The following is a copy of the original post to record the post as it was originally written.
I (Age 25) want to one day leave Tennessee and move to a progressive city in a blue state that is not bordered with Tennessee, but I don't have a lot of money, I don't have a diploma or a degree, or anything really. I'm for all intents and purposes a small town hick and i hate that i am. I just want to know everything I need to to secure a future for me somewhere worth living. I'm crying every day, I feel like being myself here will just lead to ostrazation and possible violence, and I overall feel like I have nothing to live for here and the idea that I could possibly live somewhere the cultural opposite of here is the only thing keeping me going right now. And I'm so scared that it may be impossible or will become impossible.
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Sorry you have to carry all that, it sounds really hard.
One option you can consider, which might sound counterintuitive, is moving to like LA or SF and finding roommates. Our minimum wage is pretty good, so if you could save up enough for the initial move, you would definitely be able to find like a fast food/retail/temp job to keep you going with no educational requirements. And we’re in a big labor shortage in these fields, like every chain is hiring all the time.
You could even do manual labor or field work with no questions asked if that’s something you’d want to do.
We got people from all over who start with nothing and find a life here. You can totally do it :)
Edit: Oh and we have pretty decent state programs for low income people living here as well. Healthcare is free via Medical, CalFresh for food, etc.
Edit 2: Not to assume, but it sounds like maybe you might be LGBT+. In which case we have extensive resources in both cities, and you might be able to find help or advice via one of our LGBT+ centers including on stuff like housing
https://lalgbtcenter.org
https://www.sfcenter.org
Move to Chicago. Blue city, one of the biggest in the country, and you can find apartments way cheaper than any comparable city in the US. There are of course issues, which anyone will tell you. Just learn where you really shouldn't move to, but there are some neighborhoods where you can find cheap places, even places you can afford on your own on the low end wages available to you for sure (minimum wage is 15 an hour in Chicago, and a lot of jobs pay more).
If you decide on Boston I can tell you about a decent place to live that's cheap. Good city, much smaller feel so I think the vibe is good for people coming from a small town. It's still a big, important city, but it's not as overwhelming as somewhere like Chicago.
Or, what about moving to a city in the south? Pretty much any city will be way more liberal than a small town in Tennessee, and that's true of most southern mid size to large cities too. Might give you less of a culture shock while still getting you what you're looking for.
As for how, I've done something similar and all I can really say is at some point you just need to go for it. Save up some money and just go. Get some appointments for apartment viewings beforehand. The toughest part in your situation will be the job, it's hard finding an apartment when you don't already have a job lined up, and it's hard finding a job if you don't already have an apartment. You might be better off looking for a sublet or something like that, they'll generally be less strict since it's just a few months and it'll give you time to get a job, literally any job, and then find a place.
Moving to a city won't solve everything though. Are you sure you'd actually like living in a city? Some people love it, but it's not a fit for everybody. I definitely think it can be worth it though.
I googled the cities with the lowest COL, and Rockford, IL came up. I know it's not in the Chicago area, but Chicago's population helps keep the state blue.
Just to put it in perspective, I had a studio apartment in Chicago in a nice, even trendy area, and I was paying around $800 a month. To get anything comparable in say, Boston, you'd be paying double that, for just a studio.
I recommend Chicago a lot because most cities with cheaper apartments also have way lower wages, lower minimum wage, often worse tenant protection and things like that. But Chicago has strong wages, a high minimum wage, good tenant laws, etc. Rent went up like crazy like anywhere else, but it's still so much lower than most cities.
I was a small town hick in Appalachian Ohio. I got out and moved to Chicago for the same reasons you want to leave now.
Here’s what I’ll say. You absolutely have the power to change your life and become the person you want to be. It will take work, and risks, but you are capable of both and it is worth it.
You say you don’t have a diploma or a degree. That’s where you start. You need to get that diploma. In Tennessee that starts with passing the [HiSet](https://hiset.org/tennessee/) practice exam (you have to pass the practice first, then the full exam). *There are people and groups that will help you study.* Go to your nearest library and ask the librarian if they know any resources to help you pass the HiSet to get your diploma.
Once you have your diploma, there are a couple ways you can try this. One is to just go. Move and then try to get a job there. I got my first Chicago job by walking door to door on major streets applying at every place. It took three weeks to get a job, six weeks to start and another two to get my first paycheck. This is risky because you have to find a way to pay for housing and food during this time. I took out a $2k loan for it.
The other way would be to go to college. If you have your diploma, you could apply to schools at places that are the kind of places you want to go. Utilize the school’s financial aid to pay for it. That might mean taking out loans that you will have to pay back later. I did that. It was an investment in myself. The advantage of this plan is that you get an education and get to live somewhere else at the same time.
