How Can I Survive Being Homeless Until I Transfer to University?

[haxtor21]

I went through this at your age... Needless to say after a long winter I joined the army at 17.
Please tell me how exactly did this go? I am interested in this story.

Here is how you get by, and I did this. Get a night job as a janitor cleaning. It will pay the bills, and will keep you warm at night. During the day you can hang out in the public library and go to school. And shower at the YMCA. You are a bit screwed if you can't find a job for every night of the week. But that is when you visit friends or just bundle up in the car.
Why would I be screwed if I can't work? If my calculations are right I could survive with no job


The real kick is that you need your parents for financial aid. It has changed a lot since I was 16, so I think now you can declare as independent, but you will still have limited financial aid.
I think my mom would accept doing my fin aid for this year even though she's kicking me out

You could try this with your mother... Tell her you decided to join the military since they are giving large bonuses is you volunteer for afganhistan in the infantry on the front lines.
My mom is not stupid

4 char

 

[JaredJames]

Apple may be the best, but most software is required to be Microsoft compliant. I hate Apple with a vengence, but i agree their stuff is the best designed out there. This doesn't make it useable though. It is some of the most expensive out there and so people generally avoid it, especially businesses. It is also a very closed system so far as programming goes.

Ubuntu is one of the best OS's to use, especially for programming, but as before most things need to be Microsoft compliant.

Trying to emulate things on a non-native OS just doesn't work properly and can throw up various issues (as I myself have discovered).

 

[G037H3]

quote things properly, please

well, relaxed->excited is easier than excited->relaxed

Oh, just learning Java...the fastest way to become good enough to make $$$ with programming is web development, but considering where you are, I would do programming on the side (2 hours of studying a day for instance) and stick with your CC classes and with a job

as for whether or not you should get a job, YES you should...you shouldn't make decisions that depend on the actions of other people, you're an adult now (at least legally >_>)

Ubuntu is okay, but really, with Macs, you're paying for style...you should hopefully know how much more expensive they are than another machine with slightly superior specs...like 250%+ more

don't worry, maybe you could pay a monthly fee for a heated parking garage

also, you should call and apologize to your mother, just in case she was just upset because of something else

 

[haxtor21]

Apple may be the best, but most software is required to be Microsoft compliant. I hate Apple with a vengence, but i agree their stuff is the best designed out there. This doesn't make it useable though. It is some of the most expensive out there and so people generally avoid it, especially businesses. It is also a very closed system so far as programming goes.

Ubuntu is one of the best OS's to use, especially for programming, but as before most things need to be Microsoft compliant.

Trying to emulate things on a non-native OS just doesn't work properly and can throw up various issues (as I myself have discovered).

Talking purely from a hardware/warranty perspective, i would dare to say that Apple is the best. But nonetheless I may have sell it, and buy a cheaper lappy. I've considered selling it before and buying a couple of LCDs to add to my setup.

But i need more practical advice on how I can pull this off. I think i could do it w/o working at all.

 

[JaredJames]

I've just read your other thread on quitting school to do apps development.

I have to say, you have big ideas but very little to pull it off.

I can see exactly why your mother is annoyed with you. First you want to take a few months off school and now you quit your job.

On $1000 you cannot pull this off for 6/7 months.

Do you really believe you could live on $150 per month? You keep talking about your intelligence and self learning (particularly in the other thread) but you don't seem to realize just how difficult a situation you are in.

I've noticed you've gone from sounding rather worried about being thrown out and now sound quite excited as if you're looking forward to it. Don't fool yourself into believing you can do this so easily.

Note: Hardware / warranty perspective is rarely what companies look for when purchasing systems. Only graphical organisations tend to use Macs so you are really limiting your potential market.

 

[haxtor21]

quote things properly, please

well, relaxed->excited is easier than excited->relaxed

Oh, just learning Java...the fastest way to become good enough to make $$$ with programming is web development, but considering where you are, I would do programming on the side (2 hours of studying a day for instance) and stick with your CC classes and with a job
I've considered doing the opposite and taking up ios development for a semester. I've been reading too many success stories maybe

as for whether or not you should get a job, YES you should...you shouldn't make decisions that depend on the actions of other people, you're an adult now (at least legally >_>)
Ill see what I can figure our. As you can tell i hate interacting w/ csutomers, except in electronics stores

Ubuntu is okay, but really, with Macs, you're paying for style...you should hopefully know how much more expensive they are than another machine with slightly superior specs...like 250%+ more
Yes i know. I've built several gaming rigs. The mac purchase was for its excellent design, I was obsessed with OSX at the time. Albeit expensive i think Macs are better designed then your average laptop. I want to be clear that I am by no means an Apple fanboy

don't worry, maybe you could pay a monthly fee for a heated parking garage
Interesting

also, you should call and apologize to your mother, just in case she was just upset because of something else
I have 2 weeks to move out. I am still in the appt. I tried apologizing and it just led to more chaos

4char

 

[haxtor21]

I've just read your other thread on quitting school to do apps development.

