I’m 29 years old and living at home with my parents. Financially, it’s been a huge help. I’m able to save a lot of money, and with the cost of living and rent being so high, I’ve been thinking it’s the smart thing to do. But at the same time, I feel like I’m stuck in this weird in-between stage of adulthood.
I have a full-time job, I help out around the house, and I pay for my own things, but I still feel like a teenager in a lot of ways. My parents don’t really give me rules, but it’s not exactly my space either. I’m starting to wonder if staying here is actually holding me back from growing into the person I want to be.
I’ve been looking at apartments, and honestly, the cost terrifies me. The idea of spending half my paycheck on rent feels like throwing money away, especially when I could be saving for a down payment on a house one day.
Is staying with your parents financially smart? Absolutely. But life isn’t just about maximizing savings—it’s about living. And right now, it sounds like you’re overdue for the joys (and, yes, the headaches) of an independent life. You’re 29, and while I’m sure your parents are happy to help, it’s time to start writing the next chapter of your own story.
Here’s the thing about independence: it’s the ultimate classroom for growth. Moving out isn’t just about having your own space or avoiding awkward run-ins with your parents in the kitchen at midnight. It’s about stepping into a life where you call the shots—and you handle the consequences.
Living independently forces you to confront life head-on. You learn how to budget when rent and bills are staring you down every month. You figure out how to fix things when there’s no one else to step in. You discover what you actually value in a home, in a routine, and in your personal space. These lessons can’t be taught—they have to be lived.
Yes, it’s scary. Yes, it’s expensive. And yes, you’ll probably screw up a few times along the way (spoiler: everyone does). But every time you solve a problem on your own, you’ll build confidence. Every time you make a decision, you’ll get closer to understanding who you are and what you want out of life.
Growth doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens when you stretch yourself—when you take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. Moving out is one of the most powerful ways to stretch, and it sounds like you’re ready for it.
So go find a place. Maybe you’ll start with a roommate to ease the financial load. Maybe you’ll rent a little studio and figure out how to make it work. Whatever you choose, remember: this isn’t about where you live—it’s about who you become.
You’re not just moving out. You’re leveling up.