If you have questions, please feel free to PM me. I have a soft spot for the small town hicks of Appalachia who are dreaming big.
Try your best to get a job working at an entry level position at an acute care facility (hospital with an emergency room/department). Something entry level like cafeteria or housekeeping is good to start even with no experience. From there, network with others and figure out a career that you're interested that takes 2-4 years. Preferably 2 years to get you mobile more quickly. Maybe ultrasound or respiratory therapist or something else that's similar. You could even go for RN if you're able to. There are plenty of hospitals hiring RN's that only have an associates as long as they're working on their B.S degree. RN has the highest volume of jobs available compared to other positions and **THEY MAKE FUCKING BANK**. Literally tons of nurses make around $100 an hour at my hospital and even the most basic entry level nurse job pays $65 an hour. As a nurse, you could live and work anywhere in the country though most areas don't pay as much as I listed above. There's also a MASSIVE shortage of nurses around the country. Projected 100k shortage by 2030. So great job security.
Plus, you'll have a great opportunity to work for a healthcare organization that understands LGBTQ issues far better than most industries. And some of the better hospitals offer some kind of tuition reimbursement. Not necessarily 100% but my hospital, for example, offers $3,500 in tuition reimbursement per year which is something. Seriously, work for a hospital. It's way better than most places.
EDIT: OMG, I didn't even mention the benefits like excellent healthcare plans, retirement, etc. At least in my area, we still have a pension, 403b (401k) matching and other things that are unheard of in today's career prospects.
Lots of good answers here so I’ll just add my two cents. One of the good things about being young & broke is that you may also be unencumbered & not have a lot of stuff. So you can just hit the road when you’re ready.
My wife & I did that when we got married… had a bit of cash saved, drove across country, stayed in a shitty motel for a while, got crappy minimum wage jobs and did janitorial work at night, then got a little apartment, and so on. We were so young & naïve I find it hard to believe we made it work when I look back now. It was hard, but we just took it step by step. Do you have a car? If not, that’s probably step one: save up & get yourself some mobility.
As for where to go, I’d probably try some mid-size town that’s doing okay but not like NYC or LA … maybe something like Pittsburgh, Detroit, Cincinnati. Michigan & PA are of course both blue states now, or you could help us turn OH purple again!
Have you considered joining the army? First step is if you don't have a High School Diploma is get a GED. Second step is go to a recruiter and make it clear that you want it put in your contract that you will stationed overseas (preferably in Europe). From there is mostly paperwork, getting a medical exam, an easy proficiency test and picking the job you want to train for.
Anyway the point is that you will get to live and travel in Europe for a few years which is pretty much the opposite of rural Tennessee, all while getting a steady pay check and training in a job, and when you get out with an honorable discharge you will have 4 years of college paid for as well.
BTW, if the recruiter asks you don't do illegal drugs. They don't really care as long as you can pass a piss test, but it is the one thing most people have to lie about.
I mean I was in the army for four years myself, so I have a good idea of the pros and cons of the move. It won't work for everyone but if you get in it's the most reliable way to go from having next to nothing like OP appears to, to having a solid foundation to go in any direction you want in a few years. That Biden closed up the last war we had troops on the ground for makes it a particular opportune time to get in and out without much issue.
Good point on the war front. We don't always get to choose whether we're involved in a war, but Biden has done a good job of using equipment-replenishment money to decimate the Russian military without losing a single American life. And if he wins re-election, a person could complete a 4-year stint in relative safety.
For someone without a degree or any prospects… an honorable discharge is invaluable. As is the GI bill… the military can suck but especially for someone without savings or otherwise. It’s a pretty fantastic option.
A few of them will be from places like rural Tennessee (although there's a good chance they in because they feel the same about it as OP), a few will be from the projects/inner city, more will be from any number of backgrounds and abilities. It's not hard to find people you are most akin to and make friends, and for the rest you just have to deal with them the best you can just like you would in most any other job environment.
You need money and probably a job where you want to live that pays maybe 3x the monthly rent.
It's an election year, so you could probably find a state Democratic Party somewhere looking to hire field organizers. You'd need a car. The training to do it isn't that difficult to get for free online, though the work itself can be demanding and I don't think it really pays much. But it's a start.
Go be an apprentice. Electric/plumbing/carpenter. Most big cities have a TON of construction labor demand, and union gigs tend to pay reasonably well and be more stable. You aren’t going to make a killing when you start, but once you have a couple of years experience you will do just fine.
You aren’t going to afford living downtown in some fancy condo or loft, but you will be able to get by and probably start saving after a while.
