How to move back home after graduation and not lose out on life

Like so many recent grads I packed up my college apartment a few days after graduation and moved back home with my mom. I honestly didn’t consider anything else. I was interviewing for jobs but didn’t land anything permanent yet. I felt like it was the most responsible and practical decision at the time.

I lived with my mom for almost three years before I moved out into my own (amazing) apartment. I saved a ton of money, it allowed me time to really figure things out and get my life together and it made my relationship with my mom stronger. On the flip side, commuting into the city for work was rough and in the beginning I felt like I was missing out on having the social life I wanted.

But despite the cons, moving back home was one of the wisest decisions I think I’ve ever made and really set me up for success down the line.

Here’s a few ways I continued to make the most out of life while living under my mom’s roof.

I SAVED MY MONEY FOR MY BANK ACCOUNT AND EXPERIENCES

Once I landed a job a few months after graduation, I immediately tried to begin saving money. But since I didn’t graduate with debt, I was more lenient on myself to also enjoy my money. I paid for vacations and excursions. I went to the wineries and other states. I don’t think I could have done everything I did if I had rent to pay.

I INVESTED IN MYSELF AND DREAMS

I think it’s extremely important to invest in yourself beyond just earning a college degree. While living at home, I invested in a (pretty expensive) DSLR camera to take my video work to the next level. I took online courses to learn specific skills. I took cooking classes at a culinary school and built my wardrobe with key pieces that I knew would last. Yes I could have done this living on my own but I know I would have been hesitant knowing the costs.

I FULLY UTILIZED LYFT AND UBER AND MET SOME COOL PEOPLE

Lyft and Uber became my main mode of transportation on late nights. I usually took the line or pool option to save money. Although I’ve had a couple bad experiences, I overall don’t know what I would do without ride-sharing. I’ve had so many great conversations with fellow passengers and drivers and even met a couple guys I would later go out on dates with.

I GOT MY DREAM APARTMENT BECAUSE I WASN’T IN A RUSH

Now I don’t think people should live at home forever but if there’s no rush, then don’t rush it. By hanging out at my friend’s houses I figured out what I wanted and didn’t want. I was able to hear their roommate horror stories (yes they can get worse after college). I asked them questions about their lease, the cost of utilities, etc. I explored different neighborhoods and visited a plethora of different apartments. I didn’t make a decision on where to live because I was in rush and I’m really grateful for that.

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