Look for a job that offers flexible hours, and that can accommodate the time you still have to put in as a student. It can be difficult to manage work, school, and homework, so consider setting up a time budget for yourself.
Public transit is an option available in many towns and cities to get people from place to place. If you’ve been able to save enough money for a car and have a driver’s licence, talk to your parents about buying your own car.
Rent and utilities (heat, electricity, water, etc. ) Food and toiletries Public transit or having your own vehicle (monthly payments, insurance, gas, and maintenance) Clothes Phone, cable, and Internet
For instance, if you know your budget only allots $40 for food per week, you’ll immediately know that you shouldn’t spend $10 of that on a single fast food meal.
Consider moving in with another family member if you really feel like you need to be away from your parents. Another family member may be able to give you some space from your parents, but they’ll also still be able to help you when you need it. [3] X Research source Many landlords will be reluctant to rent a place to someone who’s only 16, because they’re concerned about damage, noise, and irresponsible behavior. [4] X Research source
Are you planning on going to college or university after you graduate high school? How do you plan to pay for your school? Do you want to continue working at the same job for the next number of years? If not, what kind of job do you hope to find instead? Do you have any financial goals for the near future? Will you need to buy your own car? If so, can you afford a safe and reliable vehicle?
Because you’ll be juggling work and school, it may be difficult to manage your time properly. If you’re going to be living on your own and not with family or friends, know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. If any medical emergencies occur, you may need money to cover the expenses.
It’s a good idea to have enough money set aside to cover your monthly expenses for three to six months, in case anything happens and you can’t work or bring in money. [5] X Research source
In the United Kingdom, you can only move out at 16 with the consent of a parent. [6] X Research source In the United States, you have to become emancipated before you can legally leave home at that age. Emancipation means you’re legally considered an adult for the purposes of taking care of yourself, and your parents are no longer responsible for your welfare. You can become emancipated at the age of 16, but barring abuse or other circumstances, you will need the consent of your parents. [7] X Research source In Australia, there’s no legal age for leaving home, but the authorities can take you back home if they feel your basic needs aren’t being met. [8] X Research source Take note that if you do require parental permission to leave home and don’t have it, you could put other adults in legal trouble if you move in with them.
Schedule a family meeting with your parents and let them know you have something important you want to talk to them about. Pick a quiet time when your parents are calm and ready to talk. Don’t just drop this conversation on them in the middle of a fight, holiday, or family trip.
Tell them about how work is going and how you’re saving enough money. Show them the budget you created and the expenses you researched. Talk to them about how you’ve been managing school along with your extra responsibilities at work and around the house.
If there have been problems at home that are making you want to move out, maybe now is a good time to discuss them with your parents. It’s possible that you can come to an agreement so that you can get what you need and still live at home. [9] X Research source Another option to address family problems is counselling and mediation, which could help you and your parents work through some issues and reach compromises that allow you to keep living with them while still getting more freedom.
Remember that your parents want to know because they care about you, and want to know that you’ll be safe. [10] X Research source Explain that you’ve thought through your plan, and that you’re ready to take on the challenge. To help ease their minds, create a list of emergency names and numbers that you’d contact in different situations so they know you’re prepared. [11] X Research source
Give your parents time to process your request, and reschedule another family meeting in a few days to follow up and discuss their reactions.