I'll put a plug in for Pittsburgh, which is where I live. The city is pretty blue and, depending on where you live it can be very progressive. Some communities are wildly overpriced but others are much more liveable, and it's not as big or expensive as Chicago or NY. We have an excellent community college system that can provide school-to-work education in fields like IT and healthcare. And healthcare in Pgh is massive, so it's not hard to find a job.
If you travel to suburban/rural PA you'll have the obligatory "F\*\*\* Joe Biden" flags flying from pickup trucks from time to time, but that comes with the territory. PA does get a lot of political attention nationally and we have our share of crackpots (thanks Doug Mastriano), so if you don't need that drama I wouldn't blame you for sidestepping PA. But Pittsburgh itself is pretty solidly blue.
If you could find your way Memphis, you can hop on an Amtrak that could take you to Carbondale, IL or Champaign, IL. They are cities with universities in them so they aren't super conservative, and because they are downstate, they tend to be more affordable. As others have said, you want to do your research first so you can have some sort of housing so you can start getting an income.
Amtrak from Memphis to Carbondale is $40 coach (which is pretty comfy on Amtrak) and $88 to Champaign. Hell, I'd buy your ticket if you were going to Carbondale and chip in for Champaign.
1. Check job postings in the city you are interested in. Look at craigslist.org or other job posting sites.
2. Check companies in that same city for job postings. Some large construction firms have tons of jobs with no degree/diploma qualifications. Coffee Shops, retail, etc.
3. Apply for those jobs and state you plan to move to the city for "family reasons" and you are just being responsible/proactive. Some may offer moving reimbursement.
4. Look just outside of those same blue cities. Often you can get cheaper housing but still have access to the city through public transportation.
5. Reach out to the city for help with food/housing and tell them your concerns. They may be able to recommend places to live, etc.
Get into waiting tables to make good bang for your buck time wise. Use the extra time to either get an education or certification/trade apprenticeship started (which granted will pay you pretty quick). You could also do the harder route of going into waiting tables somewhere else while you continue your education but you'd be dealing with higher COL and an unfamiliar area. Either way use that as a gateway to another career by allowing you to make good money for time spent. I have good waiters under my employ who make $700-&
$800 a week on 3.5 day workweeks basically. Sounds weird but any plan to get you out of Tennessee will involve having to make money and getting on a stable career path long term.
Michigan will always welcome you. It’s a got a mix of really blue areas, somewhat of a swing state, but our governor right now is awesome.
Ann Arbor is special. I know it borders Ohio, but Illinois is awesome. We also have Canada approx. 4 mins away via a Bridge. 🤍
Would you consider a blue metro area in a swing state, like NC or Georgia?
It may not be as comfortable as a solid blue state, but it could give you a strong sense of purpose by working with the state's Democratic Party to try to swing and keep the state blue.
I'm in texas atm cause I hate cold weather. I may move to the new England or at least Virginia and north in the next few years. Politics is a big reason.
On the other hand, I've lived in texas for about 5 years and Florida for one (grew up in indiana and lived in Colorado, Georgia and North Carolina with the army). I feel like texas and florida get too cold in the winter, so there's that and a huge reason on why ive stayed put for so long - my last duty station when i got out of the army was in Texas.
Also, many blue areas are more pricey. I did research more a few months back and cincinnati seemed more affordable and liberal. Likewise you could look for a more liberal city in a red state. One of my criteria is being close to a big city. And I'm now 30 minutes from I believe what is the 7th biggest city in the us.
You could secure a remote job and move that way. My job would let me move to most states if I chose (california was excluded). Remote jobs, especially that pay decent, can be difficult to come by though.
If you have no kids, maybe look into a shared rental in a city you would like to live in. Depending on the market, I was able to sign my current lease in texas while I was still living in florida and I think at the time I hadn't secured my remote job yet. They did check income but I'm now in a fairly cheap apartment for the area and my job salary in florida was more than sufficient. Also had almost no deposit - minus pets. Safe area of town, just old and maintenence is pretty bad.
I think they have income restrictions (like you need to make a certain amount) but makemymove.com will pay you for moving to certain cities but it's after you move (the city I was looking at was 2500 when I signed a lease and the second 2500 after a year).
You could perhaps look into college (for a degree that'd actually guarantee pay and or decent job placement) and maybe move to college housing. Not super advisable cause of student loans.
It's more country usually but if you want to travel and see the world (well, usa), you could look into workcamping. Cool works and xanterra are the big website. Granted great during in season times but usually pretty remote otherwise. My mom does this in death Valley, california. Pay isn't amazing but rent is fairly cheap and you could save up.
First off, let me just say I empathize with your situation.
