Scrolling through Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook over the summer can lead to a serious case of FOMO. If your social media friends are anything like mine, they’re off combing every inch of the globe and documenting it for our at home viewing. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled for my friends and proud of everything that they’re doing, but watching it all from Mom and Dad’s couch would make anyone a little stir-crazy.
Friends from school and home tag-team you with their impressive and extravagant posts from their adventures, begging you to ask yourself why your life isn’t as enthralling as theirs. It’s a gloomy trap that anyone can fall into, but what if I said it’s okay to be working a job and living at home this season?
We’ve been raised as a generation of resume builders, constantly adding accomplishments to our repertoire, and by this logic; those of us at home aren’t quite measuring up. Our friends are off conquering their fears and faraway lands, while the most exciting thing you did today was get lunch with the best friend you’ve had for 15 years. But before you write yourself off as a deadbeat, and fall into counting the days until you pack up again for school, take a minute to consider that a summer at home isn’t quite as tragic as you think.
1. You’re saving money.
If you’re spending the summer back at your old stomping ground, chances are high that you’re working some sort of job, and even higher that you’re saving money by living at home. Perhaps this doesn’t measure up to eating macaroons in Paris, but come graduation, your bank account will be thanking you, and inviting you on adventures that you can actually afford.
2. You’re learning important skills.
I’ve learned that while this isn’t necessarily as glamorous as backpacking across Europe or camping in Iceland, there’s a sense of accomplishment and beauty to be gained from figuring out how to function in the “real world.” From office etiquette to sneaking a workout into your busy schedule, to learning how to budget the money you’ve made, this is a valuable summer for personal development.
3. You will get your time to shine.
Just because you’re the one at home this season, doesn’t mean that you’re the designated homebody. Whether it’s an abroad term, a gap year after college, or even an exciting spring break trip, your time will come and it will be even sweeter because you had to wait for it.
4. You get to actually spend time with friends from home.
Let’s face it; after high school graduation, you don’t get to spend quality time with high school friends the way you used to. Summer vacation is the most time you get to spend with the people who watched you grow up, so instead of complaining about the adventures you wish you were on, cherish the little ones that remind you of your childhood.
5. You have time to better yourself.
Learning about yourself doesn’t have to require shipping off to another country, in fact some of the best growth occurs right here at home. This summer, without the distraction of schoolwork and hectic college life, you have a chance to really work on yourself and become a better version of you. Whether this means taking up meditation, an instrument or hobby, there are very few times in life when we have the liberty and time to try new things, so it’s important to take advantage of it.
Bon voyage to everyone going on a trip this summer, I love seeing the world through your lens! But for everyone at home, remember that a summer in the suburbs can be just as full of growth, life, and even adventure.
