How to Survive Moving Back In With Your Parents

Moving back home is a difficult transition, make it easier by being prepared.

When I was a kid, I always looked forward to graduating high school, going to college, getting a good job and moving away from home. I'm sure you did too. That was just the way we were taught that it was supposed to be. These days, it's not that simple. Many recent college graduates and even adults who have been laid off and are having trouble finding a new job have decided to move back in with their parents.

College students are finding that even with their new degrees, finding a six figure salary isn't that easy. Added to that, most students graduate holding a lot of debt. Even though losing the freedom and independence of living on your own is tough, for many, moving back home can be a smart financial decision. Even if the move isn't long term, it can be a great way to regroup and get on your feet.

If you've been forced to move back home or are thinking about it, know that you aren't alone. Some figures suggest that almost two thirds of college student return to their parents house before moving out for good. Here are some tips to help you keep your sanity:

• Parenting has changed - Gen Y is certainly a different group than the Gen Xers that came before them. Parents are much more involved in the lives of their young adult children and almost expect them to come back home several times during their early career years. When I was a teenager, going away to college was seen as the moment that parents let go. Today, it happens much, much later and maybe it's a good thing.

• Use your time wisely - I know that it is easier said than done, but use the time to network, explore career options and ways to make yourself more marketable. It's so easy to forget this and spend more time watching daytime television and feeling sorry for yourself. Especially if your parents don't push you out of the nest. Consider your move short-term and look for ways to build your career. This is the perfect time to look into internships, volunteer opportunities and even advanced training courses.

• Remember that you're an adult - Just because you are living with your parents doesn't mean that they are going to take care of you the same way they did when you were in high school. Believe it or not, you mom probably doesn't enjoy doing your laundry and cleaning up after you. Make sure that you take care of yourself and continue to be independent. Do your laundry, buy your own groceries and wash dishes. Trust me, your mom will appreciate it.

• Save your money - You probably moved back home because of financial reasons, so save every penny you can while you are there. It's easy to find other things to do with the small amount of money you have, but don't fall into that trap. Save every penny so that once you get back on track, you have something to hold you over the next time hard times hit.

• Parents are people too - I tell my teenager this all the time. Now that you are all grown up, they probably have found other things to do with their lives. Believe it or not, when children grow up, most parents are excited to have a portion of their time and energy back to devote to other aspect of their lives rather than just sitting around wishing they could take care of their kids. When you move back home, be sure to give them the space to continue living their lives. This means not using them as a piggy bank or expecting them to plan their lives around you.

• Don't take it for granted - If you are able to move back in with parents who support you in your career efforts, consider yourself lucky. Even if you didn't want to move back in with them, even if they drive you nuts, never forget to thank them for all that they do for you. Enjoy having the luxury of being able to live in comfort, because once you get a job and move into a tiny little apartment and have to eat ramen everyday, you'll miss them.

Have you recently moved back in with your parents? Are your adult children struggling to live on their own? Please share your thoughts in the comments.


By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for ManhattanJobsBlog and Nexxt. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.


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