18 and want to move out

My parents are mentally draining and I can’t handle it anymore. It’s got to the point where they guilt trip me, control me and other ****. I am thinking of just going into just a job that I will enjoy but also have money to get a flat… how would I do this? What areas in the UK are safe and cheap? Also how can I earn for a mortgage soon? Or is renting a better idea?
I don’t know. Help me please

First find a job. Wherever you go will have nice areas and not so nice ones - this will probably be reflected in the rent. You will need a deposit saved before you can get a rental agreement. You need quite a lot of savings and a good credit history before you need to be thinking about mortgages.

My parents are mentally draining and I can’t handle it anymore. It’s got to the point where they guilt trip me, control me and other ****. I am thinking of just going into just a job that I will enjoy but also have money to get a flat… how would I do this? What areas in the UK are safe and cheap? Also how can I earn for a mortgage soon? Or is renting a better idea?
I don’t know. Help me please

Hi - you are a long way from thinking about mortgages as you need years of history. For rent you often need a couple of months rent as a deposit and rent is paid in advance so you need to have built up a couple of thousand pounds before you start. People do support themselves full time with a minimum wage job such as waitressing but it would be hard. If not full time then you won't earn enough to support yourself - bills are high on top of rent. I think you need to look around at the cost of renting and the sort of wages you can get.

I've been wanting to move out for a while now, but I'm fortunate to still want not mind living with my parents for the time being. For now I'll be saving up as much money on my gap year so that when I go into university the year after I'll be more financially independent. I haven't been able to even mention the words "moving out for uni" in months because the last time I did they were very against it. I'd say take a year out to save up as much money as you can with a full time job and stay with your parents. I know it will be hard but rent prices are ridiculously expensive now and waiting until you're certain you can look after yourself is much better than rushing to get away from them (although the reasons listed are indeed valid)

The most important thing you can do now is calculate how much you would need to earn and save in order to rent a flat, as well as its location and the benefits/cons that come with this.

Wishing you all the best

Thanks for this!! It’s good you’ve been waiting and I have been waiting for years!! I have always said I’d move out. I am independent. However, my parents don’t let me be it, they’re always making me stay inside or guilt tripping me with socialising. I have suffered so much with emotions and I just need some more of a social life and more friends. I can’t do that with them and I can’t be free with them. I hate it. Maybe I’m being silly. But I don’t know whether I should stay in education or go work. I would be a waitress or work as a cleaner and then create my own business with animals as that’s what I’d like to do but I don’t know if that’s a decent plan and I don’t know if I’ll struggle. So maybe I should apply for better paying jobs and work lots of hours and save up for deposits and have money spare for months to pay and then when I’m renting I can work less and earn enough.

I really think you should maybe talk to a careers advisor that will be able to better guide you on whether you should study more or go straight into work. When I was struggling to decide whether to do A Levels or a BTEC, I got recommended by a family friend to get an appointment with the local careers centre and they were super helpful. You could also speak to a trusted adult like a family friend or older sibling/cousin. I personally think it would be best to study some more before heading into work, however if you're certain that you would like to go down this path, I don't have the right to stop you from doing so. Have you considered degree apprenticeships? The choice is somewhat limited because they're still quite new but essentially you could study at a university, and work at the same time with a degree in the end- you wouldn't have to pay a thing! I think this might be something to consider, especially since you're keen on moving out and finally being free from your parents.

Alternatively you could ask to live with a trusted relative if you're close to anyone from your extended family. If not, then I really hope that everything works out for you

Hi, I will indeed do this! I have actually considered apprenticeships. I have got a friend who is going to rent with me, we're waiting for the other one as she may join us, so having to split a rent bill will be better. I am looking into healthcare/childcare ones to see what suits me, however, they don't pay a lot. I might just look into real jobs that pay £10-£12 per hour and we have been looking into rent that is around £900-£1300... if we split in two or three, would we be able to afford and live healthily? Yes, I think I will speak with a trusted relative! Thank you ever so much for your help

What type of jobs would be suitable do you think? Would it work if I’m in education still in college or would I need to be full time?? If full time, then, would being a waitress or a small job but also with friends too? I’m thinking of possibilities! So rent is better for me rn? Yes I think so too… how much are deposits usually?