"I’m 24 and I live at home"

Nearly half of all 20-somethings are living with their parents – myself included. No, I’m not ashamed to admit that.  

 

Moving out and living on your own is often seen as a marker of adulthood. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t dreamed about finding the perfect apartment to decorate, having my own space, and all the freedom that comes with moving out. 

 

But in the wake of a post-pandemic world, where student debt is soaring and we’re dealing with decades-high inflation, I know I’m not the only one taking advantage of their parent’s generosity.

 

Before someone mislabels me as part of a progressive, lazy and unappreciative generation who expects to be taken care of, please note that I’m still paying bills. They may not be as much as your typical solo occupant living in Charleston, but be rest assured that I also have rent, a car bill, student loans and multiple insurance companies to pay on the first of the month. Don’t even get me started on taxes.

 

I’m definitely not complaining. In fact, there are so many benefits from living at home that I’ve warned my mom I may never move out. She’s accepted it; after all, I’m basically her personal assistant at this point.

 

Think about it: would you kick out someone who helps with groceries, cleans the house, runs errands for you and drives the kids where they need to be? I didn’t think so. Living with your parents can be mutually beneficial. 

 

I know not everyone has the luxury or the option to move back home, which is why I consider it a privilege. For one, I’m saving tons of money which would otherwise be dumped in the hands of a landlord. Of course, all that money goes towards those bills I mentioned earlier, but living at home certainly helps.

 

Did I mention great meals? Not only do I get home-cooked meals, but I also don’t have to make them. My family doesn’t have to worry about me burning the house down attempting to cook and I thank them by cleaning up afterwards. 

 

One of the best parts about living at home is that I have time. I had time to job hunt after college, I had time to grieve a failed relationship, and I was able to travel without being held back by skyrocketing rent. These waiting periods of discovering myself and what life has to offer wouldn’t have happened if I had gone the traditional route of moving out after college.

 

To me, the most underrated aspect of living at home is the quality family time. Call me crazy, but I love staying in with my siblings or parents and spending quality time that I know I won’t have as much when I do eventually move out. Not only do they ground me, but those family game nights and dinners provide a lot of wisdom and knowledge that I know I’ll need later. 

 

Of course, the dating pool can be harder by not having my own place, so for now my social life involves my mom calling me down to watch a movie with her. And I’m okay with that.

 

So, for those wondering why some of us are still enjoying the comforts of home in our 20s, it’s not just about the money. It’s that warm, homey feeling of the holidays, only every day. It’s getting a “How was your day?” every time I walk through the door. It’s the family game nights, the dinners, and the late-night gossip you simply can’t get from living alone or with a random roommate. 

 

While it may not have been my first choice, it’s ultimately better than people make it out to be. For now, I’ll stick to staying home and laughing every time my mom asks, “Do you think we’re too enmeshed?”