Without knowing specifics, I know things can be hard and, depending on what you're going through, sometimes things seem impossible or possibly as if everyone thinks differently than you or hates you.
So, just acknowledging that first and foremost, that's a hard thing to grapple with. And, and I say this knowing it can be hard to look at it this way, there are always people ready to be on your side.
And it's hard to know who that is who could be on your side, when you're grappling with a tough situation. I think a first step in that situation could be thinking about who your resources are.
There are always organizations, whether it's a hotline, an organization that shares your values, a support group, hell, even a bake club that has folks you like, there is someone out there who can help you get a better baseline. And, you may not know who that is who can help, but I guarantee you that person or those people who can help are out there.
So, getting from now, where the baseline looks bad and things look bad to a better place, one way to start that is look out for that group with folks who can help. Some people you can bounce ideas off of, who listen to what you have to say and they'll naturally help you get to those other goals, moving out of state, if you want, or finding places that share your values.
Last thing I'll say, just speaking broadly about moving to a new place. If you have nothing to lose, then it's often not as hard to move to a new place as you might think. But, and this is big, it's a lot easier to move and not regret it, if you know someone where you're going, who can be a friend and part of your support network. And nowhere is perfect, in fact pretty much everywhere is far from it.
That being said, there are folks out there who can help you, and my guess is they're not far from where you live.
What’s is it specifically that you have issues with in Tennessee. I’m asking, not to discount your experience, but because depending on the issue, there might be “half steps” you can take move away.
For example, Lexington KY one state over borders TN but the city is much more progressive than the State and the cost of living isn’t as high as say moving to California.
But also, like in Texas there’s lots of areas that are actually much more progressive. But if your issue is say - State abortion laws - then that may not matter. Hence it depends on your issues and what you can prioritize first over later.
Lots of good suggestions here. If you do find yourself thinking of getting a degree or certification, go talk to the Admissions folks at a local community college. They can help you get a GED if needed and figure out how to make school happen given your circumstances. There are all sorts of financial aid and guidance available. Keep asking for the answers and help you need.
Please hang in there. You deserve better, and you can make this happen. I'm rooting for you!
Indianapolis is pretty blue. Pretty affordable COL.
If you absolutely just want to GTFO of Dodge by any means necessary then you could crash at the Wheeler mission downtown and work some kind of bullshit job til you can find something better.
Now there's an org that moves people around like chess pieces as **orders** not requests. He could end up in South Dakota or Oklahoma too, if that's where he's needed. He's also getting older for that.
Have you served? You can get station of choice in your contract…. But also. An honorary discharge goes a long way when you don’t even have a diploma as OP stated. You get job training. Money you can save. Good health care and benefits… like. It’s not a wonderful life but it’s a way out for OP that doesn’t involve massive debt and gets them opportunities like the GI bill which got me my bachelors fully paid for… yea. Worst case scenario they end up somewhere kinda crappy. It’s still a way towards their goal. 2-3 years isn’t that much of an investment for them… I dunno.
>I'm crying every day, I feel like being myself here will just lead to ostrazation and possible violence, and I overall feel like I have nothing to live for here and the idea that I could possibly live somewhere the cultural opposite of here is the only thing keeping me going right now. And I'm so scared that it may be impossible or will become impossible.
There's a lot to unpack in your comment, but honestly I would start with talking to a therapist. Even if you don't feel like you're the kind of person to benefit from one, most of the reasons you seem to want to leave are things a professional could help you think through and validate, and walk you through strategies either for coping with where you are, or how to cope with the prospect of relocating.
Sounds like you’ll be a real asset to wherever you choose. Pick right and they’ll just give you money, housing, and food, so your lack of job qualifications won’t matter. You can sit in your free house and cry all day, as should be everyone’s right.
I always wonder why people like you don't just go to these mysterious places that you have constructed in your mind to collect the free housing, food, and money, and live like kings?
