After earning their college degree, most students feel ready to tackle the world. This is an eager set of people in search of starting their postgraduate life. The independent spirit fostered by completing the rigorous task of finishing school fills most graduates. However, there is a trend that has been developing for the past decade that flies in the face of this gung-ho attitude. More and more students are moving back home with their parents once their college days are over.
The number one reason that is given for this return homeward is the economy.
Job Market
The job market has been decimated over the past ten years, and specifically over the past three. It wasn’t too long ago that students could feel comfortable stepping into the real world, armed with their degrees, and find a job.
Unfortunately, the unemployment rate continues to soar to levels that haven’t been seen in over 30 years. It is human nature to feel depressed as you get passed over for jobs. However, it is important to realize that you didn’t create this mess.
Accordingly, you need to start making smart decisions about your future. While moving back into your old, tiny bedroom in your parents’ house was probably not high on your list of things to do after graduation, it may make the most sense, financially, for you at this time.
Make a Plan
If you find yourself in this position, it’s important to devise a plan to make sure you don’t get too comfortable eating your mother’s home cooked meals and having your laundry done for you. If you have had trouble finding a job that suits you or any job at all, you need to accelerate your job search. Make sure finding a job where you could excel your number one priority. Exhaust all of your contacts within your network. Send your resumes out to as many companies that are attractive to you as possible.
If you are living back at home, remember to be gracious towards your parents. As much as they love you, this may not have been on their list of things to do after you graduated. Some parents will expect their sons and daughters to pay rent. Don’t be turned off by this demand. It’s a way for your parents to give you some responsibility for your situation. If you don’t like the idea of paying to stay in the room in which you grew up, then do something about it.