the internet. Tell everyone you know that you're looking for a roommate (I mean everyone: the guy at the drycleaners, your mechanic, everyone.) Even if there are a few layers between you and the people you meet, at least someone you know can vouch for the fact that they're not psychos. That's how I found the woman who babysits my kids: the mom of one of Brian's classmates knows her. And she's a gem!!
Thanks for all the advice/suggestions. I am still looking for a place and I really, really, really hope I don't have to cave in and get a roommate for financial purposes. It's so expensive to live on your own! I hope I find a good deal just like you did pisces fish.