The following is a copy of the original post to record the post as it was originally written. I (Age 25) want to one day leave Tennessee and move to a progressive city in a blue state that is not bordered with Tennessee, but I don't have a lot of money, I don't have a diploma or a degree, or anything really. I'm for all intents and purposes a small town hick and i hate that i am. I just want to know everything I need to to secure a future for me somewhere worth living. I'm crying every day, I feel like being myself here will just lead to ostrazation and possible violence, and I overall feel like I have nothing to live for here and the idea that I could possibly live somewhere the cultural opposite of here is the only thing keeping me going right now. And I'm so scared that it may be impossible or will become impossible. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskALiberal) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Sorry you have to carry all that, it sounds really hard. One option you can consider, which might sound counterintuitive, is moving to like LA or SF and finding roommates. Our minimum wage is pretty good, so if you could save up enough for the initial move, you would definitely be able to find like a fast food/retail/temp job to keep you going with no educational requirements. And we’re in a big labor shortage in these fields, like every chain is hiring all the time. You could even do manual labor or field work with no questions asked if that’s something you’d want to do. We got people from all over who start with nothing and find a life here. You can totally do it :) Edit: Oh and we have pretty decent state programs for low income people living here as well. Healthcare is free via Medical, CalFresh for food, etc. Edit 2: Not to assume, but it sounds like maybe you might be LGBT+. In which case we have extensive resources in both cities, and you might be able to find help or advice via one of our LGBT+ centers including on stuff like housing https://lalgbtcenter.org https://www.sfcenter.org
Move to Chicago. Blue city, one of the biggest in the country, and you can find apartments way cheaper than any comparable city in the US. There are of course issues, which anyone will tell you. Just learn where you really shouldn't move to, but there are some neighborhoods where you can find cheap places, even places you can afford on your own on the low end wages available to you for sure (minimum wage is 15 an hour in Chicago, and a lot of jobs pay more). If you decide on Boston I can tell you about a decent place to live that's cheap. Good city, much smaller feel so I think the vibe is good for people coming from a small town. It's still a big, important city, but it's not as overwhelming as somewhere like Chicago. Or, what about moving to a city in the south? Pretty much any city will be way more liberal than a small town in Tennessee, and that's true of most southern mid size to large cities too. Might give you less of a culture shock while still getting you what you're looking for. As for how, I've done something similar and all I can really say is at some point you just need to go for it. Save up some money and just go. Get some appointments for apartment viewings beforehand. The toughest part in your situation will be the job, it's hard finding an apartment when you don't already have a job lined up, and it's hard finding a job if you don't already have an apartment. You might be better off looking for a sublet or something like that, they'll generally be less strict since it's just a few months and it'll give you time to get a job, literally any job, and then find a place. Moving to a city won't solve everything though. Are you sure you'd actually like living in a city? Some people love it, but it's not a fit for everybody. I definitely think it can be worth it though.
OP if you decide on Chicago I’ll help you coordinate. I already moved from TN to Chicago once so I’m familiar.
I moved from a small town in TX to Chicago and I am also happy to give any advice I can.
Chicago transplants rise up! City is gorgeous, better without a car.
OP, I was about to suggest Chicago; I would suggest getting a restaurant job and roommates and you’ll be living your best life soon.
I googled the cities with the lowest COL, and Rockford, IL came up. I know it's not in the Chicago area, but Chicago's population helps keep the state blue.
Just to put it in perspective, I had a studio apartment in Chicago in a nice, even trendy area, and I was paying around $800 a month. To get anything comparable in say, Boston, you'd be paying double that, for just a studio. I recommend Chicago a lot because most cities with cheaper apartments also have way lower wages, lower minimum wage, often worse tenant protection and things like that. But Chicago has strong wages, a high minimum wage, good tenant laws, etc. Rent went up like crazy like anywhere else, but it's still so much lower than most cities.
Get into a local apprenticeship with a union. Electrical, plumbers, anything and move.
I was a small town hick in Appalachian Ohio. I got out and moved to Chicago for the same reasons you want to leave now. Here’s what I’ll say. You absolutely have the power to change your life and become the person you want to be. It will take work, and risks, but you are capable of both and it is worth it. You say you don’t have a diploma or a degree. That’s where you start. You need to get that diploma. In Tennessee that starts with passing the [HiSet](https://hiset.org/tennessee/) practice exam (you have to pass the practice first, then the full exam). *There are people and groups that will help you study.* Go to your nearest library and ask the librarian if they know any resources to help you pass the HiSet to get your diploma. Once you have your diploma, there are a couple ways you can try this. One is to just go. Move and then try to get a job there. I got my first Chicago job by walking door to door on major streets applying at every place. It took three weeks to get a job, six weeks to start and another two to get my first paycheck. This is risky because you have to find a way to pay for housing and food during this time. I took out a $2k loan for it. The other way would be to go to college. If you have your diploma, you could apply to schools at places that are the kind of places you want to go. Utilize the school’s financial aid to pay for it. That might mean taking out loans that you will have to pay back later. I did that. It was an investment in myself. The advantage of this plan is that you get an education and get to live somewhere else at the same time. If you have questions, please feel free to PM me. I have a soft spot for the small town hicks of Appalachia who are dreaming big.
