Yes, I went to a private liberal arts school. Yes, I lived 12 hours away from home. And yes, I do have a full-time, career job in my intended field. But no, I don’t rent or own a place of my own. I graduated from college in May 2012, started a legit first job two weeks later and received a promotion and the perks that go along with it but still live with my parents, brother and family dog. Some may say, “How could you ever move back home, sleep in a twin bed, do chores, deal with questions about work and your day on a daily basis, etc., etc.” I have done so for 20 months so far (who’s counting) and don’t have an exact timeline on when I will have a place to call my own. Am I in a rush? Sometimes. Most other times I think I am pretty damn lucky. So here’s to living at home post-college.
- A fully stocked pantry and fridge. Need I say more? There is always something in the house. I never have to run out at the crack of dawn or at the end of long-day to pick up staple items like bread, cheese and ice cream. A mini-Publix exists in my home already.
- Magically appearing clean laundry. If I’m lucky enough, there will be Tide-scented clean clothes on my bed (please note my bed was left a mess when I left for work and that too is, made to Army standards). If it is already folded (thongs and socks included) it is my extra lucky day. I should play the lotto.
- A free and accessible variety of booze. There is basically a mini-bar (with full size bottles) in the garage with a variety of booze. No need to buy one or two kinds of liquor and drink the same concoction until it’s gone and can buy something new without feeling guilty. I have a sampler pack at my disposal. Not to mention the different wines I can have with dinner. And not Sutter Home or Barefoot or Andre. Good, classy, sophisticated stuff.
- Solid life advice. Being almost twenty-four there are still lots of things to learn (even if I think I know it all sometimes, key word is think). Questions on building my credit, how to handle a weird work situation, how long I have to cook things, style advice (sometimes), how to put my tax papers together, when my car needs to get serviced, etc. You get the picture. You can go to college, graduate with honors and still be clueless. I’ll own that.
- Playing with the family pet. I have a dog to come home to without baring the responsibility of taking/paying for it for vet check-ups, feeding and walking it during the day, giving it a bath or any other pet-associated responsibilities. And Maxi (my dog) loves me just as much as the rest of the fam and doesn’t ask any questions. Nothing like coming home to a wagging tail and sloppy kisses and unconditional love.
- No rent. Yeah I pay for my phone, car insurance, medical expenses and all that jazz but that monthly check that goes to a cranky landlord that won’t fix anything in your dorm room sized apartment – not on the list of expenses. Light bulb goes out in my room. Leave it to Mr. Fix it aka my dad and “landlord’” to put another one in by day’s end. I would have to disagree with Notorious B.I.G. and his lyrics, “Mo money, mo problems.” Just saying.
- A non-microwavable and non-drive thru menu prepared dinner. Getting a text from mom, mid-stressful work day asking what I would like for dinner and what time I would be home so it can be put in the oven = glorious. Screw Lean Cuisine, Ramen noodles and PBJ that is so dorm life when you can have a home cooked meal with TLC.
- I got money in the bank, yeah. Shawty what you drank? Who knew ‘Lil Scrappy was so wise when it comes to saving his stacks. Guess that what happens when you stay under your parents’ roof for a bit longer. I get to save oodles of money that will certainly come in handy when making big girl purchases like a car, house, ahem designer purse and weekly manicures J But seriously, I can save a ton and still treat myself to little luxuries. One day that money you just bought a new Kate Spade purse with will go to new paint, fixing the fridge buying a new mattress.
- I actually love spending time with my family. Family movie night to go see Anchorman 2? Yes, please. Bonus that they bought the tickets. But in all honestly, once you are no longer a tween you are not embarrassed by your family. At least I’m not…most of the time that is. My little brother (now taller than me and heading to college) is pretty okay to hang out with too and we can actually have a for real conversation (although bathroom humor will never not be funny).
- No pressure. Society ahem Facebook friends, seem to put an expected timeline on everything. There is no set countdown on how long is too long. It’s different for everyone. In your twenties friends and acquaintances are at various chapters in life. Some still in school, others living with multiple roomies in NYC, some getting engaged/married, others having kids, some already divorced. Everyone is at a different chapter in the same book of life. The one thing we all share is that there is a lot of life ahead for all of us so why rush into anything before you’re ready?
In all seriousness, what is there to complain about? I am lucky to be able to live at home for all these reasons and more. What perk is your fave?
If you live in or around Boston, come to Forever Twenty Somethings’ first-ever event on 2/21 at The Brahmin from 8:30pm – close! There will be drinking, dancing, and prizes from our awesome sponsors. RSVP here!
