When my friends heard that I was going back home after college, they were shocked. When they learned that it was a conscious choice I had planned and accounted for, they were mystified. Oh yes, my first big boy job happens to be in my home town of Austin, and you better believe I’m moving back in with mom.
So with that being said, lets get it out of the way — if you move back home after graduating, regardless of the realities of your situation or reasoning, people will stereotype you. They’ll think that you couldn’t achieve independence so you just fell into the biological safety net. In other words, people can’t imagine that returning back home is a choice, so I’m going to do my best for all of us who are planning a triumphant return to their original bedroom and explain why this is a genuinely savvy thing to do.
First and foremost, my mom is going to be my only roommate back home and we have a great relationship. So great, in fact, that I believe her when she tells me that she’s excited to have me back in the house! There is a very good chance that this is the last time in my life that I’ll be able to spend an extended period of time with her. The unfortunate reality for many of us who live across the country from Hopkins is that we don’t get to go home that much over our time here. I’ve grown accustomed to seeing my mother for only a few weeks out of the year, so it will be especially nice to have the time to enjoy each other’s company again. Also, I miss her home cooking. I miss it badly.
Moving home to spend more time with family is all well and good, but I know some people may not have such a tension-free relationship with their parents. Don’t fret I have a mental image for you too: a mountain made of cash. Most reasonable adults I’ve spoken to agree that you should not spend more than a quarter of your income on rent, and you’ll likely be spending a hell of a lot less than that if you live at home. Your parents will probably expect you to help out a little, but most will probably not demand market-rate rent from you. Chances are, if you live at home while working an urban career, you’ll have the amazingly underrated opportunity to save some money. Padding your bank account immediately after graduating will give you more flexibility when you are finally ready to make your next move. In the interim, your savings will also give you flexibility in other areas. Want to come back for alumni weekend? Buying that plane ticket will seem a lot less painful. Need to start building your professional wardrobe? Most of us will probably need to do it eventually, now you can justify getting a jump start. Your boss invites you to lunch at that fancy place? You can afford it. Want to take classes to improve your GMAT score? Sounds like a great investment to me.
Finally, you’ll see your home town in a totally different way. Your life will be centered in a completely different part of town than your high school. You’ll have a whole new network of friends and set of opportunities to have fun with them. I know I’m already trying to figure out which co-ed recreational softball team I should owe my allegiance to (the “Texas Playboys” seems like safe bet).
In conclusion, living at home is a smart for your familial relations, bank account and opportunities.
Will Marcus is a senior International Studies and political science double major from Austin. He is the Opinions Editor.
