Thinking of Moving Out While I'm the One Supporting the Family - Need Advice, Salam
Salam. I'm 23F and have been living with my family since graduating college while financially supporting my mother and two older brothers. At first I only covered groceries (around $700/month), but after we moved to a larger place so I could have my own room, I also started contributing to rent (about $1200/month). My brothers are 10 and 8 years older than me but don't earn much, and our mother doesn't work, so we all pitch in to make ends meet. Even so, money is tight. I've wanted to move out since I finished school. I believe having my own space would be better for my mental health and my deen - a place to pray, read Qur'an, and manage my ibadah without feeling crowded. I can cover my share of rent and groceries and my other obligations, insha'Allah. I told my brothers I'd stay until our lease ends. The problem is I feel major guilt: if I move out when the lease finishes this summer, they'll need to find a new, likely smaller place, and they'll struggle more. But if I agree to rent another house with them, I worry I'll never take the step to leave. I don't know how to accept that moving out is okay without feeling selfish. Has anyone been through something similar? How did you talk to your family about it without causing hurt, and how did you manage the guilt while still looking after your responsibilities? JazakAllahu khair for any advice.