When Should I Move Out of Home?

Is there a one-size-fits-all answer? We asked our members. Here’s our fave response.

Moving out of home while you are a young adult is considered ideal in today's modern society, highlighted through social media and movies, with graduates encouraged to move once they’ve finished high school, university or any other type of tertiary education.

However, in my opinion, I believe that unless the circumstances suggest otherwise for the individual, it is best to stay home until you are financially stable enough to move out.

In this day and age, eating out somewhere cheap could cost you up to an hour of (minimum wage) pay. So, how can someone working just above minimum wage pay for rent and other necessities too?

As someone who has worked three jobs (at once) and is studying full time, I strongly believe that, despite working many hours and sacrificing a percentage of my grades, I would struggle with my own bills, food and rent if I was living out of home, and would possibly crawl back to my mum in tears, stressed out and with 10 strands of grey hair (instead of my current number of grey strands: one).

Social media has played a significant role in drilling into our heads the unrealistic expectations of moving out while we’re young, without considering the rising costs in Australian houses and rent.

That's why I believe staying at home for a while is a smart and efficient way to save money.

Hypothetically, even if you have to pay weekly or monthly board, you’re still saving way more money than if you were paying $600 a week in rent on your own.

Statistics indicate that, soon, the average first-home buyer will be in their 40s, and many of those individuals will probably end up staying at home to save money until they are ready to purchase their own.

Each individual has their own circumstances and should not be judged on the age they decide to move out. Instead, we should praise those who set goals and achieve them. So, don’t be influenced by what you see or read online. We should focus on our own goals and move out when we are ready based on our financial stabilities.

You wouldn't want another nine grey strands of hair... would you?

Congratulations to Sophia for winning this week's writing challenge: When Should You Move Out of Home? Sophia wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Competitions section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge

Photo: New Line Cinema