Going home again

If you have to move back in to your parents’ house, set some boundaries.

Listen up, Class of 2009. You’re about to get a diploma, but the job market is looking a little thin. So Mom and Dad have offered you a bedroom at home while you try to get things rolling.

Yes, the prospect of moving back home seems demeaning and not the way you expected to start life in the real world. But when times are tough, it isn’t wise to turn down a helping hand.

Keep a few things in mind if you plan on being your parents’ house guest for an extended period of time.

Set up boundaries. Let your parents know that as an adult with a college degree, you deserve a certain level of freedom. Your relationship with your parents changes as you age, and you should determine what kind of relationship that will be now. It’s their house and you’re their guest, but don’t let them treat you like you’re 17.

Try to be as independent as possible. Going back to that part-time high school job to raise some extra cash wouldn’t be a terrible idea. Do household chores. Buy your own groceries and make your car insurance payments. Even though you’re not paying rent, you need to start practicing some level of responsibility.

Set a date for moving out. Whether it be at the end of the summer or a year later, know that when that day comes, it’s time to move out. You don’t want to wake up on your 26th birthday still living in your parents’ basement.

Keep your head up. Job openings will turn into dead ends and, living at home, you may struggle to find people willing to date you. But just keep telling yourself that a brighter day and a fatter job market is right around the corner.

- Drew Wheatley for the editorial board