The millennial housing situation has always been a topic of discussion. Fuelled by an economic climate that hasn’t allowed millennials to save enough money for rent each month, let alone a housing deposit, owning a home has become a pipedream for many millennials.
Resigned to the fact that renting might simply be ‘it’ and dealing with emotions that come with that – anger at having been ripped from an “essential right” or “adult milestone”, despair at the thought of living at the “Parent Inn” forever, to the relief of not having to face yet another loan and debt – 2020 hasn’t seen it get any better.
The global pandemic of COVID-19 has resulted in the mass upheaval of many millennials from what independent homes they did have, back to their parents. Ongoing frustration of yet again, economic times leaving us in a state where we just cannot get ahead. Stuck between a rock and a hard place of financial woes and uncertainty – and one which for many, now involves their parents (again). What do we do when life continues to throw one housing curveball after another?
Strategies To Manage Your Return Home
- Ask for support. Millennials experience significant rates of anxiety and depression at the best of times – the current situation exacerbating this. It’s a given that emotions will be fragile and you’re under a lot of stress. Understand and accept that you will need support and that it’s ok to ask for help. Being open with your parents will keep tensions low and open channels of communication.
- Pick your battles. Millennials see the world through a different lens and will act and behave that way. Your values and belief system are different from your parents. Accepting that you will not see eye to eye and will have different opinions about the current state and future, offers a space for respect, rather than tension.
- Create space. Being an adult in your family home means there will be a shift in dynamics – and roles. When it comes to working from home, make sure you have the space to do that. Create a separate workspace and ask your parents to treat you like colleagues during the day, so you can avoid being interrupted during working hours – especially on calls.
- Find meaning. Jobs are a source of meaning in the lives of millennials. Which means when millennials don’t have a job or underemployed, we’re not deriving that same satisfaction that comes from the meaning and purpose a job provides. If you are lagging on meaning, then find something to help recreate purpose. Tidy the home, get stuck in the garden, spend quality time with your parents. Give back – and feel better for it.
While tough times exist – and may continue to do so – these strategies will help fail-proof your sanity, and regression to your teenage self.
The Carousel would like to thank author and podcaster Jacqueline Cripps for her article. You can find out more about Jacqueline on her website:
