By KINSEY SEACORD
Young adults are much like baby birds. There comes a time to leave the nest, and much like birds, there are a few that feel not quite ready to fly; in which case, they should be pushed.
Moving out after graduating high school is detrimental to the growth of an individual. While continuing to live at home does have financial benefits, the missed opportunity of spreading one’s wings without any parental influence outweighs the money issue.
Self dependence cannot fully be attained while living at home. The emotional attachment created between child and parent needs to be altered. It is healthy to move out and be put into an unfamiliar environment. There will be situations in which one will be thrust out of his comfort zone. Moving out teaches one to adapt to new situations and embrace all of the opportunities presented.
If one continues living with his parents after high school moving out later on is difficult. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center reports that 40 percent of 2008 graduates are still living at home with their parents, and 42 percent of 2006 graduates are also still living at home. To avoid emotional instability when parentals finally mandate a move, be proactive and fly the coop.
If one is in need of money, take a loan, swing a scholarship or dare it be said, get a job. The issue of money is for whiners and slackers. No one enjoys a moocher – parents included. College is a time to be broke and learn how to manage on a tight financial budget.
When one moves out, he takes on new responsibilities, such as food plans and paying bills. Moving out is the first taste one has of financial independence. Parents will not always be there to help out with the bills, so beginning to rely on oneself as early as possible sets the right financial track.
Additionally living at home puts one at a social disadvantage. “A common time for people from healthier families to move out is upon graduating high-school and moving away to live at college,” according to Lisa Warren in “When Should Kids Move Out of Their Parents’ House.” Whether one is attending college or starting a job, moving out is essential. Breaking the social norm can leave students ostracized. For those who have seen “Failure To Launch,” unless one is as attractive as Matthew McConaughey, there is no excuse to be the loser living at home.
Moving out begins the transition from a dependent to a blossoming adult butterfly.
“Living at home for too long into adulthood delays the maturation process and holds you back from embracing adulthood,” Steve Pavlina, self-help author and motivational speaker, said.
To fully express one’s individuality free from the fear of parental repercussions, one must seek his own abode. Parents should shift from the hound dog of order breathing down their child’s neck, to the guiding mentor.
Staying at home after high school is a mistake. The benefits of moving out clearly outweigh the convenience of staying home. It is time to spread one’s wings and fly into the next chapter of life.
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