Moving back home with your parents is far from pleasant, especially if you expected to land the job of your dreams, conquer the world, and get a place of your own after college graduation. If you’ve recently graduated college and have had to move home after being unable to find a job, you shouldn’t feel alone. Many recent college graduates are in the very same position as you, due to the struggling economy and stagnant job market.
According to a study from the Pew Research Center, “three-in-ten parents of adult children report that a child of theirs has moved back in with them in the past few years.” Don’t let the statistics get you down though; the economy is getting better and jobs are slowly growing, so keep you chin up! Living home might be an adjustment for some of you, so in order to avoid conflict with your parents and stay positive after moving back home for the first time, try utilizing these three helpful tips.
Live by their rules
After being away at college for four years, you’re probably used to a certain way of life: staying out late, hanging out with friends, eating whatever you want, etc. Yet once you move home, it’s important to remember that you’re no longer independent; you’re back under your parents’ roof, and they, too, have grown accustomed to a certain lifestyle without you around.
In order to prevent bickering and arguing with your parents, do yourself a favor and talk with them about what they expect from you while you’re living back at home. If they ask you to help out around the house, do chores, be home at a certain time, attend church, etc., humor them and adhere to their requests.
It may seem tedious and annoying at first, but just remember that you aren’t going to be under their roof forever and the fact that they’ve given you a place to stay is a very kindhearted gesture. The least you can do is follow their guidelines, right?
A job is a job
A great way to get your parents off your back is to find a job, even if it’s part-time work or one you know you’re overqualified for. The last thing you want to do is sulk around the house all the time feeling sorry for yourself, so go ahead and start looking for temporary work. Not only will this occupy your mind and help you feel more productive, it will also demonstrate to your parents that you’re not giving up on yourself or your potential. Utilize the time you have off from your temporary job to track down a fulltime career worthy of your qualifications. Even if it takes months, don’t lose faith. I promise you that you’ll find something eventually!
Stay positive
I’ve alluded to this throughout the story, but just remember to not lose faith in yourself while living back at home. Sure, it’s not ideal to be back with your parents and you may feel sorry for yourself from time to time, but just remember that you’ve got the rest of your life ahead of you. Also, the less you feel sorry for yourself, the less conflict you’ll have with your parents. Take the time you have at home to relax, enjoy yourself, reconnect with your parents, and save up a bit of money for when you do finally get a place of your own. It’ll all pay off in the long run.
Moving back home isn’t the most ideal situation to be in, but that doesn’t mean you have to fall into a pit of despair. Follow these key steps in order to stay positive and avoid conflict with your parents.
Caroline Ross is a freelance writer for several education and career websites, including AccreditedOnlineUniversities.com. In order to inspire and inform people about the importance of education and seeking your calling in life, Caroline writes many articles about preparing for college, career planning, and getting the right training for a job.