I have to say, you have big ideas but very little to pull it off.

I can see exactly why your mother is annoyed with you. First you want to take a few months off school and now you quit your job.

On $1000 you cannot pull this off for 6/7 months.
I will most likely sell my mac and borrow money
Do you really believe you could live on $150 per month? You keep talking about your intelligence and self learning (particularly in the other thread) but you don't seem to realize just how difficult a situation you are in.
I know I do sound quite arrogant but I have no one to share my visions with. Sorry if I come of as a troll, circumstances have made me introverted ovet the years.

I've noticed you've gone from sounding rather worried about being thrown out and now sound quite excited as if you're looking forward to it. Don't fool yourself into believing you can do this so easily.
Yes, you may be right

Note: Hardware / warranty perspective is rarely what companies look for when purchasing systems. Only graphical organisations tend to use Macs so you are really limiting your potential market.

I really don't understand why there is so much hate towards macs. I am not a company, I am a individual. I am not a apple fanboy, I simply like the the hardware and some of the OS (AppleScript, iphone dev). You're telling me i won't be recruited to do a project b/c I have a mac as my Notebook? this is a seruois question

 

[JaredJames]

Hardware: Good
Design: Good
Price: Bad

Companies will look at the price before anything else (unless they have a specific job). You can buy an equivelant spec laptop running windows for a far lower price than a mac.

Most companies run Windows / Linux (windows for front end stuff).

By designing software purely for Apple products you restrict your market. You can only put stuff in the app store for the most part (a very competitive market).

By learning to program with linux / windows you can open yourself up to a far wider range of possibilities.

I am currently working on a piece of software to design air handling units for a HVAC company. This is done in Visual Studio as that is what I'm familiar with. If I could only program in the apple store format (very restrictive in itself) I wouldn't be able to do the job for them.

Look at it like this, if the majority of businesses run Windows, does it make sense to develop Mac software?

I'm not trying to discourage you, if that's what you like go for it. It's just that you have such a specific set of goals that you seem fixed on and oblivious to the fact that they're very hard ideas and concepts to get going. To make realistic amounts of money in app development you really do need a unique/ the best product or a really lucky break.

 

[haxtor21]

Hardware: Good
Design: Good
Price: Bad

Companies will look at the price before anything else (unless they have a specific job). You can buy an equivelant spec laptop running windows for a far lower price than a mac.

Most companies run Windows / Linux (windows for front end stuff).

By designing software purely for Apple products you restrict your market. You can only put stuff in the app store for the most part (a very competitive market).

By learning to program with linux / windows you can open yourself up to a far wider range of possibilities.

I am currently working on a piece of software to design air handling units for a HVAC company. This is done in Visual Studio as that is what I'm familiar with. If I could only program in the apple store format (very restrictive in itself) I wouldn't be able to do the job for them.

Look at it like this, if the majority of businesses run Windows, does it make sense to develop Mac software?

Ohh, this is what you're talking about. Well on this note, the idea behind the appstore venture I was planning is the following: If I could learn how to do apps in a relatively short amount of time, come up with a app ideea that people need, develop it and implement it and hopefully become succesfull and continue my schooling with this funding without worry. Of course this is wishfull thinking but I honestly think its worth a shot. It doesent have to be just me of course, I have 1 or 2 friends who know programming.

Other then that, I just haven't seen so much potential for monetizing software in a short amount of time as I have seen on the iOS. Please enlighten me if you have a better idea for making some money.

 

[JaredJames]

Ohh, this is what you're talking about. Well on this note, the idea behind the appstore venture I was planning is the following: If I could learn how to do apps in a relatively short amount of time, come up with a app ideea that people need, develop it and implement it and hopefully become succesfull and continue my schooling with this funding without worry. Of course this is wishfull thinking but I honestly think its worth a shot. It doesent have to be just me of course, I have 1 or 2 friends who know programming.

That is what is known as a pipe dream. By all means go for it. If you have the aptitude for it then that's great. But that outline you have given there is the exact mentality every other app developer has gone in with and now you have over 250,000 apps there and only a few making substantial money. Before you put too much into this and begin to rely on this success, come up with a unique product that people need (you'd be surprised how hard that is).

Other then that, I just haven't seen so much potential for monetizing software in a short amount of time as I have seen on the iOS. Please enlighten me if you have a better idea for making some money.

