Hello guys,
I am so frustrated....I really wish things could work out the way I want. I'm kinda looking for advice as to what I should do, but please don't bash me or say anything rude- not that I'm expecting that, but just in case -thanks.
So two years ago I was offered a fantastic job. I accepted the job and had to move about 2 hours away too a VERY large city. I had to leave behind the country lifestyle I had always known. It was exciting at first. I got to venture out on my own, find myself, meet new people and experience city life. The only down part was, I had to leave my horses at my parent's house (2 hrs away), and since they are so far away, I would only be able to ride on the weekends. It was okay at first, because I got to try new hobbies and see if there was anything else I was good at.
For about the first year it was okay being in the big city, but now I REALLY want to go back to riding horses.
I would LOVE to be able to board at least one of my horses somewhat close to where I live, instead of driving 2hrs to just be able to ride on the weekends, but here's the problems:
1- The cost of living in such a huge city literally eats up all my pay check. I make a decent wage, but I live pay check to pay check since the cheapest apartment in the area is usually around $1000/month (and that is just for a studio or 1 bd). There is no way I can pay bills, pay rent, pay my car payment AND afford to board a horse.
2- Since I work evenings, I thought about getting a second job to help support boarding for a horse, but with a second job that means less time actually being able to ride and spend time with my horse.
3- I have tried looking for stables where I can work off my board, but with winter coming up, no stables have that option at this time.
4- The cheapest boarding stable I've found charges $350/month but you must supply your own hay & grain.
5- I've thought about moving to another town that is less populated and has cheaper living costs, but I still don't have the $$$ saved to move.
6- Oh, and the closet stable in the area is about 50 mins away, quite a long drive, but I think I could manage it (but this means more $$$ spent on gas).
So I have been riding horses for my whole life (I'm 21). I have taken lessons from world champions and Olympians. I have competed in just about every discipline there is. I am a state champion, I am very knowledgeable about horses. I have tried other "hobbies" but I do not have the same interest in them as I do horses. Especially since I have such a strong passion for my horses & an extensive history with them, I don't want to just "give up" on them.
I dream about one day being able to show once again. It kills me inside thinking about not getting to ride and pursue my passion. I feel "dead" inside when I don't get to work with my horses. There is nothing here in this city that fills my heart with the same feeling that horses give. I'm not into the party thing, I've actually never partied or never been to a bar & this whole city is considered a "party town" and there's seriously nothing here that interests me...at all..I just want to go back to horses, but I am worried I can't until I get married or something and have a double income (however I have no plans on getting married at this time..)
So I am kind of looking for advice. How did you manage paying rent & board when you were "starting out" on your own? I could get a roommate, but none of my friends or family members need a roommate at this time and I really don't want to move in with a stranger. Opinions? Suggestions?
I am so frustrated....I really wish things could work out the way I want. I'm kinda looking for advice as to what I should do, but please don't bash me or say anything rude- not that I'm expecting that, but just in case -thanks.
So two years ago I was offered a fantastic job. I accepted the job and had to move about 2 hours away too a VERY large city. I had to leave behind the country lifestyle I had always known. It was exciting at first. I got to venture out on my own, find myself, meet new people and experience city life. The only down part was, I had to leave my horses at my parent's house (2 hrs away), and since they are so far away, I would only be able to ride on the weekends. It was okay at first, because I got to try new hobbies and see if there was anything else I was good at.
For about the first year it was okay being in the big city, but now I REALLY want to go back to riding horses.
I would LOVE to be able to board at least one of my horses somewhat close to where I live, instead of driving 2hrs to just be able to ride on the weekends, but here's the problems:
1- The cost of living in such a huge city literally eats up all my pay check. I make a decent wage, but I live pay check to pay check since the cheapest apartment in the area is usually around $1000/month (and that is just for a studio or 1 bd). There is no way I can pay bills, pay rent, pay my car payment AND afford to board a horse.
2- Since I work evenings, I thought about getting a second job to help support boarding for a horse, but with a second job that means less time actually being able to ride and spend time with my horse.
3- I have tried looking for stables where I can work off my board, but with winter coming up, no stables have that option at this time.
4- The cheapest boarding stable I've found charges $350/month but you must supply your own hay & grain.
5- I've thought about moving to another town that is less populated and has cheaper living costs, but I still don't have the $$$ saved to move.
6- Oh, and the closet stable in the area is about 50 mins away, quite a long drive, but I think I could manage it (but this means more $$$ spent on gas).
So I have been riding horses for my whole life (I'm 21). I have taken lessons from world champions and Olympians. I have competed in just about every discipline there is. I am a state champion, I am very knowledgeable about horses. I have tried other "hobbies" but I do not have the same interest in them as I do horses. Especially since I have such a strong passion for my horses & an extensive history with them, I don't want to just "give up" on them.
I dream about one day being able to show once again. It kills me inside thinking about not getting to ride and pursue my passion. I feel "dead" inside when I don't get to work with my horses. There is nothing here in this city that fills my heart with the same feeling that horses give. I'm not into the party thing, I've actually never partied or never been to a bar & this whole city is considered a "party town" and there's seriously nothing here that interests me...at all..I just want to go back to horses, but I am worried I can't until I get married or something and have a double income (however I have no plans on getting married at this time..)
So I am kind of looking for advice. How did you manage paying rent & board when you were "starting out" on your own? I could get a roommate, but none of my friends or family members need a roommate at this time and I really don't want to move in with a stranger. Opinions? Suggestions?