Independent Living
Your landlord just told you rent is increasing next month by $75. How can you adjust your monthly budget to handle this change?
Look at monthly expenses, identify what can be reduced or cut, consider increasing income if needed.
A coworker keeps correcting you in front of others. What are two professional ways to handle this?
Ask to speak privately, explain how it makes you feel, request feedback be given one-on-one.
You often forget your internship uniform on Tuesdays. What system can you put in place to help?
Set weekly reminders, prep clothes the night before, use a checklist, or label your calendar.
You need to ask a pharmacist about how to take a new medication. What should you say to be clear and respectful?
“Can you help me understand how and when to take this?” or “What side effects should I watch for?”
You’re making dinner for yourself but realize you’re missing a main ingredient. What are 2 ways you could solve the problem?
Substitute with something else, look up an alternative recipe, ask a roommate, or walk to a nearby store.
You have a doctor’s appointment, a job shift, and homework due tomorrow. How do you prioritize your time and responsibilities?
Use a planner or phone calendar, list tasks by urgency, communicate with employer if needed, and plan work time around non-negotiables.
You applied to a job and haven’t heard back in 2 weeks. What should you do?
Follow up with a polite email or phone call to check on the status and express continued interest.
You have a full day ahead: job site in the morning, a class activity in the afternoon, and homework due tonight. How can you plan your day to make sure everything gets done without feeling overwhelmed?
Use a daily schedule or planner, set time blocks for each task, include breaks, prep materials in advance, and identify any parts you can complete ahead of time.
You feel uncomfortable at a job site but aren’t sure how to bring it up. How can you advocate for yourself appropriately?
Describe what’s happening, how it affects you, and what you need to be more successful or safe.
What does it mean when someone says, “Read the room”? Why might that be important at work or in a group setting?
Pay attention to people’s emotions or energy; adjust your behavior or tone accordingly to show social awareness.
You're moving into a shared apartment and responsible for managing utilities. What steps do you take to set up and manage the bills?
Research providers, call to set up service, confirm billing dates, divide bills with roommates, track due dates, and pay on time.
During training, your supervisor explains a task once, but you didn’t fully understand. What should you do next?
Ask clarifying questions, take notes, request a model/demo if possible.
You missed the bus and will be late for work. What are 3 actions you should take right away?
Call/text supervisor, check next bus or alt. transport, reflect on what to do differently next time.
You need to call your doctor to reschedule an appointment but feel anxious. Write or plan a short script you could follow.
“Hi, my name is ___. I had an appointment on ____, but I need to reschedule. Can you help me find a new time?”
A friend invites you to a concert, but it’s on the same day you promised to help your family. How do you decide what to do?
Consider your priorities, talk to both parties, make a pro/con list, or try to compromise (reschedule, partial attendance).
You've been skipping meals and feel low energy. What changes can you make to your meal planning and grocery habits to improve this?
Set a weekly grocery list and meal prep schedule, include protein/snacks, use reminders to eat consistently.
You're scheduled to work during your cousin's graduation. You want the day off but aren't sure how your boss will respond. How should you ask?
Review the time-off policy, ask in advance, explain the reason, and offer to trade shifts.
You realize halfway through your grocery shopping that you forgot your list. What strategies could help you still shop effectively?
Use memory cues by visualizing your kitchen, check your phone notes or texts, or shop by categories (fridge, pantry, bathroom).
You’re out with friends and the bus stop is farther than you thought. Your phone is at 5% battery. What should you do?
Conserve battery, share your location with a trusted person, ask a friend to help navigate or call someone for a ride.
You’re given $100 to plan a fun afternoon for 3 people, including food and an activity. What would you plan?
Answers vary: picnic and movie, mini-golf and pizza, bowling and ice cream, etc. (Check for cost-effectiveness and fun!)
You want to start taking public transportation independently. Create a plan that addresses safety, scheduling, and unexpected issues.
Plan routes and backup options, carry emergency contacts, use real-time apps, practice trips, and prepare what to do if lost or delayed.
You had a disagreement with a coworker and now feel uncomfortable around them. What are your options for resolving the situation?
Use conflict resolution skills, request mediation if needed, keep communication respectful and job-focused, talk to a supervisor if it continues.
You're applying to a college program that requires a personal essay, transcript, and two recommendations. Make a timeline for getting this done in 3 weeks.
Week 1: Brainstorm and write essay draft, request recommendations. Week 2: Edit essay, confirm transcripts. Week 3: Final review and submit.
You’re completing a job application online and it asks if you have a disability. What are your options, and what are your rights?
You can choose to disclose or not; you have the right to privacy and reasonable accommodations under the ADA.
You’re offered a chance to travel to a new city alone for a job interview. You’ve never traveled alone before. What steps would you take to feel prepared and safe?
Research location, make an itinerary, tell someone your plans, bring emergency contacts, charge your phone, etc.