Should I go for the experience, money be damned?

Question

I'm 18. Just graduated from H.S.

I work with John. John is 25 and getting a divorce. I have become attached to John more than I should have, but I'm dealing with that.

I start college in August. Scholarships aside I'll owe about $6,000 for my first year, not including random expenses, due early August.

I have in my savings account $700.

I have in my checking account $370.

I owe $964.28 on my car.

I want to get away from here for a while this summer. Me on my own. The West coast has been my inclination.

John leaves for Portland on Monday to see his family. He will return July 8.

He has offered to let me stay out with him and his family if I fly there. As of a few hours ago, John has a girlfriend. I am fond of him all the same.

Plane ticket roundtrip June 27th-July 3 from Minneapolis to Portland: $270 with tax.

My parents would not approve of this & I'd have to do it behind their back. I need them to co-sign loans in the future.

Do I stay, or go?

Answer 1

Although you're legally an adult, so you can legally make your own decisions, I'd say that it'd be best for you to stay. You'll be needing all the funds that you can get to pay for college in the fall.  Save up that money this summer.  If you have any money leftover money, save that for a trip out west later in the year.  

Better yet, see if you can do an internship out west next summer through your university.  That way, you can apply for scholarships to cover the costs of the internship, while still being out on your own for a while.