For many students, graduating from college means officially beginning adult life: ahhhhhh! Part of that real life means finding a place to call home again. But is it better to head back to live with your family or to branch out on your own to someplace new? Sure, many people go through this tough transition period, and chances it will take a couple of months to adjust, but the transition from child to adult is different, and oftentimes, more difficult for today’s college students. Read below to find out some of the advantages and disadvantages of moving back in with your family.
Financial Implications
More often than not, the reason why many new grads are picking their parents as roommates is all about money. Some time at home after graduating can be very helpful financially. Making a break for financial independence can be difficult. For those who must contribute, it is still cheaper than living on your own. Sharing the cost of rent, groceries and utilities can be a great way to save money.
And, while you might have a job, you could be underemployed. If this is you, chances are you're not making enough to make ends meet. If moving back home has you cringing, think of it this way: the rent you pay to your family is buying you time to find a decent job that will allow you to live on your own comfortably.
Impact on Relationships
Moving back home can have a positive effect on your relationship with your parents, siblings and other family. The dynamic of the relationships in your family is different, where now you can have adult conversations with your older relatives and even drink a beer with them after a long day at work. The new level of communication with your parents will allow you to strengthen your support system and help you through this difficult transition in what many college students call “adulting”.
Even though moving home has the potential to be positive for your relationship with your family, it can also prove to be a strain. Leaving dishes in the sink and not making your bed could be a thing of the past. Doing your laundry, cleaning up your mess, listening to your music quietly - these are all things that you might have to do, and you might not like it.
Loss of Privacy
Parents will be parents; you will see it as soon as you move in. This means they will want to know where you are going, when you will be back and who you are going out with. Allow and prepare to receive and accept advice that you will not want. Answer questions about people you may or may not be dating. Perhaps they won’t get into all your business, but realize they will have a lot of questions that you could consider intrusive.
Moving home for a while enables an appropriate and productive transition. Rather than focusing on rent, bills and kids, emerging adults living at home with their parents have the ability to focus on the most important aspects of emerging adult life: figuring out who they are and what career is right for them. At the end of the day, always remember to do what is best for you.
