#StillLivingWithMyParents
I’ve always wondered why people in my generation are so eager for independence. It’s understandable if you don’t have a choice, or your parents kick you out, or other unavoidable circumstances, but if you have the choice wouldn’t you rather stay at home and save up your money to buy your own place?
Everyone seems to be rushing around getting cars, wanting to rent their own place, etc. Whereas I’m still trying to figure out what it is I want. It’s all very well having a car, but at the end of the day is it not an expensive thing to have? There are many other variables to consider: petrol, MOT, tax, maintenance and if you live in London, the congestion charge.
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather save that money and put it aside for a deposit on my own place. I don’t want to be stuck renting for years to come because renting in London can be a b*tch. I’ve already spoken to my mum about it, and as long as I contribute to the household a little every month then I’m good to go. Contributing to the household will definitely be much cheaper than renting for me.
Although house prices are rising, if you put your mind to it you can still own your own place. I want to say it’s not that hard, but I KNOW it will be. Thing is I’m ready for the challenge. I’m excited at the prospect of owning my own place.
All of my saving will pay off in the end even if it takes me several years. To be honest, I’ve only just started my working career and I don’t want to squander my first paycheck on looking for a place to stay. I’m not even bothered about owning a car, despite my Lola trying to tell me that it will be worth it. Here’s what I think:
- Where am I driving to? I won’t be driving to work because I work in central London, and that’s a nightmare to drive to in the morning + congestion charge is ridiculous
- If I am to just use it on the weekend, what’s the point? Sure, I can just wake up one morning and be like, “Oh, I’m going to the seaside!”, but it’s definitely much cheaper to just book a train ticket in advance
- Speaking of booking in advance, public transport fares work out cheaper than car costs, anyway
- In conclusion, there is no point in me having a car
I don’t even mind living at home with my parents. I may still share a room with my sister, but since I’m older now my parents have been pretty lax in what I do. As long as I’m not being completely outrageous and coming home at ungodly hours in the morning, then I’m cool. Plus, the current family situation makes me want to stay at home and make sure my mum is okay.
I think that saving my money bit by bit every month will still allow me to enjoy myself. I can put some aside from my paycheck, and still have enough to have fun with my friends, or go on holiday and still give money to my mum. It kind of works out, don’t you think?
7 Comments
Joy
I think saving up to buy is the best decision you can make. Renting is an expensive deadend. Our mortgage one a 4 bedroom, 2 bath and finish basement home is half the amount I was paying for a tiny studio flat.
You, my friend, are years beyond wiser than others your age!
Soph
My situation is a bit different in that they’re the first steps into the big wide world steps; it sort of calls to you for adventure. So I can’t really make much comment on your circumstances. But I think if it makes sense for you and you’d prefer it to moving out and renting, then it definitely seems like the right option. It’s all personal anyway, I guess. If you like what you get from staying at home (like more money ahah) and your still getting the things that you love, then there’s no reason to sacrifice that (provided everybody at home is happy with it which no doubt they are). So yeah.
And the car thing. Yeah, I think you’re right there. My impression is that a car in London is more of a pain than a help unless you’re properly settled or you really need to do some serious driving. Otherwise public transport probably works best. I haven’t learnt to drive yet, which is probably going to come and bite me later, but at the moment, I see no need. And with a car, you’re investing so much money in it. It’s not a cheap thing.
Yeah, don’t worry! You’re being sensible! Just do what feels right (in a really cliche sort of way 😉 ).
Agent Q
That uncritical drive for “independent living” is rampant here in the US, it’s not even funny. I proudly say that I temporarily live with my mom because I attend grad school in the same city where I grew up. Besides, the school’s within walking distance from my mom’s work place. That means not only do I save on housing, my mom also saves on gas [we carpool] and parking!
In short, I consider it a privilege. I’m glad we’re on the same boat. Haters gon’ hate! 😛
Holly
I took the first opportunity I had to move out from home. My parents were always quite over protective of me, probably because of my disability, and it just got on my nerves. People started to doubt whether I could actually cope on my own because my parents did everything for me. In reality, I’m coping really well, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Of course, it would have been more practical to save some money to buy a house, rather than getting into renting so young, but some times you’ve just got to take a chance. I was depressed living with my parents because I lived in such a depressing town. I’m now the happiest I’ve been in a long time.
Even though I live on my own I still manage to save a lot of money. It’s how I fund my addiction to traveling. 😛
I don’t there’s much point in people who live in cities owning cars. It’s so expensive, and public transport is generally quite good. I also like to walk because it keeps me fit and allows me to enjoy being outside (when it’s not raining!).
AnneMarie
I both love and hate living with my parents. There are days when I’m forever thankful to live with them. They cook, clean, pay the bills, take care of me, check in on me, etc. But they also nag me like crazy. And on nights when I do want to partayyy, I can’t. I’m going to miss them for sure but I look forward to experiencing a life away from my parents for a bit.
Jessica
Sometimes I think that people are in too much of a hurry to grow up and be independent. I agree with you that it makes way more sense to live with your parents and save money – then as you said, you will be able to better afford the right place when you’re ready to move out.
Nancy
I wonder the same too! I have friends who are already moved out or are dying to move out of house to be independent and I’m here living at home. Even if I’m moving out for school in a few months, I’ll still be dependent on them *_*. I rather stay at home until I have enough money to buy an actual house instead of spending money for rent (something that I don’t own). I understand about rushing to get a car since it’s hard to travel around via bus or bike but moving out? Not so much unless the have to because of college. I like the way you think and because of that, I know you’ll be more successful with owning a home ;). Good asset there!
For sure, your savings will pay off at the end. It’s good that your parents are more chill with the stuff you do now :). Maybe that’s also why people are always wanting to move out- their parents are really strict. I know my parents are really strict so I either have to be really sneaky about it or not do it at all. In your case, you’re in a good position 🙂