The comforts of your childhood home offer a shelter and get-away from the fast pace life of college, grad school, or work. I know learning to cook past the microwave or paying bills can be intimidating, but face it; If you’re over the age of 30 and still at home, it’s time to start packing those boxes.There are a few tell tale signs that you’ve outgrown the nest and need to spread your wings.
No Privacy
If your childhood home is small, than you know the pains of little to no private time. This wears out lightning quick past college, especially if you are returning home for the foreseeable future. Having your mom peer in your bedroom every hour asking if you want a snack or to go on a walk with her isn’t necessarily a young adult’s idea of a quiet day. If talking with your family on setting boundaries in unsuccessful, there aren’t many options left. It may be time to go.
No Room For Your Stuff
As we age, we have more things. Simple as that. And while we like our things, your family home may not have the space to accommodate all of the treasures you’ve acquired so far. Be on the lookout for large electronics and appliances that can’t fit in your parent’s basement or garage. Or worse yet, the home owners not appreciating your possessions as much as you do. So if you’re interested in that new flat screen, then maybe it’s better suited in a place of your own.
Can’t bring company home at will
There’s little worse than having to admit to a new friend or partner that you still live your parents. Still shacking in with your family can ruin dates, new friendships or, in some situations, even work relationships. This goes double for any romantic involvement. Nothing kills the mood like, “it’s okay, my parents are asleep.” If you want to entertain friends or spend some quality time with someone, the family doesn’t need to be there.
Dependency
Often, we take the luxuries of home for granted. Your mom cleaning up after you, your dad spotting you that $20, These little acts can seem harmless but actually enforces a dependency upon them that, in the end, harms both parties. If you are still a dependent and can’t move out just yet, try to separate yourself mentally, and keep a clear line what they do, and what you do going forward. Being a mommy’s boy or daddy’s girl isn’t cute forever.
Parents are too controlling
When you’re five and can’t wipe your own nose, it’s cute. At 30, not so much. When you’re seventeen and you have a 10:00pm curfew, it’s totally acceptable. At 30… Well, you get the picture. Controlling parents can ruin a perfectly good night out with phone harassment and future guilt trips. Curfews, unnecessary prodding into personal lives and a sheer disregard for personal space are all red flags; And it’s time to go! Luckily, you’re an adult and can easily break this cycle.
Inconvenient Commuting
There’s definitely a strategic advantage to living in the suburbs out of college, but it can be short lived when your commute takes 90 minutes each way and all of your friends live in the city. Even spending a night out can be ruined by commuting times and having to drive at midnight. If you like your job and friends more than your living situation, seriously consider other options.
Still feel like a child after graduation? Rip the bandaid off. Don’t be held captive by your home life.