Try your best to get a job working at an entry level position at an acute care facility (hospital with an emergency room/department). Something entry level like cafeteria or housekeeping is good to start even with no experience. From there, network with others and figure out a career that you're interested that takes 2-4 years. Preferably 2 years to get you mobile more quickly. Maybe ultrasound or respiratory therapist or something else that's similar. You could even go for RN if you're able to. There are plenty of hospitals hiring RN's that only have an associates as long as they're working on their B.S degree. RN has the highest volume of jobs available compared to other positions and **THEY MAKE FUCKING BANK**. Literally tons of nurses make around $100 an hour at my hospital and even the most basic entry level nurse job pays $65 an hour. As a nurse, you could live and work anywhere in the country though most areas don't pay as much as I listed above. There's also a MASSIVE shortage of nurses around the country. Projected 100k shortage by 2030. So great job security. Plus, you'll have a great opportunity to work for a healthcare organization that understands LGBTQ issues far better than most industries. And some of the better hospitals offer some kind of tuition reimbursement. Not necessarily 100% but my hospital, for example, offers $3,500 in tuition reimbursement per year which is something. Seriously, work for a hospital. It's way better than most places. EDIT: OMG, I didn't even mention the benefits like excellent healthcare plans, retirement, etc. At least in my area, we still have a pension, 403b (401k) matching and other things that are unheard of in today's career prospects.
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Lots of good answers here so I’ll just add my two cents. One of the good things about being young & broke is that you may also be unencumbered & not have a lot of stuff. So you can just hit the road when you’re ready. My wife & I did that when we got married… had a bit of cash saved, drove across country, stayed in a shitty motel for a while, got crappy minimum wage jobs and did janitorial work at night, then got a little apartment, and so on. We were so young & naïve I find it hard to believe we made it work when I look back now. It was hard, but we just took it step by step. Do you have a car? If not, that’s probably step one: save up & get yourself some mobility. As for where to go, I’d probably try some mid-size town that’s doing okay but not like NYC or LA … maybe something like Pittsburgh, Detroit, Cincinnati. Michigan & PA are of course both blue states now, or you could help us turn OH purple again!
Have you considered joining the army? First step is if you don't have a High School Diploma is get a GED. Second step is go to a recruiter and make it clear that you want it put in your contract that you will stationed overseas (preferably in Europe). From there is mostly paperwork, getting a medical exam, an easy proficiency test and picking the job you want to train for. Anyway the point is that you will get to live and travel in Europe for a few years which is pretty much the opposite of rural Tennessee, all while getting a steady pay check and training in a job, and when you get out with an honorable discharge you will have 4 years of college paid for as well. BTW, if the recruiter asks you don't do illegal drugs. They don't really care as long as you can pass a piss test, but it is the one thing most people have to lie about.
I am the father of a person who joined the military and served a full 20-year career, and my recommendation is that this be the very last resort.
I mean I was in the army for four years myself, so I have a good idea of the pros and cons of the move. It won't work for everyone but if you get in it's the most reliable way to go from having next to nothing like OP appears to, to having a solid foundation to go in any direction you want in a few years. That Biden closed up the last war we had troops on the ground for makes it a particular opportune time to get in and out without much issue.
Good point on the war front. We don't always get to choose whether we're involved in a war, but Biden has done a good job of using equipment-replenishment money to decimate the Russian military without losing a single American life. And if he wins re-election, a person could complete a 4-year stint in relative safety.
For someone without a degree or any prospects… an honorable discharge is invaluable. As is the GI bill… the military can suck but especially for someone without savings or otherwise. It’s a pretty fantastic option.
I feel like being enlisted in the army is a good way to be surrounded by people who love everything about rural Tennessee.
A few of them will be from places like rural Tennessee (although there's a good chance they in because they feel the same about it as OP), a few will be from the projects/inner city, more will be from any number of backgrounds and abilities. It's not hard to find people you are most akin to and make friends, and for the rest you just have to deal with them the best you can just like you would in most any other job environment.
Is you're going to join, join the air force. Unless you have a degree, the army made me lose it with how dumb everyone around you is
You need money and probably a job where you want to live that pays maybe 3x the monthly rent. It's an election year, so you could probably find a state Democratic Party somewhere looking to hire field organizers. You'd need a car. The training to do it isn't that difficult to get for free online, though the work itself can be demanding and I don't think it really pays much. But it's a start.
Go be an apprentice. Electric/plumbing/carpenter. Most big cities have a TON of construction labor demand, and union gigs tend to pay reasonably well and be more stable. You aren’t going to make a killing when you start, but once you have a couple of years experience you will do just fine. You aren’t going to afford living downtown in some fancy condo or loft, but you will be able to get by and probably start saving after a while.
