Hey you.
Yeah, you.
Are you still living at home? Feel kinda embarrassed about it? Or maybe you know someone who still lives at home and you feel bad for them?
Well don’t. You (or they) are not alone.
According to the 2016 Australian Census, the amount of people aged between 25-35 living at home has risen 20 per cent in the past five years. In fact, over 100,000 people in this age bracket are living at home with their parents. This homely trend isn’t just exclusive to young Australians either. A study by the Pew Research Center (a nonpartisan “fact tank” in the U.S.) found that “for the first time in modern era, living with parents edges out other living arrangements for 18-to-34-year-olds”. In 2014, the amount of 18-33-year-olds living at home in America was at its highest since 1940 (wow).
It’s clear that young people here and abroad are enjoying the comforts of the family nest.
While there are certainly some drawbacks about living at home with the rents, (privacy mum, please), there are some clear benefits to living at home.
Here are five reasons why living at home isn’t all that bad:
#1 Financial Perks
First and foremost, living at home is way cheaper than forking out cash for ridiculous rent prices, bills, and rising costs of day to day living. By staying at home just that little bit longer, you have the opportunity to save some valuable coin. And who doesn’t love coin?
#2 Future Prospects
We all know the crazy state of the property market. With prices skyrocketing, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to realise the Australian dream of owning your own house (or apartment). By staying at home, you have the chance to not only save money but to also improve the outlook of your very future. Don’t give up on that dream just yet! Even though some people aren’t concerned about or interested in owning their own home, and that’s okay, it’s nice to know that you have the option. Living at home can turn a seemingly bleak future into a bright one.
#3 Flexibility
Sure, your parents can have their own rules or habits that irritate you from time to time (please stop unpacking the dishwasher at 5am mum) but there’s no doubt that living at home comes with its own set of flexible advantages. For example, you don’t have to deal with rent inspections, or real estate agents in general for that matter. Need I say more?
#4 Comfort
Sure, going out of your comfort zone can be rewarding and should be encouraged in certain situations. Honestly though, is there anything more comfortable than coming back home and collapsing on your own bed, knowing that you can just forget about the pressures of the outside world for a while, all while not having to put up with annoying housemates? It’s even better when you can come home to a home-cooked meal (mum’s spag bol, omg). Food. Glorious food.
#5 Relaxation
After raiding the fridge why not put your feet up and enjoy some Netflix/Foxtel Now/Stan/Other random streaming service? Living at home usually means that you don’t have to do all the washing, ironing, cleaning, chores, and other mundane housework. It’s not advisable to just be lazy, you should pitch in and help out around the house, but it’s definitely nice to know that the workload is shared.
From saving money and improving your future to being comfortable and reducing the stresses of life, living at home is nothing to be ashamed of.
By living at home, you also have the chance to lend your parents (or whoever you live at home with) a helping hand when you can. You have a chance to create memories that can last a lifetime. In this sense, living at home is a time that should be cherished, not frowned upon.