Learn a more open programming/scripting language (VB, C, C+, C#, Pearl, PHP etc) and then you can approach people and companies to develop software for them. Potentially far more profitable and a lot more chance of you being taken on.

There are also website that let developers bid on jobs and then the advertiser picks who they want to do the job for them. Just something to think about.

You could spend weeks creating an app and then have only one or two people buy it, making all your work for nothing. Where as approaching companies / private individuals and doing bespoke projects to their needs gives a far greater chance of gaining a useable income.

 

[Evo]

haxtor, after reading your posts, I'm now on your mother's side.

You don't seem to have a firm grip on reality and your mom is about to give you a huge dose. While I still think it's wrong for a parent to ever endanger their child's life, you need a wake up call.

 

[haxtor21]

That is what is known as a pipe dream. By all means go for it. If you have the aptitude for it then that's great. But that outline you have given there is the exact mentality every other app developer has gone in with and now you have over 250,000 apps there and only a few making substantial money. Before you put too much into this and begin to rely on this success, come up with a unique product that people need (you'd be surprised how hard that is).
I was waiting for someone to say this.


Learn a more open programming/scripting language (VB, C, C+, C#, Pearl, PHP etc) and then you can approach people and companies to develop software for them. Potentially far more profitable and a lot more chance of you being taken on.
I am planning to do this. Would you recommend web deisgn before languages such as VB, C ,C++ ? After Java i was planning on taking a C++ class next semester, while coding on my own too of course

There are also website that let developers bid on jobs and then the advertiser picks who they want to do the job for them. Just something to think about.
Yes i found some of them but they are kind of complicated for me. I did e-mail a few "computer" gigs on craigslist though.

You could spend weeks creating an app and then have only one or two people buy it, making all your work for nothing. Where as approaching companies / private individuals and doing bespoke projects to their needs gives a far greater chance of gaining a useable income.
You coulld make "lite" apps to attract attention. Aggresive marketing, word of mouth. Software updates to be at the top of the list frequently.

4char

 

[haxtor21]

haxtor, after reading your posts, I'm now on your mother's side.

You don't seem to have a firm grip on reality and your mom is about to give you a huge dose. While I still think it's wrong for a parent to ever endanger their child's life, you need a wake up call.

right, I was waiting for this too...

 

[G037H3]

btw haxtor

keep in mind that success stories already have lots of practice before becoming successful

Bill Gates practiced programming for about 20K hours during his teen years

 

[haxtor21]

I didnt have the chance to do that unfortunately. At least I am ahead of the game by 2 school years.

 

[JaredJames]

Haxtor, you are clearly an intelligent person but this is also a very clear weakness. Your attitude has become that of you believing yourself to be better than others out there with far more experience than yourself.

Between all of your threads (yes I've been reading), it is clear exactly how you see yourself in relation to others.

You have a good work ethic, but not a solid foundation in the realities of real life (living costs etc). You need a place to live that is safe and secure and preferably with the support of your mother. You need to focus on education now and once you have a degree then you can look into app development or whatever you want.

 

[haxtor21]

Haxtor, you are clearly an intelligent person but this is also a very clear weakness. Your attitude has become that of you believing yourself to be better than others out there with far more experience than yourself.

Please do tell me what makes you say this.

Is it because of the above post? Being ahead in school does not corelate with me being better then others. Especially in the tech industry where experience matters. I was saying (in my mind) that I at least did not spend my time watching pornography and playing video games all day throughout my HS.

 

[haxtor21]

Thank you JNJ for bearing through the discussion. I know I have a jaded view of myself and reality.

 

[Pyrrhus]

I don't understand why someone voluntarily chooses to be homeless. This makes no sense to me. Apologize to your mother and wait the 9 months until you are living by yourself at Michigan. This is pointless.

 

[rootX]

I was ungrateful of my parents, hated them much, wanted to be homeless when I was much younger and those opinions kept on growing until 18-19, but I saw risk in becoming independent and did not really see any benefit.

My opinions about my parents have changed a lot since then. So, I would suggest to change your attitude for little while.

 

[bp_psy]

Im sorry Evo but you don't understand. Eastern european culture is very different from the american culture. Parents are brutal, which could be a good or a bad thing. I admit that its my fault too but at this point it doesent matter.

I am Romanian.

Give me a freaking break. East European parents are brutal.
All I can say is that your mother is right you are an ungrateful jerk.

 

[Office_Shredder]

I don't get it. You're moving out because your mom wants you to get a job, but you don't have enough money so now you need to get a job. What's the point?

 

[Monique]

I think what you are doing is irresponsible.

