2025/8/7 Edited to

... Read moreMoving to a new state or city with literally NO MONEY and NO JOB might sound impossible, right? Trust me, I've been there. My story of packing up and heading to expensive DC without a safety net is just one example, but I learned so much along the way. If you're dreaming of a fresh start but feel held back by your current financial situation or unemployment, let me share some practical insights I gained. Even when you have NO MONEY, planning is your superpower. Before I even thought about how far I could get on my $50 influencer earnings, I spent hours researching DC. What was the cost of living really like? Where were the affordable neighborhoods? What kind of job market was I entering? Don't just pack your bags blindly; arm yourself with knowledge. This means looking beyond the pretty pictures and diving into the nitty-gritty of rents, public transport, and grocery prices. One of the biggest hurdles is securing a 'place to live' when you're unemployed. This is where you get creative! I looked into everything – temporary sublets, rooms for rent (sometimes offered by students or families), and even short-term housing options that didn't require a long-term lease. Websites like Facebook Marketplace, local community groups, and yes, even platforms like Craigslist (though always exercise caution!) can be goldmines for finding affordable, temporary solutions. You might even consider house-sitting or looking for jobs that offer accommodation initially. Being unemployed was a huge stressor. My advice? Start applying before you even move, if possible. Target roles that have high turnover or are often in demand, like retail, hospitality, or administrative positions. Once you arrive, hit the pavement! Temp agencies can be a lifesaver for quick employment. Don't be afraid to take a job that isn't your dream role; it's about getting an income stream, building connections, and gaining experience in your new city. Remember, even a small income can make a huge difference when you're starting from scratch. When you literally have NO MONEY, every dollar counts. My $50 initial capital felt like a fortune I had to stretch. Learn to differentiate between needs and wants. Cook at home, use public transport, find free entertainment. Look for community resources – food banks, free workshops, libraries. These places aren't just for people in crisis; they're for anyone trying to build an 'education and place to live' smartly. Networking, even casually, can open doors to unexpected opportunities or advice. Moving like this isn't just a physical journey; it's a huge mental one. There will be days you feel overwhelmed, lonely, or question your decision. That's normal! Find ways to stay positive, whether it's exploring your new surroundings, connecting with new people, or journaling your experiences. My goal was always to 'create' a life I loved. This means seeking out places that inspire you, finding new hobbies, and slowly but surely, making your new city feel like home. It’s about resilience, resourcefulness, and believing in your ability to build something from nothing.

4 comments

Its.AmyyyG's images
Its.AmyyyG

Curious as to what about DC inspired you?🙂

See more(2)
shannonherron0's images
shannonherron0

how u do this

Related posts

I MOVED TO JAMAICA!!! 🇯🇲
Swapped my view for island blues. Living in Jamaica for the next few months and soaking up every bit of paradise. #jamaica #leavingtheusa #offgridliving #jamaicatravel #movingoutofamerica
Dominique | Blogionista Travel

Dominique | Blogionista Travel

1879 likes

New apartment - before we moved in🍋🌸🥰
This was our first 3 bedroom apartment when we moved down to Florida. We excited and scared about what our future holds as we are originally from NY. Although the apartment did not have the most updated appliances. We definitely made this place feel like home. #firstapartment #lemon8challenge
Chink407

Chink407

2027 likes

A close-up of a notebook with handwritten notes highlighted in blue, featuring the overlay text 'How to Study At 2x speed'. A light blue highlighter rests on the page, emphasizing the study theme.
A hand holding a green pen over a spiral notebook filled with handwritten notes. Overlay text highlights 'Use study techniques' and explains methods like Pomodoro and 'Eat the Frog' for smarter studying.
Multiple open spiral notebooks with handwritten notes are visible, with overlay text stating 'Test your knowledge'. The text suggests using flashcards, the Feynman technique, and practicing PYG's, along with teaching material to oneself.
How to study faster 🤓
We have all been there. And it’s understandable for us to be so tired is studying so much material. I’m here to give you great tips on how to study at 2x speed. 1. Use study techniques 2. Test your knowledge 3. Plan your day 4. Take breaks What are some things you do to ,are your study ti
essynotes

essynotes

1119 likes

Worst States To Live In💀
I don’t understand how yall live in these states💀 #comedy #funny #explore #fyp #trending
Siah🏄🏽‍♂️

Siah🏄🏽‍♂️

13 likes

How I got my house making $15 HR SERIES 1
This is series one ! Let’s get it started 1/13 💕 #buyahouse #buildyourownhouse #housetour #housedesign #unitedstates Florida
Thatstatyana

Thatstatyana

44 likes

HOW I GOT A HOUSE MAKING $15 HR AT 20 YEARS OLD
I got a brand new build house making $15 hr and I know that sounds so sketch but now looking back on it was best decision of my life I want to share the process with you guys ! My house is 3b/2b house and I started process when I was 20 and I moved in when I was 21 I am currently 26 years old a
Thatstatyana

Thatstatyana

3196 likes

Tenants just moved out 💀
#rental #rentalproperty #realestateinvestment #moveout #investments
RaQBuysHouses

RaQBuysHouses

2884 likes

Moving states ✨
From living somewhere where all your loved ones were to transitioning to somewhere different and not knowing anyone is really a scary step. I’ve been trying to do some exposure therapy for my bad anxiety by going out by myself here and there 😭 I still have my two emotional support sons so that help
Keiko 💘

Keiko 💘

403 likes

How I Cranked Out a 5K Essay in 3 Hours 📝
This guide is for those procrastinators out there, especially those who aren't aiming for academic perfection but still want to snag a solid grade. If you’ve got a course assignment that doesn’t require original research or deep empirical analysis, but just demands some well-structured content,
My Study Corner

My Study Corner

117 likes

A US map overlaid on a canyon landscape, showing many states colored green, indicating places visited. Text reads "#STATES i've been to" and "join for a chance to win a lemon8 plushie," featuring a yellow lemon character.
Text on a scenic autumn forest road background outlines how to join a challenge: create a map sticker, share favorite/least favorite states, use hashtags, and win a Lemon8 plushie for top posts.
A white outline map of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, with state abbreviations, set against a solid brown background. It serves as a blank template for the challenge.
Which #States have you been to? 🇺🇸🚗
Tell us about the states you’ve been to for a chance to win a Lemo plushie 🍋 HOW TO JOIN: 1. Create a post. On the first page, using the map provided, create a sticker to put over an original image and color in the states you’ve been to 🗺️ 2. Share your overrated and underrated state picks in
Lemon8 Travel

Lemon8 Travel

1493 likes

How to manage finances as a couple
My wife and I have been married for 25 years. I am 67 years old, and we both previously worked as financial analysts at JPMorgan. During my retirement party, our daughter expressed an interest in learning about investing, so we put together a concise guide for her. My husband suggested that I shar
Jom

Jom

65 likes

How to read stocks
The person who wins in the stock market isn’t the smartest one, but the one who follows the rules 1️⃣Morning surge → Sell all 2️⃣Afternoon surge → Don’t chase 3️⃣Morning plunge → Don’t sell 4️⃣Afternoon plunge → Buying opportunity tomorrow 5️⃣Gap-up at open → No impulsive buying 6️⃣Sharp rise
Jom

Jom

3 likes

How to survive your first apartment
The time has come where I am saying goodbye to my first apartment. For the past year, I have created my own home and discovered more about myself than every though possible. Here are some tips I have to help guide you in leading a successful first apartment life. 1. You are alone even when you are
Chels

Chels

1093 likes

How I got my house making $15 series 6
Part 6/13 your almost there guys stay with me !!! 🤗 #buyahouse #buildyourownhouse #housetour #housedesign #unitedstates Florida
Thatstatyana

