Within the past month, I graduated college and moved back in with my parents. If someone would have asked me four years ago if I'd ever move back in with my folks, I would have said no. But with an economy that's been turned upside down and is just starting turn turn around (hopefully), I don't have many options.
This weekend, I watched my best friend's animals while her and her fiance were hiking the Grand Canyon. It was a dream come true! I stayed at their condo, swam in the pool and walked the puppy around the nice gated community. I tried to pet their diva kitty Tink, but my allergies got the best of me.
While staying there I did a lot of thinking. While I'm living with my parents who go to bed at 9 p.m., unless they're waiting up for me at the end of the night, she's tucked into the privacy of her home with her fiance. Can you sense my jealousy?
Here's the thing. After living on my own for four years, it's a bit difficult to have someone dictate my daily routine. I no longer get to choose the coffee I brew in the morning (I guess I could buy my own and ask others not to use it, but that could be awkward...) or the meals I eat in the evening. We eat as a family, which is great, but it's not what I'm used to.
So here's my dilema. Do I allow myself to "settle" for the generosity of my parents so that I can pay back my student loans quicker, or do I try to make ends meet and live a more desirable lifestyle?
It looks like I have a lot of thinking and researching to do...
What makes your lifestyle unique? How do you make decisions so that you're happier on a daily basis?
HAPPY MONDAY, XO!
I say definitely appreciate the free housing now...that way you can pay back loans faster!! Then down the road, you won't have those loans and you can live the way you want to!
ReplyDeleteI lived on my own for a few years and then moved back in with my mom while I was planning my wedding. It was different living with her after I had been gone for so long. Of course we had our own ways of doing things but I just sort of 'forgot' my way since I was living at her house. We actually had the best time. I will always remember those days!
ReplyDeleteAmy
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That's a tough one. I lived at home off and one during college and then moved back for a couple of years after I got my master's degree (that too was during a very tough economy). It was hard, but we managed to make it work. You just have to carve out your own space. Decide what you can share and what you need to have for your very own. If it's special coffee, just keep it in your room, maybe even get your own coffee maker. Offer to house-sit for all your friends, so you can have time to yourself more often. And keep you eye on the long-term prize--being in a better financial position so that you can move out once and for all without loads of debt weighing you down.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like my life exactly!!! I have so been there. I moved back home after college, and was home for about a year and a half. I moved out this past December into an apartment with one of my best friends. When I lived at home my parents charged me rent, so while living on my own is still more expensive, at least I'm paying for my own place! I'd say to stick it out for now, appreciate the generosity, and research and save. I always hear people saying they don't want to pay rent because it's just throwing your money away, but I disagree. I am STILL able to save a lot of money (having a roommate to split the rent with does help) and it's worth it to me to pay for a place of my own! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteTwo takes on this: 1. The free housing is hard to beat and you will appreciate the saved up money later down the road. 2. If you're planning on settling down in the next couple years or so, living by yourself for a little while is a great experience. I am so glad I had two years roommate-free before I met my now-husband.
ReplyDeleteIt's a hard choice, but do what's best for you!
Free housing and pay off your bills...much better when you move out. Just doggy sit more often!!
ReplyDeleteI can TOTALLY relate! I lived on my own for the first two years of college (and did as I pleased)...then I moved home to save money. I didn't have a loan to pay off then, but I do now and a wedding to save for and sometimes it gets hard living with my mom, but ultimately I know is the BEST thing for me. I am so grateful she has allowed me the option to stay and come and go as I please (I MADE her understand that I respected her and her house, but that I was in my 20's and I could no longer live by the rules I did when I was in my teenager years). My parents are divorced, so family meals don't happen very often around my parts, but I can only imagine that would be hard not to make your own decisions for dinner...but it also sounds so nice to have someone cooking your meals and feeding you FOR FREE!! LOL Honestly, I think staying at home for a bit longer and paying off your student loan is SMART! You have forever to be on your own...with your own space. I know how hard it is to see everyone else around you already have that, but be patient! Your time will come :)
ReplyDeleteThis was me 6 years ago when I graduated college. Trust me, bide your time and pay off those loans. Once you are out from under that debt you will feel free to do so much more. I know it's hard to go back to living with your parents but you just have to remember it won't be forever.
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