<human>: With a networth of about 2k and a degree under my belt, I would imagine I am at the dead center of the current post collegiate spread. At the moment I have a total student loan debt of 8k, but a graduate windfall has pushed my savings to a level where I could pay off the total of my loans. I may be moving in the spring, so what would be the best use of my money? 

With about 10k spread between savings and checking accounts, and an 8k loan with a 4.5% interest rate, what should a twentysome with no retirement fund do? Is it reasonable to open a Roth IRA and put away some money now and start a 3 fund portfolio, or is the better move to keep my capital open for unforeseen future disasters. I know this sub values emergency funds, but is it worth it to start investing in the face of uncertainty. 

In terms of income I work several jobs weekly that do not amount to my career choice (but I do have an unpaid internship that is slowly progressing me to that point) that would put me solidly at the 18k a year range. With regular expenses at about 1k a month, which include student loan payments, is it reasonable to attempt to start a retirement portfolio, knowing that the most I can put down is a few thousand each year, or is my current situation more suited for a readily available cash reservoir.  

As a very recent college graduate I am a bit frustrated as I struggle to find employment where my passion is. While I did not know everyone that graduated with from my college, I do happen to see when my classmates begin to gloat over their newly secured positions, but I've also seen terribly driven individuals who have now become trapped in a debt prison.

Can you condense the text into a few key points?
<bot>: Should I pay off all my debt now or take advantage of the relatively low federal loan interest rate to keep my money open in order to invest/have an emergency fund. Also I may be moving in Spring.