Most people are more likely to help family members than a random stranger — and that is how it ought to be. But there comes a time when you have to start creating boundaries. The last thing you want is to sever ties with a family member because they abused your kindness.
The Pew Research Center recently came out with a report that found a growth in multigenerational households by 16% since the 1970s. Twenty-five percent of adults between the ages of 25 and 35 years old were living in their parents’ homes in 2021, compared to only 9% of that same age range back in 1971.
Among the reasons are student debt, the increasing cost of living, and other financial problems.
But consider this too: A majority (57%) of young adults living with their parents had at least a bachelor’s degree. Only 35% of the ones living with their parents had not received a high school diploma, Pew found.
There are many advantages to living at home. It may save you a lot of money and help you save for the future. But for Generation Z, it should not be the end goal. Multigenerational households come with added household responsibilities, increased relational tensions, and less autonomy.
The rise in the boomerang generation is not a bad thing in all respects. But if the number of multigenerational households continues to increase, the future for these young adults once they move out (if they ever move out?) is unclear.
Esther Wickham is a summer 2022 Washington Examiner fellow.
