Home with mom and dad may not be where their heart is, but it’s where many college seniors are headed after graduation next month.
With unemployment rates spiking and companies reluctant to hire, many college seniors are facing the prospect of graduating without a job and moving home to save money.
Ben Keylor of Bridgewater, who will graduate from Stonehill College in Easton, is expecting to return to the nest.
“I’m going to live at home for awhile, save up some money,” Keylor said. “But I want to live in a city while I’m still young. As soon as I have a little money, I’m heading to the city.”
While the economic slump and higher costs of living are the primary reasons, moving home also carries little stigma among young adults, many of whom rely on parents for advice and support, experts say.
Students who do hope to relocate after getting their degrees may want to heed the words of Peter Wallace, author of “Life 101: Real-World Advice for Graduating College Seniors” and an associate professor of business administration at Stonehill.
His advice: Research unemployment rates and job opportunities in your field in the city or area you plan to move to.
“In this economy, it might not be that easy,” Wallace said. But, he added, “if you’re willing to take a risk, go for it.”
That’s advice Dave Barkhouse of Randolph may take.
“I want to move somewhere outside of Massachusetts. Checking out the job market beforehand is certainly a good idea,” said Barkhouse, a Stonehill senior.
Ryan Tilley of Marshfield, also a senior at Stonehill, wants to move out of state but will first move back home after graduation to save money.
“As soon as I can get out, I’m getting out,” said Tilley.
While Tilley’s ultimate goal is to move away from Massachusetts, with a sinking economy he realizes this may not be possible.
“I want to move and get a different perspective ... But I don’t want to go somewhere without a job,” Tilley said.
According to Wallace, the Stonehill professor and author, living at home can have benefits.
“It helps networking for two reasons. Number one: parents participate in networking because after three months they want you out of the house. Number two: contacts at your own age level have very little to offer you back,” Wallace said.
However, Wallace cautioned against the “huge psychological burden on both your parents and you.”
After four years apart, both the young adult and his or her parents have changed.
The new college graduates, after dorm life, are used to coming and going on their own timetable. Parents may try to enforce old rules and expectations, but they also may have come to enjoy life as “empty nesters.”
“Set ground rules that are explicit,” Wallace recommended.
http://www.enterprisenews.com/archive/x718270807/Some-college-grads-plan-to-live-with-parents-to-save-money
No comments:
Post a Comment