Look at you. You're fresh out of school and landed a nice job. Or maybe you're just fresh out of school (we're not judging). Whether you're doing it out of necessity or you just want to stack some bread, heading back to mom and pop's house is all the rage these days. That can quickly turn to serious anger if done incorrectly. I've been there, so I thought I'd give you a few pointers to make sure your homecoming is short and sweet. Let's get into it.
Leave Correct
Before you can come back home, you have to make sure you leave the right way. If you left with two middle fingers in the air, your parents might have some gestures of their own when you come crawling back. The older you get, the more you realize that your parents were just doing the best they knew how to do. No matter how you spent those first 18 years of your life, chances are your parents co-signed the biggest assets in your life in some way. Suddenly, your car, tuition, apartment, insurance, health care, taxes, and food become expenses you have to pay... ALL THE TIME. If you want to use your hard-earned money on more productive things (like Coachella), you might want to act like you have some sense when you say goodbye. Things change, my friend.
Be Respectful
Now that you're back, it's time to show them what's up. You're not a kid anymore, so you have to set the tone by NOT blasting Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon until 4 AM in the morning. This overly dramatic example is precisely what will keep you from getting kicked out of your parents' house. Your parents are human; they are willing to level with you; just don't get outrageous. I know it's hard, but you have to remember it's not YOUR house. Whatever annoying things they do with their belongings will have to be tolerated, especially since you're borrowing them. This brings me to my next point.
Do Some Chores
A little housekeeping goes a long way, and it shows your parents that you're grateful. Even if you are paying rent, it can open doors to extra groceries and complimentary laundry support. Being an isolated slob is one thing, but no one likes when someone else is dirtying up their living space. Be an adult, and clean up after yourself.
Have an Escape Plan
This applies to short and long-term situations. As much fun as your parents are, being with them 24/7 can be a....drag. You should still be social, so make sure you broaden your horizons while in your own backyard. You'll be amazed at how much a city can change in 4 years. Take it upon yourself to rediscover it. Don't get carried away, though; you have to remember why you are here in the first place; to set yourself up for the next phase. If you're looking to be financially independent, this is where you build a plan and stick to it. Give yourself a time frame of when you want to be out, and make it happen. Most parents don't mind helping you get off your feet, but you'll start hearing moans and groans when you've overstayed your welcome. Don't let it come to that; make your stay a brief one.
Build Your Relationship
Remember when I told you a lot changes in 4 years? One of those things is our maturity and perspective. Now more than ever, you can bounce ideas off your parents and get to know them on a deeper level. You'll find out why they did the things they did with you and catch some pretty good advice when it comes to life, love, and everything in between. You're not only shaping your financial future, but you're also girding your spirit and mind with wisdom. It's hard watching your parents age sometimes, especially because you've always counted on them for so much. But coming back home will show you they're not as fast as they always were, and they won't be there forever. If you never had a great relationship with them in the past, start a new beginning. If you already have a good one, try to make it better. You won't always get home cooking from mom, so maximize the time that you do. It truly is priceless.