Originally Posted by vagabond

I am a glass-half-full person so I tend to see change as a good thing, an opportunity to do something I probably would never do. And what better time to do this than when you're still young. I did a lot of what you call "stupid things" when I was young, and I don't regret any of it one bit. You have the added advantage of having thought out this whole process in a rational manner.

Just remember what I've always posted on these forums: what happens to you (live well, live in poverty, finding a job, buying a home, meeting someone else, etc) depends on luck/opportunity and the choices you make. You have been presented an opportunity and you made some choices. We are all rooting for you that these are the correct choices.

Some advice from someone who's eaten more salt than you have eaten rice: don't go into debt, don't do anything on impulse, keep a positive attitude and sense of humor, maintain your health, ask for help if you need it, sustain your relationships with family and friends.

Last bit of legal advice from an old legal aid lawyer: apply for unemployment. The first hurdle is how the company reports your separation to the unemployment office. If a layoff, you are automatically eligible for unemployment, but if the company deems your voluntary furlough as a voluntary quit, then you need to appeal that and go to a hearing. My offer is still standing to you (and any others similarly situated at Trans States), to answer questions and represent you, pro bono, at a hearing.