Voluntarily quitting your job and then expecting people to give you loans? You are 18 years old and should be able to take care of yourself, choosing to live in a car off of tuna is not taking responsibility.

What is a thousand dollars in a bank? That is not the kind of money that you can live on for a year. When I turned 18 I was required to pay rent to my parents for living in their house, I was also required to contribute to the household: do groceries, cook evening meals, do chores. Did it cross your mind that in the process of becoming an adult, that you can't live off the pocket of other people, that it is reasonable to give something back?

As for your mother, I think she must be very disappointed by your decision to quit your job and become dependent on her. It would be good for you, and for your relationship with her, to show that you can take care of yourself. A roof above your head and an income should be a priority at this point.

 

[JaredJames]

Please do tell me what makes you say this.

Is it because of the above post? Being ahead in school does not corelate with me being better then others. Especially in the tech industry where experience matters. I was saying (in my mind) that I at least did not spend my time watching pornography and playing video games all day throughout my HS.

I said this because of everything I have read from yourself. In this, and your other threads.

You have generated this image that you can:

1) Learn an entire programming / scripting language within a very short time
2) Come up with a very successful idea
3) Develop said idea into something workable people need
4) Make plenty of money off of it
5) Set up a business and fund your education
(Some are from another thread of yours)

Whilst you may be able to learn the basics in a few weeks, you certainly won't master them in a reasonable time and in a way that makes you a proficient code guru.

The rest of the points are just ridiculous. Like I said before, everyone goes into this area thinking this but doing it is a completely different issue.

In my very first post I said I had a nagging doubt that all was not as it seems with your OP, and I was correct. You have continuously shown (again here and elsewhere) that you believe yourself to be able to achieve virtually impossible feats (see above) and overcoming substantial odds against you. Unless the reality of your situation hits home, and soon, there's little we can do so far as advice goes.

Perhaps you should read back through your past threads. They show you are on a path, which rightly, your mother doesn't like. First thinking of quitting school (even if for only a short time) and now not caring about being thrown out.

I fully agree a child shouldn't be put in danger and believe me, you will be in danger if you go through with this, but unless you are willing to face reality then perhaps this is the best wake up call you will get. A proverbial bucket ice water to wake you up.

 

[granpa]

be careful sleeping in your car.
sleeping in an uncomfortable position leads to muscle stiffness which leads to pulled muscles. It can be quite painful.
trust me I know what I am talking about.

Get on food stamps

If you live in a big city then stay OUT of the shelters and DONT sleep in the park. You WILL get robbed.

 

[JaredJames]

Give me a freaking break. East European parents are brutal.
All I can say is that your mother is right you are an ungrateful jerk.

Eastern Europeans are somewhat stricter than Western Europeans. Far more traditional in their views.

I don't think giving him advice how to survive in his car is the key here. He needs to get his head of out his a** and sort things out with his mother.

If his attitude here reflects how he is treating his mother then it is clear why she is feeling the way she is.

Get through education, get on your own two feet and then, and only then you can look into doing your little side track app development stuff. As long as you are still reliant on your mother, even if only for food and shelter, you should show some respect and understand she is doing (and has done) everything to give you the opportunities to get you were you are now, in a position to get a good education and go to university.

As far as I can see here, the only thing she has requested is that you keep a job and earn some money. Do you consider this too much to ask? (Please don't give that "I have enough money" rubbish, $1000 isn't much at all).

 

[haxtor21]

I talked to my mom and its very clear that she won't let me stay. She kind of hinted she wanted me out of the house for a month or two. Even if i do get a job now she still won't let me stay.

...yes, I've been living a pipe dream.

 

[JaredJames]

What are her reasons for not letting you stay?

For a month or two you say, sounds as if she wants you to realize just how difficult it is to survive, particularly financially, on your own. Hoping you can begin to understand just how much work she puts into supporting you.

 

[haxtor21]

For a month or two you say, sounds as if she wants you to realize just how difficult it is to survive, particularly financially, on your own. Hoping you can begin to understand just how much work she puts into supporting you.

this is the reason. I tried telling her that I will and can go get a job and that ill give her all the money. Nada.
I don't think i want to come back here if I go. At least if this was summer it wouldn't be so bad.

 

[Borek]

Im sorry Evo but you don't understand. Eastern european culture is very different from the american culture. Parents are brutal, which could be a good or a bad thing.

No idea what Junior will have to do to get kicked from home. As far as I can tell looking around it is not a standard situation in this part of the world. Nice of you of trying to show your Mom is not that bad some of us think she is. Try to prove to her you are not that bad she thinks you are, it may help you stay at home.