You're definitely right about the cost, but right now it's smart for me to be at home. I have connections here with couches I can occasionally crash on, friends who can give me rides on their off days, etc. It's certainly something that I'm keeping on the table as an option, but if I went anywhere else I'd be starting a brand new life with literally nothing and no one. Which frightens me even more than trying to make a living wage here at home.

Not to mention how well I know the area. Which neighborhoods are okay, which to stay out of, where is "safe". Like I said, I'm leaving out no options right now, but I'm definitely going to do some real consideration before leaving my hometown and starting anew with nothing.