Has the state of Illinois depleted many opportunities for many young, working Illinoisans?????

Being a young, self-sufficient adult in today’s world is harder and more excruciating than ever. Born and raised in the Chicago land area I have had my far share of the Chicago, Illinois lifestyle. I have attended elite schools and I have lived a pretty modest life consisting of designer clothes, handbags, multiple cars, and basically having whatever I want. Well all that changed at the age of 19, when my mother and grandmother slowly cut me off their financial support. Now at the age of 24, I am broke. I lost my job back in November 2009 and have had no luck in finding a new one. Due to my horrible credit-yes, I have a repossession, and a few criminal convictions-everybody makes mistakes, I have heard more no’s than yes’s in the past few months. I feel like Illinois has depleted a lot of opportunity for its young adults with its low wages, extensive background and credit checks, and the average educational requirement for many positions being an associate’s or bachelor’s degree-which I do not have I am almost a sophomore in college.

I am a college student that is currently taking on line courses at Triton College. See I attended Dominican University after graduating high school back in 2003 and I decided that college was not right for me at that time. At the age of 18, all I wanted to do was shop, party, and enjoy my newfound freedom as a young adult. I have always had a job. My first job was at the age of 14 making $5.50 an hour. I worked 25 hours a week and learned many valuable lessons such as work ethic, responsibility, and independence. I continued to work all through high school having many part time jobs that consisted of working in retail, in a restaurant, or as a cashier. Post high school, I decided that I would establish a professional work history and I needed higher wages in order to afford an apartment, a car, and many other things that most young people look to acquire. I landed many lucrative jobs in call centers, doctor offices, and even as a shift manager in a restaurant. I have lived on my own in three different residences, owned five vehicles that I purchased and maintained, and I have paid all my own credit card, cell phone, and living expenses for the past few years. Now I am at a standstill.

So I have concocted a new plan well so far it’s a scheme. So I am due for my 2009 tax returns in the next few weeks which should be pretty rewarding-maybe $3-4000 back! So I have decided to pack up and move out west Las Vegas here I come move over Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WWWWHHHHHHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Job Market. Sounds great huh, however, there are a few setbacks I would have to face while I am still living in this fantasy. First and foremost, the economy is not doing so well and the unemployment rate in Las Vegas is 11% and in Illinois the unemployment rate is about 10%. As of right now, I am unemployed and I have no job but while surfing the web for jobs, Las Vegas has lower requirements and qualifications which Illinois does not have available. I am a customer service/administrative professional so I have 7-9 years of call center, customer service, and reception experience and I have a stable, steady work history. I am very friendly and outgoing and I definitely know how to network. But like my friend Estella says, “What would you do if your money runs out and you do not have a job?” So far I have sent out a test run of two resumes to see if I get any responses. I mean why not move into a market where I will be above the competition. In Illinois, when I go to most job interviews I am always the youngest person and I am competing against individuals with associate and bachelor degrees, and certifications for that specific field. I feel like even though my credentials are quite impressive, I am a sheep fighting up against a pack of wolves. In 75% of the ads placed online for Las Vegas most of the jobs only indicated a high school diploma-(I am almost a sophomore in college), 1-2 years of customer service experience-(I have 7-9 years), and reliable transportation-(I can buy a new car). So I feel like even though the unemployment stats are high with my skill set, education, and work history I am still a very qualified and reputable candidate in the Las Vegas job market and I am looking for opportunity and this just may be it.

Housing. My friend Estella and I have been friends since the age of 8 and she knows me better than anyone and yet she is the only one contending with me about going to Las Vegas. So last night we were hanging out and on the ride home to drop Stella off I rattled off a few of my plans. Being a Virgo, Estella always has a comeback for every damn thing I say. Her first nail biting question, “So Tati where are you going to live and can you afford the rent”? That is when my research and argumentative skills come into play. Actually, I have already surfed the web for apartments in the Las Vegas and the Henderson area and the average cost for a studio, one, or two bedroom apartment is $3-450 compared to Illinois where the rents start at $500-$700 for a studio apartment that may not include utilities. Since the cost of living is cheaper there even if I obtain an $8.00 an hour job I would still be able to pay my rent and be able to live a little more comfortably then I would off of $8.00 an hour job living in Illinois.

Transportation. Yes, I know having a car is an essential in any area but public transportation has its perks. I just sold my car so right now I do not have a vehicle but I do plan on purchasing a vehicle once I get in Las Vegas or I can rent a vehicle for two to three weeks and if I land a job in the area I can purchase a vehicle or try to finance a vehicle with my horrible credit. I can also use the buses that run out there. Even though Illinois does have a broader transportation system, Las Vegas does have public transportation also and the way I see it where there is a will there is a way so I will do whatever’s necessary to get to and from work.

Friends. I do have one friend Mike that just relocated to Las Vegas and I do have a friend Ashley who lives in Arizona and Dana in Utah so I do know someone. But think about it when I started school or started a new job, I did not know anyone. Making friends and being able to network is a part of life and I am a very outgoing and sociable person so I know I will have no problem with meeting new people and finding my way around the city. Facing the unknown actually interests me and the idea of being able to be self sufficient on my own without any help from anyone-hhhhmmmm I am definitely up for the challenge.

Independence. Living at home with my mom has had its perks; however, this is not a part of my life’s plan. I first moved out of my house at the age of 19 and have done a great job of having not to return home. Many of my friends tell me to reap the benefits of living at home rent free, and basically being able to be responsibility free. That is exactly the problem with a lot of America’s youth today. Instead of venturing out in the world and making a life for ourselves, many Americans encourage too many young adults to stay home with their hovering parents and continue to be coddled. My family is a great support system however, they will not overtake any of my debt and they most definitely will not support me financially in any shape, way, or form so why stay around them when my opportunity could be slipping right from under me????? Being able to get out in the world and being able to make it no matter how rough the road is has defined who I am as a person and if I had not moved out at the age of 19, I would have never learned the appreciation of hard work, independence, self sufficiency, responsibility, and blazing my own path as an African American young woman in modern America. I still want to see the world and encounter new experiences outside of Illinois. I do not have any children or any serious relationship holding me back and trust me the road is calling my name……Tati come out west, it’s hot here, there are tons of clubs here, opportunity awaits!!!!!!!

With age comes wisdom, also with age comes opportunity. Most of my friends ages 19-30 either live at home or are unemployed and are not attending any secondary schooling. Most of them are looking for the “easy” way out. Being able to live rent free, responsibility free, and having the ability to be a free spirit is plaguing most of our youth in America. Many parents refuse to make their young adults work, move out, or venture out on their own to explore the world. When are you too old to be dependent on your parents? Is it 21, 24, or 28? Many say due to the circumstances of the economy many young adults are living at home with their parents. But what about before the economy took a turn for the worse and many young adults were still not working, not attending school, partying, doing drugs, and just living it up. Why not travel to a new place and embark on a new adventure when all you can do is either succeed or fail???? Our parents and society has made us think that living in a “comfort zone” is the way to a plush life. Oh so if I do not have a car just drive my Mom’s or I can just live at home I do not have to pay rent. Stay with your family they will protect you, but they will not pay your bills or pick up the tab as your debt amounts. Well with sufficient research and tons of evidence that support my move to Vegas the last thing on my list to do is to just get up and go. I will keep my audience posted on the move and how things are going in my life. I am excited and I look forward to sharing my adventures, experiences, and new found life with all of you.
Ciao and to all a good night, Sincerely,

Tatiana aka another “Harijuku Barbie”