Did you move out yet?

I'm 34 and still live at home. I feel horrible about it and I understand the disapproving glares I receive from time to time.

My situation is fairly unique, though. I was born with a rather problematic illness - cystic fibrosis. It causes the progressive decay of the lungs, primarily, among other lesser issues. My adolescence and adulthood have been marked by extended hospital stays. It is difficult to maintain a serious job and earn steady income if you're taking a 2-3 week sick leave every other month.

I've worked part-time at a supermarket for the past decade and while it's enough to cover a lot of the basics, it doesn't provide me much extra, such as the initial expense of moving and acquiring what one needs for a functional apartment and monthly rent with utilities. My dad has allowed me to remain here this whole time, understanding that I'm between a rock and a hard place. I think this grace has less to do with concern for me as much as it is assuaging the guilt he feels toward himself for having the genes that contributed to my condition. But his patience has been growing extremely thin lately; despite my best efforts to keep out of the way, pitch in with chores and not cause problems, I know with no uncertainty that I'm no longer wanted here.

I'm not using my condition as a crutch, however. I was forced to for a time but now that I've received a new set of lungs, I am physically capable of forging out into the world. I don't have much income but I'll figure something out. Though transplant-related issues may arise, I'm no longer stuck in the rut of being hospitalized for days on end, 3-5 times a year.

I'm going back to college, something I failed to complete on two other occasions due to sudden and prolonged bouts of illness that caused me to miss too much class time. However, instead of going to school locally and remaining in this house, I'm moving to Pittsburgh and will be residing in a dorm. Is it moving out? Kinda. It's not a complete progression to renting or owning a home but it's definitely a step forward, one I've been unable to make until now. It's going to be a long process for me since I'm going for three degrees (Take that, Deni!) but in the end, it'll be worth it. A guy can do a lot with degrees in gourmet cooking, business management, nutrition, and a life saturated with plenty of graphic design and marketing experience. Add my writing ability to the pile and I'm a sound investment for the future.

I'm kind of a late bloomer, definitely. But I think the dorm experience will be good for me, even at 34. Freed from the manipulations of family and friends who place unrealistic demands upon my personality, I can rather let loose and just enjoy myself.

I only have a couple months left here at home. I'm practically counting the days.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I have requested a single, not for the age differences cited above, but rather for infectious control. Being now immuno-suppressed, I do not need a roommate or several roommates coming down with flus, or worse, and passing them to me. Quarters in a dormitory can be rather cramped, as is, and it's rather important that I reduce the risk of disease as much as possible.

They seem pretty willing to fill this request, so yay.

There's nowhere I can't reach.