Going Solo: The Challenges of Living Alone and How to Address Them

There comes a time when it feels right to leave the nest. Maybe it’s because you’ve reached a certain age and you feel like it’s time. Or it could be that you’ve found a great job that requires relocation. Perhaps, you just feel like you’re capable of being independent. No matter the reason behind your move, living alone can be rewarding. Nothing can compare to the feeling that you know you can stand with your own two feet. But as fulfilling as it is, it can also be difficult and demanding. To help you live safely and healthily, check out these challenges and how you can address them:

1. Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation

You may be introverted and prefer time on your own but sooner or later, you’ll probably feel lonely. Especially if you used to live with a big family and you’re used to continuous interactions. The good news is that there’s a quick solution to this problem. You can get a pet, for example. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, pet owners are happier and healthier compared to people without animal companions. If you’re scared that a pet will ruin your furniture, there are several quality dog obedience training schools around.

It’s a different problem if your new place doesn’t allow dogs. You’ll have to get creative. Since gatherings can be risky, you can have virtual hang-outs instead. Get your friends to talk, play a game, or even watch a movie with you online. Have theme nights so you’ll always have something different on your calls.

1. Security Issues

Security is a completely different matter when you’re living alone. You have to consider all angles and watch out for yourself. Before, you can rely on the house being occupied during hours while you’re out. Now, it’s up to you to secure your house at all times. Leaving an open window or forgetting to lock the door can mean a robbery. On the bright side, you can easily address this problem thanks to technology. You can automate your home and control every opening even while you’re away.

There are several options for smart home devices. You can buy an entire system in one go. They will cost a couple of hundred dollars, but they’re easy to control. If you choose a preset, every gadget will follow. Or, you can also buy the gadgets that you think you’ll get the most use out of and control them individually. It will cost less, but they might not synchronize or be compatible with each other. Ultimately, it comes down to your budget and your usage.

1. Financial Instability

One of the biggest challenges of living solo is shouldering all the costs on your own. The rent, groceries, utility bills — you don’t have anyone to share the burden with. You have to pay them all yourself. It can be incredibly taxing, especially when you consider how little people’s income has grown over the years. You may have to make some adjustments but you can survive independently.

One way to tackle this is to supplement your primary source of income. A study by Bankrate has found that more than 44 million Americans have a side hustle. The internet has made starting small businesses easier. You can sell your art, do online services, and make videos all using your phone and a WiFi connection.

Another change that you can do is to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. Since you’ll have higher expenses, you’ll have to cut back on your spending on certain things. Instead of buying the latest eye shadow palette or game console, keep the money for emergencies or savings.

You’ll have to change and sacrifice to live alone comfortably but it will all be worth it in the end. The satisfaction that you can survive without any help is the ultimate reward.