Living on your own

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I dont know if this has ever come up, but I'll bring it up.

First, i want to say hello again to all past and present members, and i have missed posting here for a while.

In the next few months, my parent's will be leaving town and start their process of eventual retirement. My situation is that i'm single, have a apartment that I share with a friend (co-pay only who pays half rent and utilities). So, in this thread for those of us with experience in random matters to provide some insight into problems that could occur. For example, I have one car, and if it breaks down, what can you recommend so as to be able to keep working while it's in the shop since no one else is available? Random stuff like this for sake of support and advice. Feel free to add other questions and scenarios to help set up an index of sorts. Thank you for your time and hope this becomes worthy of a more permanent resource to the site.

Hi PlatedDrake, try a car sharing company like ZipCar or Hertz On Demand if it's available in your area. I would not bike to work on the highway because it may not be safe.

too many things can go wrong (or right) so first i would say, try not to worry about it too much.

withthat said, and knowing how unsuccessful i would be with the same advice, i would simply suggest that in addition to trying to have faith in yourself that you can solve the purely practical logicistics of these problems, you can always post here and ask for input and advice to help with both the stress//overload that may accompany them, and practical solutions as well.

i remember the first time i had to put tires on my car. my therapist challenged me to find a solution without calling my mother. after panicking for about 24 hours, i finally settled down, did a little research, and discovered i could buy tires for (then) 25 bucks a pop new, which was expensive for me but something i could manage.

it felt sooooooo gooood!! !!

This is actually one of the most important things to realize. I had a similar event, minus the counselor. I was on vacation, and had a newly installed starter go out while stopped for a bathroom break. I called several people asking for advice, and panicked. I sat in my car for a few hours freaking out, and then once I calmed down, I wrapped my head around the problem, realized I had the old starter in the car, that I had just replaced several days before, which hadn't completely broken, but was on its way(had to tap it every other morning to start my car). I pushed my car to another spot in the parking lot, swapped it out for the old one and was able to get on my way again with only several hours wasted.

But the moral of the story is, that you may panic at not being able to have something go right, but once you get through the panic or meltdown, calm down, collect yourself, you can assess the situation, research, and find a solution. Keeping your wits about you, is almost as important as having a solution in hand or finding one. It's like the step before the solution that gets you to the solution itself.

That was an example, and meant this to be a kind of ask/reference kind of thread. With respect to those getting literal about the problem stated, I'm aware of a few things, know very basic car maintenance, etc. XP I'm wanting this to be a kind of summary for assistance to those who are not near any form of familial support.

I understood that. i still rest with my suggestion that before you get to any very specific situations at hand, the key thing is to keep a cool head. Yes, we meltdown and panic, but even if you have a solution in hand, get through the panic and meltdown first. A clouded mind distracts from solving the situation at hand.


As to specific solutions.

Preventative maintenance on all the things, cars, home, appliances, are important. Keep that cars oil changed, and tires inflated. Keep your microwave clean, especially if it has glass in it. Blow out the dust from inside electronics to prevent overheating.
Unobstructed airflow for electronics.
Have a set of jumper cables ready in your car. If you need a jump, just having a set of cables is more than most have.
Surge protectors are a must for power outages. But remember that if you constantly use one, the varistors in them wear out after about 2 years and may not work. Every 2 years, swap them out.
Check the containers of any harsh chemicals and flammable items for corrosion or proper seals to insure they don't present a hazard to yourself and others. Store them safely. If you have a garage, or even an apartment, get a red metal box to keep it in if you have to.
Have a backup ready. If your oven goes out. Have a crock-pot or microwave, or something that can be cooked on/in. Keep a spare set of clothes at the office, or in your car.
Keep a small 1 gallon gas can in your car if you run out of gas and need to get some.
If you have a truck or roof-rack, keep tie down straps.
Have a 72-hour kit or bug-out-bag.
Know your local emergency service numbers other than 911. IE, the local firestations number, sheriff/police department office, city or county safety office, animal control, or at least have a method to find it out.

I'm sure there are more, I can think up of, but I have to go fix someones computer right now.

ohoh... it's REALLY good to have a hammer, flat-head screwddriver, and phillips head screwdriver around.

PlatedDrake, I live by myself as well. I guess I handle most of these issues by having friends or coworkers who are willing to help me out in emergencies.

I'm also lucky in that work is a 5 minute drive with no freeway, so it's not a burden to get coworkers to pick me up when my car isn't available. I also maintain a rainy day fund for emergencies. So knowing I have people who will help me and also have money gives me a greater sense of security.