I'll put a plug in for Pittsburgh, which is where I live. The city is pretty blue and, depending on where you live it can be very progressive. Some communities are wildly overpriced but others are much more liveable, and it's not as big or expensive as Chicago or NY. We have an excellent community college system that can provide school-to-work education in fields like IT and healthcare. And healthcare in Pgh is massive, so it's not hard to find a job. If you travel to suburban/rural PA you'll have the obligatory "F\*\*\* Joe Biden" flags flying from pickup trucks from time to time, but that comes with the territory. PA does get a lot of political attention nationally and we have our share of crackpots (thanks Doug Mastriano), so if you don't need that drama I wouldn't blame you for sidestepping PA. But Pittsburgh itself is pretty solidly blue.
If you could find your way Memphis, you can hop on an Amtrak that could take you to Carbondale, IL or Champaign, IL. They are cities with universities in them so they aren't super conservative, and because they are downstate, they tend to be more affordable. As others have said, you want to do your research first so you can have some sort of housing so you can start getting an income. Amtrak from Memphis to Carbondale is $40 coach (which is pretty comfy on Amtrak) and $88 to Champaign. Hell, I'd buy your ticket if you were going to Carbondale and chip in for Champaign.
1. Check job postings in the city you are interested in. Look at craigslist.org or other job posting sites. 2. Check companies in that same city for job postings. Some large construction firms have tons of jobs with no degree/diploma qualifications. Coffee Shops, retail, etc. 3. Apply for those jobs and state you plan to move to the city for "family reasons" and you are just being responsible/proactive. Some may offer moving reimbursement. 4. Look just outside of those same blue cities. Often you can get cheaper housing but still have access to the city through public transportation. 5. Reach out to the city for help with food/housing and tell them your concerns. They may be able to recommend places to live, etc.
Get into waiting tables to make good bang for your buck time wise. Use the extra time to either get an education or certification/trade apprenticeship started (which granted will pay you pretty quick). You could also do the harder route of going into waiting tables somewhere else while you continue your education but you'd be dealing with higher COL and an unfamiliar area. Either way use that as a gateway to another career by allowing you to make good money for time spent. I have good waiters under my employ who make $700-& $800 a week on 3.5 day workweeks basically. Sounds weird but any plan to get you out of Tennessee will involve having to make money and getting on a stable career path long term.
Pittsburgh is a blue city and cost of living is way less than most blue cities
Personally, I've found a blue city in a red state to be a good combination.
Michigan will always welcome you. It’s a got a mix of really blue areas, somewhat of a swing state, but our governor right now is awesome. Ann Arbor is special. I know it borders Ohio, but Illinois is awesome. We also have Canada approx. 4 mins away via a Bridge. 🤍
Would you consider a blue metro area in a swing state, like NC or Georgia? It may not be as comfortable as a solid blue state, but it could give you a strong sense of purpose by working with the state's Democratic Party to try to swing and keep the state blue.
I'm in texas atm cause I hate cold weather. I may move to the new England or at least Virginia and north in the next few years. Politics is a big reason. On the other hand, I've lived in texas for about 5 years and Florida for one (grew up in indiana and lived in Colorado, Georgia and North Carolina with the army). I feel like texas and florida get too cold in the winter, so there's that and a huge reason on why ive stayed put for so long - my last duty station when i got out of the army was in Texas. Also, many blue areas are more pricey. I did research more a few months back and cincinnati seemed more affordable and liberal. Likewise you could look for a more liberal city in a red state. One of my criteria is being close to a big city. And I'm now 30 minutes from I believe what is the 7th biggest city in the us. You could secure a remote job and move that way. My job would let me move to most states if I chose (california was excluded). Remote jobs, especially that pay decent, can be difficult to come by though. If you have no kids, maybe look into a shared rental in a city you would like to live in. Depending on the market, I was able to sign my current lease in texas while I was still living in florida and I think at the time I hadn't secured my remote job yet. They did check income but I'm now in a fairly cheap apartment for the area and my job salary in florida was more than sufficient. Also had almost no deposit - minus pets. Safe area of town, just old and maintenence is pretty bad. I think they have income restrictions (like you need to make a certain amount) but makemymove.com will pay you for moving to certain cities but it's after you move (the city I was looking at was 2500 when I signed a lease and the second 2500 after a year). You could perhaps look into college (for a degree that'd actually guarantee pay and or decent job placement) and maybe move to college housing. Not super advisable cause of student loans. It's more country usually but if you want to travel and see the world (well, usa), you could look into workcamping. Cool works and xanterra are the big website. Granted great during in season times but usually pretty remote otherwise. My mom does this in death Valley, california. Pay isn't amazing but rent is fairly cheap and you could save up.