Thatstatyana

15 likes

A Lemon8 post titled 'States I've Been To' by dti.em, featuring a map of the US with New York, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, and Texas highlighted in yellow. New York, Texas, and Florida are marked as favorites. Statistics show 8 states visited, 16% of the US, and 3 favorites.
states i’ve been to as a dti player
hi it’s em! i wanted to hop onto this challenge and share the states i’ve been to in the US. New York being my absolute favorite, i was also born there! how many states have you been to? which one is your favorite? this post was inspired by @dti.maryy all credits to her! em signing out! ♡
em

em

22 likes

HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS AS AN ADULT
In honor of Galentine’s Day, in my latest blog post I shared some tips on how I (as someone who has moved to two different states in my adult life) have made new friends as an adult. Here’s a recap so anyone who is looking to make some friends can be inspired to do so: • Reach out to folks you a
Daijah Janae 🖤

Daijah Janae 🖤

74 likes

An iPad Pro 12.9 inch with an Apple Pencil resting on notebooks, illustrating how the device is used for school tasks like note-taking and studying.
A close-up of an iPad displaying colorful handwritten notes on a legal topic, with an Apple Pencil in use, highlighting its convenience for note-taking and saving paper.
An iPad showing a digital assignment with multiple questions, demonstrating how the device facilitates easy submission of schoolwork and documents.
How I Use My iPad For School
One of the best decisions I’ve made in college is investing into an iPad. Although I had a MacBook, I always felt like it was necessary to buy another device to help side by side. Little did I know this iPad would take over all of my duties! Here is how I used my iPad for school: 1. Note tak
essynotes

essynotes

482 likes

A desktop monitor displays a Notion assignments page, while a tablet shows a calendar. Overlay text reads "KICK OFF YOUR SEMESTER LIKE A PRO WITH AI (2024 EDITION)", highlighting productivity tools.
Screenshots demonstrate ChatGPT's capabilities, including generating research surveys, summarizing articles, and its limitation of not accessing private subscription-based websites.
Notion screenshots illustrate features like AI-generated key points, assignment tracking, a calendar view, and flexible note-taking for organizing academic materials.
How To Cheat Your Time 2x More Efficient With AI👩🏻‍💻⏱️
No matter how much we want to deny it, we are now officially living in a time with AI💡Instead of rejecting its existence, we should turn it into our best friend and navigate it to go through our busiest days💻 I’m currently a Senior in college WITH a Part-time job which I need to go 20hrs/week🥲I de
Ruoqiqi

Ruoqiqi

68 likes

A desk setup with a monitor displaying a SheCodes workshop on 'React States,' titled 'how i learned to code.' The image shows a keyboard, mouse, and speaker, with 'Upgrade your career' text, reflecting the user's coding journey with SheCodes.
How I learned to code
I enrolled in SheCodes last year and it has been the best decision that I have made regarding my career! 🌼I did their free class and I knew immediately I was a good fit. Starting out with basics I tested if my brain could work well with code and once I learned it did I moved on to the max progr
Realm of Comfort

Realm of Comfort

532 likes

how to make new friends +tips on awkwardness🧍🏻‍♀️
meeting new people could be challenging, especially if you’re out of school, and or work from home, moved cities, etc. pro tip on awkwardness: everyone is busy thinking about themselves and how they are being perceived. Don’t get too caught up in what others think of you! Also… embarrass yourse
Sana

Sana

462 likes

A smartphone screen displays Animal Crossing: New Leaf gameplay, showing a character in a village at night with a map and virtual controls. The date and time 8/22 Th 8:41 PM are visible.
A smartphone home screen shows various app icons, with the 'FullRoid X PRO' emulator app icon highlighted by a red circle, indicating it's the app to download.
A web browser on a smartphone displays the romspedia.com website, showing the cover art for 'Animal Crossing: New Leaf'. The browser's address bar and battery percentage (68%) are visible.
How I play ACNL on my galaxy phone
1. Download the "fullroidx" emulator from the app store. there's a free version and a paid version. I have the paid. (Paid version gives you more device options to be able to play from such as Gameboy, for example) 2. find the rom using a trusted site. I use romspedia for mine 3.
Beth

