So I am in a very similar situation as you. I debated moving out of my parents house and going south so I could get my ratings faster than I could in the harsh northern winters, but I too realized that working 40 hours was not going to be an option for me. I also calculated the cost of rent, groceries, car payment, and fun money (if any), all assuming I actually did work 40 hours a week, and I realized I still wouldn’t be able to afford it on my own.

Instead, I’m living at home rent free and my only fixed expense is my car payment. I drive over an hour to get to the airport, but I saved $10k in training costs by staying local and not moving south. I also scheduled multiple flight lessons on the same day so that I wouldn’t have to drive there so often. I also got a job as a substitute teacher which is amazing for being a student pilot. I guarantee my availability to them once a week and if I know my flights are going to get canceled then I go into work if they need me.

So basically, if I were you I would stay at home and save some money before starting your training so that you have money to fall back on. I would also look into getting a job where you can choose your own schedule such as subbing, but at least where I’m at you need a degree for that which I’m assuming you don’t have since you’re only 21, or you could do doordash or something like that.