Budget (Pt 2)

The key for me was to get here. I made a trip to Nashville with my parents 3 months before I moved here. It was a vacation for all of us, but it gave me a chance to learn my way around, check out the job market, check out the housing market, see how far it was and how much gas money I would need, and it motivated me big time to move. I new the route I was going to take to get there, how long it would take me, some places to stop, get some food and gas, some places not to stop, get food and gas. My parents were more comfortable with the move also.

I’ve learned that planning is good, but to focus on solutions to any obstacles I need to overcome. Emerson says to move forward in the direction of your goals and what you need will come to you. There were people who thought I was crazy for moving, and that I would fall on my face and fail, moving back home with a broken spirit. But I focused on what I did have, and found solutions, and asked for help when I needed it. I knew once I got to Nashville, I could make it. The economy was much better than what we had in Buffalo, NY, and I was making it there. I didn’t have a college degree, or any trade skills, (like being a carpenter, etc), but I was a good worker, I worked hard, showed up on time prepared to work, I got along well with others, and I enjoyed being around people, so I knew I could always find opportunities to prove myself. I’ve learned that’s what it takes.

If you have a car, and you really want to start off bare bones, or your are on a string budget, without the shoe, then you can try some alternative housing.

Tomorrow I'll talk about ideas for funding your trip, and the unique idea that helped me record my demo cd for Nashville.