In just a few short months, I will walk across the stage in Fifth Third Arena, and be handed a piece of paper that cost thousands of dollars, more Toppers Stix than I care to admit, a lot of cheap drinks at Woodys, and a little bit of my dignity. Until then, I’ve been asked the dreaded question seniors hate to hear. You know, the one that you just want to fall to the ground, and take a nap instead of answering.
So what are your plans after graduation? I think people use it as a conversation starter, to feel better about the fact that they have their life together, but when you’re clueless, it makes you want to pretend you are a freshman in Exploratory Studies that doesn’t even know how to find their next class.
The only thing about my nonexistent graduation plans that I know for sure: I am looking to find a job locally and moving back home. Cincinnati is home to headquarters of companies like P&G, Kroger, and Macy's and has many opportunities for college graduates. So I'm not worried...yet.
So why, as a 22-year-old who has been away for four years, am I okay with moving home? Well, let me tell you.
1. Free Rent
After living off campus for three years, I see maybe half, or less, of my paychecks. Bills, rent, "social" expenses, dues, groceries and gas, and the list goes on and on. I’ve even been paid once, and within MINUTES of paying my rent and bills, I had $9 to last me two weeks. Nine dollars. That's one burrito bowl and some chips. Shout-out to my parents for helpin’ me out on that one. So instead of getting paid and crying, I’ll be getting paid and laughing. Maybe withdrawing my new adult paycheck in dollar bills to make it rain. Stay tuned.
2. No grocery shopping and free laundry.
I mean, c’mon. You no longer have to wait until your entire closet is in the hamper to do laundry, then only to forget your wet clothes in the washer and have to wash them again because they smell. You no longer have to wonder how you can turn chips and expired carrots into a meal, and cooking ramen for lunch and dinner (and breakfast) is a thing of the past.
3. No roommate drama.
You don’t have to worry about that one person you signed a one year lease with because they were “nice” and “cool” and you were desperate for that fourth roommate to save $50 bucks a month. But after three weeks, you realized they don't understand how to clean, use a dishwasher, or turn down their terrible music. You’ve already lived with these people for 18 years, so you know what you're in for.
4. Pets. Lots of Pets.
We are all guilty of googling puppies and kittens, maybe even religiously checking shelter websites to find “the perfect pet” (or maybe that's just me). But if you want full freedom in your twenties, having your own pet can limit that. So instead, if you live at home and are lucky to have family pets, you've got those automatic furry best friends you can play, and cuddle with and still be able to leave on a spontaneous weekend trip and not have to worry about them (sorry Mom).
Let me know if you can think of a better plan. After moving home, I can call my father and see if he wants to meet me at happy hour after work or spend a Saturday afternoon watching "Snapped" marathons and drinking wine with my mom. Because sooner or later, you’re actually going to have to be in the real world, completely on your own, paying for everything, so now is the time to live it up.
I’m not planning on living at home forever. It’s temporary, but it’ll keep me from living off microwaveable meals and being utterly broke. Less stress with a full wallet? Sign me up!
