Who Says You Can't Go Home?
The "boomerang generation" is moving back in with parents
Regina McZorn
Issue date: 4/28/09 Section: Campus News
After four years of hard work, students are finally graduating and ready to venture out into the "real world". Unfortunately, for most college graduates, la casa de mom and dad is the reality. Parents who were looking forward to "emptying the nest" after high school will now have to wait a little bit longer, since a number of their children are knocking on the door. These former students, known as the "boomerang generation," consist of young adults in western culture, born between 1975 and 1989 that went off to college, graduated, and after a period of living on their own, boomerang back to live at home. According to the Census Bureau's American Housing Survey, nearly 16 million American families have at least one child older than 18 living at home, which is a 70 percent jump from 1995.
Not every college graduate anticipates moving back in with their parents. Some are forced to move back home because of debt that has accumulated in school loans and the current state of the economy, where the prospect of finding employment can be challenging. Kemy Clermont, a 2007 graduate of Kean University, describes how tough it was to move back in with her parents. "I was so use to living on campus, coming in and out whenever I wanted to, that I forgot I couldn't do that living with my mother." She continues, "I know that it's hard to lose some of your independence, but it won't be forever. Just try to comply to the house rules and in no time you'll be off on your own."
There is nothing wrong with needing to live with parents, however the reason why determines whether you will be greeted with open arms or a closed fist. No matter what, there are guidelines that are necessary to follow in order to make the transition smoother and to gain independence once and for all. "The whole part of being an adult is to be independent," explained Pierre Hines, a sophomore majoring in psychology.
Employment: If you can't find employment in the field in which you have a degree, plan to enroll in graduate school to earn an advanced degree while working a 9-to-5 job. Stay active by volunteering or interning to gain more experience; do not allow yourself to sit around the house.
Money: Although it may not be your dream job, it is a steady income. What you should do with the money while living at home is to offer to pay rent, food, and utilities. Discuss how much you should pay and start saving a portion of your earnings so that you can expedite the transition towards living on your own.
Curfews and Visitors: Yes, you are an adult, but you are living with your parents. It's true to say that you are guest in your parents' house and, just as if you were invited to another person's house, you should conduct yourself in the same way. If you decide to go out, have the courtesy to tell where you are going and when you will be back. Parents should already be notified about visitors stopping by or spending the night.
Overall the attitude you have determines the outcome of the situation. Even though it might be difficult, try to have a positive attitude, the time you spend with your parents could turn out to be wonderful.
Not every college graduate anticipates moving back in with their parents. Some are forced to move back home because of debt that has accumulated in school loans and the current state of the economy, where the prospect of finding employment can be challenging. Kemy Clermont, a 2007 graduate of Kean University, describes how tough it was to move back in with her parents. "I was so use to living on campus, coming in and out whenever I wanted to, that I forgot I couldn't do that living with my mother." She continues, "I know that it's hard to lose some of your independence, but it won't be forever. Just try to comply to the house rules and in no time you'll be off on your own."
There is nothing wrong with needing to live with parents, however the reason why determines whether you will be greeted with open arms or a closed fist. No matter what, there are guidelines that are necessary to follow in order to make the transition smoother and to gain independence once and for all. "The whole part of being an adult is to be independent," explained Pierre Hines, a sophomore majoring in psychology.
Employment: If you can't find employment in the field in which you have a degree, plan to enroll in graduate school to earn an advanced degree while working a 9-to-5 job. Stay active by volunteering or interning to gain more experience; do not allow yourself to sit around the house.
Money: Although it may not be your dream job, it is a steady income. What you should do with the money while living at home is to offer to pay rent, food, and utilities. Discuss how much you should pay and start saving a portion of your earnings so that you can expedite the transition towards living on your own.
Curfews and Visitors: Yes, you are an adult, but you are living with your parents. It's true to say that you are guest in your parents' house and, just as if you were invited to another person's house, you should conduct yourself in the same way. If you decide to go out, have the courtesy to tell where you are going and when you will be back. Parents should already be notified about visitors stopping by or spending the night.
Overall the attitude you have determines the outcome of the situation. Even though it might be difficult, try to have a positive attitude, the time you spend with your parents could turn out to be wonderful.
