The Soultown! Volume III: Issue 7 JULY 2019 | Page 25

DEAR GABBY DEAR GABBY Female Advice Columnist Dear Gabby, I’m 20 years old. How do I make the most of my twenties? (Waterloo, IA) ~ Young Life Dear Young Life, Get your bucket list out now. If you don’t have one, now is the time to write out everything you want to do. Life goes by so fast, I remember saying I wanted to do a million things in my 20’s, now I’m 31 and just reaching some of those goals. Meeting as many people as you can help. I feel as though different friends help you to explore different avenues. Some you may like and some you may not. Now is the time for searching and finding yourself, but you have to have fun in this journey. Travel, try new stuff, get an education, read, live outside the box. Although you have your whole life ahead of you, why not give it a jump start. You’ll be surprised where you might end up. ~ Gabby Dear Gabby, My boyfriend is taking a job in southern California and we’ve only been dating nearly a year. Should I move with him or stay where I am? (Redwood City, CA) ~ Out of Here Dear Out of Here, Do what you are comfortable with. If you’ve never moved before, it could be a challenge. Getting homesick, gaining financial stability, meeting new friends. That doesn’t mean you can’t make it, it Freedom Takes Steps just means you have to be more resourceful and open. It’s kind of soon for you to be moving with him, but I’ve seen this type of situation succeed. Only you know the kind of relationship you two have, and if it feels right, follow. Truth is, you can always come back home. That’s the good part about home, it will always be there. I think it would be a great idea to see what a new start would be like! You might love it in Southern California ... I hear it never rains. ~ Gabby Dear Gabby, What is a good age or a good time to move out on my own? Apartments are expensive and I’m not sure I would be a good roommate. I’m helping my parents with the bills and I have some freedoms, but I really would like to know if I can make it on my own. (Hudson, IA) ~ Seeking Freedom Dear Seeking Freedom, There’s nothing like living on your own. I feel where you are coming from. If you’ve never paid rent on your own, figure out if you can first. If not… you’ll find yourself back at home anyway. There are tons of housing choices. You can live in a studio which is the cheapest and seeing as though you’re from Iowa, that can’t be that expensive at all. Ask your parents what they think as well. Do they need your help financially? If so, I would chill so it wouldn’t put a strain on my parents. Also, think about if you’re just looking for more freedom? If your parents are not kicking you out, stay and save money, because these bills are no joke. Don’t grow up to fast, create a budget and if moving out works in your favor, then find happiness in getting your own space. ~ Gabby Dear Gabby, I desire to get more education. I have an undergraduate degree in business and I am interested in technology. My man wants to get married and have children … right now! I want that, too, just NOT right now. I’m 26. Is there a happy medium? (East Palo Alto, CA) ~ I Want it ALL! Dear, I Want it ALL!, I think you should do what YOU want and if a baby comes, it comes. Go ahead and start school. If you happen to get pregnant, there are online options. Don’t put your dreams on hold yet, you are not a mom as we speak. Be all that you can be first because eventually, you’ll be able to provide a better lifestyle for your family. I would think that your husband would agree, if not just consider yourself in an old school relationship. Give it a shot! Making a baby could take some time, and you might be done with school by the time that happens. ~ Gabby Dear Gabby, I live in the small town of Waterloo, Iowa. I am bored. I cannot find a decent, exciting fulfilling job or career. I graduate in 2020. What kind of advice do you have for a young person who wants out! (Waterloo, IA) ~ Next Step Dear Next Step, It’s always good to leave and come back. I grew up in Waterloo, so I know how you feel, but home is home you can come back anytime. I find it that Waterloo doesn’t have that much for young people to do, so they yearn to leave the nest. Some make it in a bigger city, and some don’t. It’s worth the try. Research some other cities, maybe first starting out with larger cities driving distance from Waterloo. That way if you get homesick, you’re close. If you are about to graduate this is a perfect time: Fix up your resume and go job hunting. You can start a new life and compare it to what you already know. I say GET OUT! Then come back if you need to. ~ Queen Gabby , Learn more about Queen Gabby and her advice at http://www.thesoultown.com/dear-gabby.html Email Me: [email protected] July 2019 • The Soultown International Magazine • Celebrating 2 years • Connecting Our Cultures to Our Cyber & Conscious Communities • thesoultown.com 25