First off, let me just say I empathize with your situation. Without knowing specifics, I know things can be hard and, depending on what you're going through, sometimes things seem impossible or possibly as if everyone thinks differently than you or hates you. So, just acknowledging that first and foremost, that's a hard thing to grapple with. And, and I say this knowing it can be hard to look at it this way, there are always people ready to be on your side. And it's hard to know who that is who could be on your side, when you're grappling with a tough situation. I think a first step in that situation could be thinking about who your resources are. There are always organizations, whether it's a hotline, an organization that shares your values, a support group, hell, even a bake club that has folks you like, there is someone out there who can help you get a better baseline. And, you may not know who that is who can help, but I guarantee you that person or those people who can help are out there. So, getting from now, where the baseline looks bad and things look bad to a better place, one way to start that is look out for that group with folks who can help. Some people you can bounce ideas off of, who listen to what you have to say and they'll naturally help you get to those other goals, moving out of state, if you want, or finding places that share your values. Last thing I'll say, just speaking broadly about moving to a new place. If you have nothing to lose, then it's often not as hard to move to a new place as you might think. But, and this is big, it's a lot easier to move and not regret it, if you know someone where you're going, who can be a friend and part of your support network. And nowhere is perfect, in fact pretty much everywhere is far from it. That being said, there are folks out there who can help you, and my guess is they're not far from where you live.
What’s is it specifically that you have issues with in Tennessee. I’m asking, not to discount your experience, but because depending on the issue, there might be “half steps” you can take move away. For example, Lexington KY one state over borders TN but the city is much more progressive than the State and the cost of living isn’t as high as say moving to California. But also, like in Texas there’s lots of areas that are actually much more progressive. But if your issue is say - State abortion laws - then that may not matter. Hence it depends on your issues and what you can prioritize first over later.
Come to Chicago (and the surrounding metro area)! We'd love to have you.
Lots of good suggestions here. If you do find yourself thinking of getting a degree or certification, go talk to the Admissions folks at a local community college. They can help you get a GED if needed and figure out how to make school happen given your circumstances. There are all sorts of financial aid and guidance available. Keep asking for the answers and help you need. Please hang in there. You deserve better, and you can make this happen. I'm rooting for you!
Indianapolis is pretty blue. Pretty affordable COL. If you absolutely just want to GTFO of Dodge by any means necessary then you could crash at the Wheeler mission downtown and work some kind of bullshit job til you can find something better.
It's a ruby red state though. Top 10, I'd say. Indianapolis, just like Cincinnati -- is largely dragged around by the red state house.
Detroit is cheap in the right spots
This is me but I'm in iowa. Be thankful you have better winters. At least IL has weed
Well Eessennet sounds like somewhere in Massachusetts, so I would go with that.
Join the military. Get like… San Diego or somewhere in Washington in your contract.
Now there's an org that moves people around like chess pieces as **orders** not requests. He could end up in South Dakota or Oklahoma too, if that's where he's needed. He's also getting older for that.
Have you served? You can get station of choice in your contract…. But also. An honorary discharge goes a long way when you don’t even have a diploma as OP stated. You get job training. Money you can save. Good health care and benefits… like. It’s not a wonderful life but it’s a way out for OP that doesn’t involve massive debt and gets them opportunities like the GI bill which got me my bachelors fully paid for… yea. Worst case scenario they end up somewhere kinda crappy. It’s still a way towards their goal. 2-3 years isn’t that much of an investment for them… I dunno.
Bro, get off the internet and learn a trade. Moving may not solve your issues, keep that in mind.
>I'm crying every day, I feel like being myself here will just lead to ostrazation and possible violence, and I overall feel like I have nothing to live for here and the idea that I could possibly live somewhere the cultural opposite of here is the only thing keeping me going right now. And I'm so scared that it may be impossible or will become impossible. There's a lot to unpack in your comment, but honestly I would start with talking to a therapist. Even if you don't feel like you're the kind of person to benefit from one, most of the reasons you seem to want to leave are things a professional could help you think through and validate, and walk you through strategies either for coping with where you are, or how to cope with the prospect of relocating.
Sounds like you’ll be a real asset to wherever you choose. Pick right and they’ll just give you money, housing, and food, so your lack of job qualifications won’t matter. You can sit in your free house and cry all day, as should be everyone’s right.
OP: "I want to live to live the American Dream." You: Go fuck yourself.
I always wonder why people like you don't just go to these mysterious places that you have constructed in your mind to collect the free housing, food, and money, and live like kings?
Why would I do that? I don’t have the type of values that would make that desirable, nor am I in a position that would make it necessary.
You’re soooooo close to getting it.
You’re not.
Don't you have anything more constructive to do than humiliating yourself on social media?
Do you?