Beth

13 likes

Moving states with my family! 🤍
We are so grateful for my husband #lovemyhusband #armylife #militaryhousing #armyfamily #militaryfamily
Diamonique

Diamonique

54 likes

How time flys
My life has changed so much over the years 🖤 I’ve moved states twice, started tattooing, found my wonderful husband and now I own an all female studio in a city I’ve always wanted to live in. When I was younger I always kept myself going by telling myself “imagine what just a years difference coul
MeaganDareInk

MeaganDareInk

4 likes

An image titled "U.S.A states i've been to" overlaid on a desert landscape with rock formations. A map of the United States shows state abbreviations, with Pennsylvania outlined in pink and Texas marked with a star. The bottom left corner includes "lemon8" and "@brandonkenyon."
🇺🇸 states i‘ve been to
This adventure of my life started back in December of ‘88. I was Born in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania which is located in the northeastern United States. ℙ𝔼ℕℕ𝕊𝕐𝕃𝕍𝔸ℕ𝕀𝔸 PA was 2nd state of the original 13 states to ratify the U.S. constitution and join the Union on December 12, 1787. Penn
Brandon Kenyon

Brandon Kenyon

37 likes

Check out the states I’ve been to!
I’ve visited 49 states in the United States! And my favorite states are Wyoming, Montana, Minnesota, Maine, Maryland, Florida and California. #statesivebeento and Hawaii! 🌸✨ I traveled the country in a RV in 2020! We planned for 18 months! Would love to share how we did it and any advice I hav
Coupon simple

Coupon simple

29 likes

How I ViewThe 50 States!Part 3
#michigan #maine #massachusetts #50states #minnesota
kaileycaramella

kaileycaramella

30 likes

A map of the USA titled 'U.S.A states I'VE BEEN TO' highlights numerous states the user has visited. Hawaii, Louisiana, and Massachusetts are among the outlined states. Colorado is marked with a pink heart, and Texas with a blue star. A person's reflection is visible in the background.
USA States I’ve been to!!
📍 Hawaii : 5/5, I visited Honolulu for a college tour and I was absolutely in LOVE with it. The food and activities are amazing, and the landscape is the most beautiful thing ever. I will make a separate post of everything I did while I was there! 📍 Louisiana : 5/5, My family is from Louisian
jackie<3

jackie<3

36 likes

How many statesHave I been to?
#states #lemon8challenge #travel #travelpost #adventure #unitedstates #roadtrips #girlstrips #journey #challenge For the first 17 years of my life I was blessed enough to travel with my parents, my grandparents, church trips, camp….but it was always to the same places ov
Jodi McDaniel

Jodi McDaniel

23 likes

A Lemon8 map of the United States shows 13 states highlighted in yellow as visited by user @astroazy888, representing 26% of the US. California, New York, and Hawaii are marked with pink hearts as 3 favorite states.
Check out the states I’ve been to!🇺🇸🌎
I’ve visited 13 states in the United States! And my favorite states are Hawaii, California and New York. How many state have you been to in the U.S.? 🇺🇸✈️ #statesivebeento #travel #unitedstates #vacation #states
AZY 🌺

AZY 🌺

12 likes

no one talks about how hard it is
been little over a year since i moved from guam to the states, been missing the island life 🏝️ 🏷️ #guam #pacificisland #islandlife
Ravenne

