The Rise of ‘Boomerang Kids’: A New Norm for Young Adults
As the cost of living continues to soar, a growing trend of young adults returning to their parental homes is becoming increasingly common. This phenomenon, often referred to as the ‘boomerang’ stage, is now more than just an exception, but rather a typical scenario for many people in their 20s and 30s.
A Personal Journey
Take Sheridan Block, for example. At 30, she had recently completed a volunteer teaching stint in Marseilles, France, and returned to Jacksonville, Florida, to assist her grandparents. Her original intention was to stay briefly, but when the global pandemic emerged, her plans shifted dramatically.
“It was kind of a spiral,” Block recalls. In exchange for living rent-free, she provided support for her grandparents by attending appointments, cooking, and handling household chores. What started as a short stay ultimately extended to two years, during which she successfully eliminated her debts and even saved enough for a car and future independence. While Block found value in strengthening familial bonds, she also had to reevaluate her preconceptions about adult life.
Statistics Unveiled
Block’s experience is echoed by many young adults today. In July 2020, a report from the Pew Research Center revealed that 52% of young Americans lived with their parents, the highest figure since the Great Depression. A similar trend was seen in the UK, with a 55% increase in young, child-free adults living with parents from 2008 to 2017, according to research from Loughborough University.
| Country | Percentage of Young Adults Living at Home | Year |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 52% | 2020 |
| United Kingdom | 55% Increase | 2008 to 2017 |
Changing Perspectives on Independence
In Western societies, moving out has long been associated with gaining independence. However, as the number of boomerang kids increases, perceptions of adulthood and independence are evolving. Many younger adults have turned this stage into a practical solution to economic challenges, often prompting discussions about redefining what adulthood truly means.
Joanne Hipplewith, a family therapist in London, attributes this shift largely to skyrocketing living expenses in major urban centers. Many young adults find financial respite by returning to their roots, allowing them to manage tuition and other financial responsibilities more effectively. This return home is acknowledged as a temporary phase for many; however, for some, it could extend over several years, offering a practical timeframe to establish an independent career or resolve financial burdens.
Emotional Hurdles and Opportunities
While the boomerang stage can be bittersweet—it may evoke feelings of regression for some—experts argue that it can also bring unforeseen advantages. Block, for instance, initially felt disheartened by her unexpected living arrangement, which was contrary to her expectations of adulthood. Nevertheless, she discovered that this time at home provided her a launchpad for personal development and exploration of meaningful work.
Moreover, boomerang kids often find this return fosters deeper family connections at a time when they would normally be forming new friendships. Hipplewith points out that young adults shouldn’t feel pressured to embrace traditional life milestones; viewing the return home as part of informed decision-making could pave the way to a healthier outlook on adulthood.
As the world evolves, experts predict that the trend of boomerang living will likely persist, with pathways to adulthood becoming less linear and more intertwined. This shift could redefine success for a generation learning that the journey to adulthood is as important as the milestones traditionally associated with it.
