I want to move out of home, but I still have to finish high school. Can I do this without my parents?
Most of the country is homeschooling right now, says our elder. You might have more options than you think.
Dear EWC
I am currently 17 but will be turning 18 in the summer of 2020 after my 11th grade. I am homeschooled. I have a well-paying job and the opportunity to become full-time. I want to take it. It will increase my salary so I can live independently and get away from my family. My dad and mom are divorced. I live with my dad. Neither home is safe or comfortable. Because I am turning 18 in August, I can move out just at the start of my senior year of high school. What I want to know is if I can finish high school on my own when I’m 18 without my parents. I don’t want to do another year with my dad and I don’t think my mom will be willing to be my contact teacher for homeschool next year. I will be working full-time (30-40 hours a week) so I can’t do public school. I want to know how I can graduate high school next year easily while I work without living with my dad. I am uninterested in going to college right now. Any advice is welcome. Thanks for your time.
Good-Listener replies
You certainly do have an interesting dilemma. I admire your desire to be independent and working (literally and figuratively) toward that goal. With regard to finishing high school, talk to someone in the education department to see what your options are. Ask about online high school, GEDs, and ask for their opinion (you don’t have to follow it, you just need to get all the information you can). Even if there is a division of families or someone who is in a position to counsel you, try to get it before you make any final decision.
Most of the country is on homeschooling right now because of the virus. There may be a lot of kids who are trying to figure out what to do, so there may be more options than you think. Your most important element is information. When you have that you can make your decision. Please finish high school, however you do it. Getting the degree and having a work history that you already have will take you further than you may realize! It will also say a lot about your ambition and drive. You’ll do fine. Find a way to get the degree and move on with your life. And don’t completely rule out college either… maybe not right away, but, perhaps, some time from now. Good luck.
Letter #: 456553
Category: School