Ravenne

6 likes

I’ve Moved On to Spring ✨
If I have to wear one more bulky coat to run errands… I might scream. 😅 So I did what any normal woman would do… I pulled out my spring planner and tote early. It’s still freezing outside. (In my opinion) But my brain? Pinks. Florals. Sunshine. Tell me I’m not the only one mentally de
sweatpantsmama.plans

sweatpantsmama.plans

15 likes

States I Have Traveled To In USA 🇺🇸
Lol probably for my own safety this map might never be 100% completed because I really don’t see myself willing going to certain middle states but it would be amazing if I were to prove that statement wrong. Also I wonder how many more states I might be able to add to this map before the end of 202
Anna Hollywood

Anna Hollywood

13 likes

⚜ How To Experience Europe In The United States ⚜
You don't have to cross the Atlantic for a European vacay ~ the Old Country can be found in part in Virginia . Williamsburg is home to the World's Most Beautiful Theme Park, Busch Gardens Williamsburg . You can get a dose of England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Germany, and France
Carousel of Chaos

Carousel of Chaos

348 likes

Packed little to nothing and moved 4 states ❤️
#my2024 #2024Moments #lemon8contest
Kayla | Mama 🫶🏻

Kayla | Mama 🫶🏻

560 likes

🚨 Use the new #States I’ve Been To template 🎨🇺🇸
Show us the #states you’ve been to for a chance to win a Lemo plushie 🍋 ‼️ HOW TO JOIN ‼️ 1. Use the States I’ve Been To template to highlight the states you visited! You can find this under “Templates” when creating posts. 2. Share a state/the states you loved or ones you thought were overrat
Lemon8 Travel

Lemon8 Travel

562 likes

A person in a black puffer jacket stands overlooking the Horseshoe Bend canyon and Colorado River, with text overlay "RANKING PLACES I'VE BEEN TO IN THE UNITES STATES."
A person stands on coastal rocks overlooking the ocean at sunset, with text overlay describing Malibu as a "boujee beach town" with rock formations, rated 8/10.
A person stands within a narrow red rock canyon, with text overlay describing Sedona as a 10/10 destination for hiking and restaurants.
RANKING PLACES I’VE BEEN TO IN THE UNITES STATES
u.s destinations i’ve traveled to and how i’d rank them! keep in mind this is totally opinion based and goes off of my personal experience at each of these amazing locations! i have done so much traveling over the last year, this isn’t even all of it! each one of these places is special and bea
kalinawolf

kalinawolf

55 likes

Moved from Jersey to Texas
A few weeks ago, I packed up my life, my mom, and my two boys and left everything familiar behind in New Jersey to start over in Texas. We left almost everything behind and traveled with just one suitcase each, ready for a fresh start after everything we've been through over the past year. I
TopTierCook

TopTierCook

32 likes

A vibrant beach scene with clear turquoise water and numerous people enjoying the sand and ocean under a bright blue sky. The image features the title '3 BEST US STATES TO travel to this summer'.
A view of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge from the pedestrian walkway, showing its intricate cables and stone arches against a clear blue sky. People are walking on the bridge, and a text box describes New York.
A sunny beach with clear, shallow water in the foreground and a sandy shore crowded with people and umbrellas in the background. A text box describes Florida as a beach destination.
3 Best US States to Travel to This Summer
I love SO many states in the US, but I had to narrow down to my top 3 most diverse states (not including Hawaii/Alaska/US territories) where I feel there is something for everyone! 1. New York - there are an unlimited amount of things to do in NYC, and there is always something to explore. Eve
CHRISTINA

CHRISTINA

22 likes

A Lemon8 graphic titled 'States I've Been To' by MaevaN, showing a map of the US. Hawaii, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Vermont are highlighted with pink hearts. The graphic indicates 8 states visited, 16% of the US, and 5 favorites.
What states have you visited?
I’ve visited 8 states in the United States! And my favorite states are Hawaii, North Carolina, Florida, Vermont and Pennsylvania. How many states have you been to? #statesivebeento #statesivetraveledto #states #united states #united states of america #favstates #us #usa #follow4
MaevaN

MaevaN

7 likes

See more