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This might sound a bit harsh, but unless you have absolutely no income and can’t survive, then seriously re-think a move back home. Many young Canadians are making a transition (though many unfortunately consider it regressing), by either moving back in with their parents or even delaying their departure, in a well-intentioned move to save money. But, like many well-intentioned paths, there are distractions that can endanger de-railing you should you not be meticulous with your finances.
Don’t let us get off on the wrong foot here, though. We know better than most how hard it is for you.
How Rough It Really Is
Low (or no) job prospects.
Crippling student debt.
Rapidly increasing costs of food, clothes and basic necessities.
If you’ve been lucky to find work, you’re probably one in the growing number of young Canadians who are employed in a temporary or contract placement. Though this might be a short-term solution, you’re probably tossing and turning every night with this anxious thought, “what am I going to do when this job ends? What if I get another part-time/contract/temporary job?”.
We know you’ve probably been on the end of some criticism, too. You’ve busted your backside in school, maybe you even paid your own way, you did an internship (or three) and your resume as a new grad is sparkling. Yet, there are still those who might think you’re a lazy, whining young person who just doesn’t know the value of “hard work”, or that you’re “entitled”.
The truth is you know exactly how hard it is to survive. Not only that, but you most likely feel guilty that you have to be a burden on your folks or other family members if you need to move back home. You understand the impact of the delay of finding a solid career better than the majority of generations before you; everything, from buying a house, to raising a family to saving for your own retirement, is being pushed back.
Life expectancy might be higher than it’s ever been, but with mounting stress, lack of progress, low prospects & no health benefits, we can half-seriously joke that it might not mean anything if we’re dying of heart-attacks before we’re 50.
So, if you have to move back home, then do so with great caution and demand your folks (or whomever you’re moving in with) enforce strict rules on your spending IF you can’t reign them in yourself. If you’ve never had a chance to practice budgeting in the midst of trying to pave your own way into adulthood, then take the time to become a financial Jedi Master right now.
Your free resources dry up fast – alumni houses only offer free resume and interview training seminars for maybe 6 months after you graduate. Your discounted student fees disappear the moment your service providers discover you’re no longer studying full time.
If your folks let you live rent-free while you work, you might be okay with your spending…but be honest with yourself – you might not be. The trap is even easier to fall into if you have friends in a similar boat. New grads have plans to save money after moving home, but then end up spending on entertainment, new tech, cars and their social life.
Unless you have developed iron-clad self discipline or solid budgeting prowess, don’t move back in with your parents. If you absolutely must, because you simply can’t survive unless you do, ask your parents to help institute solid rules. Yes, you’re a young adult, but there’s no shame in asking for help especially if it helps you in the long run.
If it’s not from them, make an appointment with your bank to set up a savings account that is virtually untouchable. This way, even if you’re tempted to withdraw funds, you won’t be able to. Building good habits can be really hard, but you’ve been through worse.
You’ve finished school, remember! This is nothing in comparison.
Sources:
Statistics Canada
Globe & Mail: Generation Nixed. Why Canada’s Youth are losing hope for the Future.
