My Mom is My Roommate

I’ve recently graduated college. I did not pack up all my belongings and move to a new city. I didn’t search for an apartment, or scramble to find roommates. I didn’t have to buy a new bedspread, stress about closet space, or worry about where the nearest coffee shop is. That’s because I am living at home, with my parents.

I know, I know.

Admitting to people that I live with my parents isn’t exactly cute. But that’s the point of this article. To talk about the stereotypes that come with living at home post-grad, and why those stereotypes don’t matter.

So, I’m taking a gap year before heading to graduate school. I’m hoping to earn some money and gain more experience in the field I’m interested in. It didn’t make sense for me to stay in the town I attended college in, to take a year off to save up, just to be spending money on rent.

When I first approached my parents with the topic of moving back home, they were more than understanding. They agreed it made more sense financially for me to come home, do as much saving as possible, so when the time comes for me to pay for things like graduate school and rent, I’ll have the money to be able to do that. And in the meantime, they’re letting me live with them for free.

Even though I haven’t been home for too long, I already know that this was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. There is such a stigma about post-grad life, about having everything figured out, and about moving back home.

I’ve found that there is such a rush for people to move away and to begin their life in a new city.

There’s also this idea that moving home is embarrassing, or an act of defeat.

You do not need to have your life figured out the minute you graduate. You don’t need to move to a new city to begin your adult life, and you don’t need to be embarrassed about moving back to your hometown. The Bureau of Labor Statistics actually reported that about 54% of young adults end up moving back home after having already moved out once. Another survey done reported that 50% of millennials plan on moving home after college, mostly to save money for student loans.

I do want to say that I recognize that everyone’s situations are different, and that some people may have to begin working right after graduation. I know that some people’s parents wouldn’t just let them move home, or that their parents would ask them to help out with expenses like rent. I also know some people’s home lives aren’t safe enough for them to return to after college. For their own mental wellbeing, moving away is the best option.

I know that to be in the position I am currently in, there is privilege that comes with it. And I’m so thankful for that privilege (thanks mom and dad).

So, if you also have that privilege, do it. If your parents are willing to let you move home for a bit to get your feet on the ground post-grad, do it. If you have a healthy enough relationship with your family that you feel comfortable living with them, do it. I cannot emphasize this enough.

I know it’s not as glamorous as moving to a new city or using your Pinterest boards to inspire your new apartment décor, but the amount of money you’ll be able to save will be worth it. You get to save without spending, and one day you’ll be able to move to that city. You’ll be able to buy the Anthropologie mirror for your living room, host wine nights in your studio, and continue to work on saving up as much money as possible.

Having your parents as roommates is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be.