As someone who spent almost 2 years living with my parents from the age of 24, I know what it’s like to get stick for being part of the ‘boomerang generation‘. For some reason, there are people out there who assume that all adults who live with their parents are lazy, spoilt and immature. This isn’t the case. So, when I saw that Vice had produced an article looking at the lives of 20-somethings living with mum and dad, I looked at the Facebook comments with a mix of curiosity and reluctance. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the majority of comments were supportive, encouraging and understanding. Considering comments sections are usually places of hate and judgement, I was amazed just how many people seemed to praise adult boomerangs.
I’ve published some of the most insightful comments below. Some have been edited for clarity.
1. “Most people in other cultures live with their parents well into their thirties. It’s just our typical Western society telling us it’s “uncool” or “depressing” to still live at home. If you get along with your parents and it makes financial sense then why not? (This coming from a 24-year-old fresh out of university who is, yes, still living at home).” - Shane
2. “The more and more the government fuck up the country and make it harder for us to succeed, the longer it’s going to take people to afford to be able to move out of their parents house, especially in places like London.” - Thomas
3. “My parents pushed us out as quickly as they could. We left home at 21 and are now 27. We have struggled so much because we weren’t ready. The economy is rubbish, rent is ridiculous, and wages are way too low. We have 2 children of our own and I will never do to them what has been done to us. I could never sit back and watch my children suffer the way my husband and I have.” - Terri
4. “I had to move out at 18 because my mother decided to move to the countryside around the time I was finishing school and I couldn’t get a job or attend uni from where she lived. I had to work for a couple of years before going back to university and there were times where I really struggled financially to keep myself afloat. Now that I’m a parent, I plan on letting my child stay with me for the first couple of years out of school, especially if she goes into post-secondary. I don’t want her struggling as much as I did, if I can help it. Granted she’ll have to still contribute to bills and food costs. I don’t particularly agree with 20 somethings living off their parents rather than with them.” - Elizabeth
5. “There’s nothing wrong with living with your parents. Be with your parents for as long as you can. As we grow they get older. Take care of them and love them. Plus it’s a good way to save money for when you do move.” - Julia
6. “I don’t think there’s a problem with younger kids, right out of university, living at home until they get their careers settled. I finished university at 22 and then lived at my dad’s house until I was 24. By then I had a job that paid enough to rent a house with a friend. I think the real problem is twenty somethings living at home with a faux wealthy lifestyle. You’re dropping thousands at clubs and leasing a BMW but you live at your mum’s? You’re lame.” - Dave
7. “It’s sad to me that people are so concerned with how others live their lives. You have no idea the reasons someone may be back at home. If moving in with their parents benefits the family emotionally and financially who are they to say that’s wrong? They would rather they struggle in a scummy, overpriced apartment and have to go on social assistance and likely never get back on their feet? Give me a break.” - Caroline
8. “In Italy, in Spain and in many other countries it’s not just totally fine, but very normal. You are supposed to live with your parents unless 1) you choose a university very far from home 2) you get married. I live in Milan, where the best universities of the country are, so all of my friends still live at home. And I’m 23. Last year I decided to study abroad and I left home for 6 months. My mother was quite upset. She was like “why are you doing this to me? Am I not being a good mum to you?!” In September I’m gonna leave again, this time for one entire year, at least. Probably she’s going to kill herself.” - Giovanni
9. “Our son is closing on his first home in two weeks. He will be 29. He has two degrees and makes a nice living. We always told him he had a home here, rent free, as long as he saved his money. He has a life, in fact we never see him…as it should be. Very proud of the down payment he has put down. He waited to find the right house, and will not lose his house due to a huge, unmanageable payment. His brother, university educated, 24, employed, still lives at home and we hope the same for him.” - Donna
10. “Moving out as soon as possible is capitalist propaganda. How convenient, everyone wants you to go out to live paycheck to paycheck or sign into lifelong debt as soon as you can! Otherwise you’re a sad excuse of a human being… also, there is living AT your parents’ and living WITH your parents.” - Rodrigo
11. “I don’t see a problem as long as you don’t expect your parents to take care of you when you’re in your twenties. I live at home but I pay rent and take care of myself so I’m not ashamed of it or anything. I wouldn’t be able to afford a place of my own and uni accommodation sucks. If you live at home for free and your mother is still doing your laundry and basically wiping your ass, then I think you need to reevaluate your choices.” - Kemi
12. “In my opinion there is absolutely nothing wrong with living with your family. If you get along and it helps you save money, then go for it. On the other hand there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be an independent adult. As I chose at the age of 17. Everyone has their own path, don’t hate because it’s not the same as yours.” - Elizabeth
13. “I don’t see anything wrong with still living with your parents, as long as you’re contributing. These millennials living at home, rent free, eating for free, and just generally mooching need to get it together. I think it’s wonderful that some parents can continue to help their kids into adulthood, but letting them live for free isn’t helping them become adults.” - Evangelene
14. “If my parents would have let me stay after I turned 18, I damn well would’ve taken advantage.” - Celia
15. “Adult children living with their parents is the new normal, and we need to stop shaming millenials for failing to live up to the standards of a bygone time.” - Karen
