Let's Normalise Being In My 30's and Still Living At Home

People may see someone living at your parent's house in your 30s as a red flag. An ick. A no-go. However, I think we have reached a stage in the last few years where it's becoming more popular. Not because it's something that I want, but because I would love to be able to move out and fend for myself. However, there's one little problem - finances. The property market makes it increasingly difficult for anyone single to buy or rent a place of their own. Unless you work in a stellar paying job or have won the lottery, it's near impossible for a mortgage broker to take you seriously as a potential buyer. 

Now, some may disagree with that. Some may have obtained mortgages easily and swiftly. And that's fine, in fact, I'm in awe of you if that's the case. I wish I could just afford a mortgage or rent and move out to my own place. Unfortunately, it's not that simple with me. 

Another contributory factor to not being able to have my own place is the cost of living. In the last few years, we've seen utility bills rocket and security tags placed on tubs of Lurpak butter - and the government wonders why people still live with their parents in their 30s. 

As I said, people do see someone who still lives with their parents as a big ick. It can be a turn-off for some. But at the end of the day, it's today's reality for me and many others. Even though I still live with my Mam, we both live very independent lives. She does her thing and I do mine. I contribute to the household finances, do my share of the housework and do my own food shop. 

I want to say to those who still live with their parents that it's ok. 

I would love to remove the stigma and just let it be normalised. I don't see myself still living at home as a privilege, it's just my current status. I don't want to live at home forever. I want to have my own place where I can decorate and be completely financially independent. Some may say "At least you don't have kids to feed or have to pay mortgage or rent". That is true, I don't. But I still would like the independence of living in my own place. 

I hate that there is still somewhat societal pressure that we should move out of our parent's homes by the age of 30, be married and have 2.4 children. This isn't the 1950's. This is 2024 and times have changed. During my 20s, I always felt I was WAY behind my friends in terms of where they were in life. But since I reached 30, I've adopted the f**k it attitude and I have accepted I am on this path for a reason. Ok, some of it is my own doing, but I do think I'm on this path for another reason, a reason I will hopefully discover soon. 

However, I will still save up for a place of my own, I will still be as independent as I possibly can be and I will do my utmost to normalise it being ok to still live at home in your 30s, regardless of the situation. I'm not as ashamed and embarrassed about it as I would have been before the pandemic. Life has its funny way of leading you on the path that best fits you. 

One thing I have noticed in recent times is that people seem to be more open about this subject on social media and in other general media. Having people be honest about their living situation helps those like myself feel less alone, feel less behind than everyone else. 

I just hope that this post can help more people talk about this and realise that it's ok to be living at home like myself.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this, let me know!