The Expectation Vs. Reality Of Moving Back Home After College
Life after college always seems like something in the distant future (after you finish all of those essays and finals) and then BAM, it’s already here! You’ve probably dreamed of this day and your proud strut across the stage, as you receive your diploma. The life that you’re going to have as a real adult is about to become a reality.
Unfortunately, graduating college amounts to student loans, finding a job, endless crying while eating packs of Oreo cookies, and moving back in with your parents. While you may have fantasized about your future apartment goals, you need to figure out if you can still make those dreams a reality! But—I am here to tell you, moving in with the ‘rents might not be exactly the piece of cake you thought it would be. Here are examples of what you thought moving back home after college would be like, and then what the reality is.
1. Expectation: Living with Parents = No More Cooking!
Say goodbye to midnight runs to the CVS down the block and whatever weird concoctions you and your roomie made up. Now you have your parents to cook gourmet meals for you!
Reality: Trips To The Supermarket With Five Page Shopping Lists
You thought your grocery shopping days were a thing of the past? Oh no! Now you have detailed lists with food items you’ve never heard of (what exactly is cumin?) Not only that, but now you’re expected to nail the 15 step and three hour recipes! Oh wait, your younger brother doesn’t like quinoa? Guess that makes it your job to call the pizza delivery man.
2. Expectation: That Warm, Welcome Feeling of Being with your Amazing Family
Being back in your own bed? Priceless. Sleeping in until noon with no responsibilities? Wonderful. Curling up on the couch with your mom and dad and watching old Disney movies? You just can’t wait! Life after college isn’t so bad, right?
Reality: I Used to Live Here?!
Waking up for your 8:00 A.M. interview is nearly impossible—your brother is screaming in the hallway and your sister is hogging the bathroom. When you get to the kitchen to blend your breakfast smoothie, your mom hands you a list of errands that “need to be finished by tonight please!” Then when you finally get home and plop on the couch for some peace and quiet, your dad complains that “the game is on” and you’re “hogging the living room.” Yeah, you totally feel welcomed here.
3. Expectation: This Is Only A Pit-Stop!
Yeah sure, living with your parents now is great. But you need to remind yourself that this is not forever! Before you know it, your dream employer will come knocking on your door, and you will be that much closer to those apartment goals!
Reality: Someday, My Dream Job Will Come
Interview after interview, resume after updated resume, and somehow you still have not found the job of your dreams. Your parents console you as you head to your awful retail job. You continue to dream about someday taking over the corporate world and having enough money to comfortably move out. Living with your parents can be interesting, you know they have your best interests at heart. Your new responsibilities and hardships only prepare you for your future, as annoying as they may be.
Although your family might be a lot to handle, you feel their love always, even if they don’t like to show it. So even when it’s tough, remember, your parents are happy to have you and it’s for the best! P.S. give your parents a hug, okay? They deserve it. Your dreams will come true after college, eventually.
