PHOTO: Boomerang Generation. FILE
In a story from Wellington, a young woman recognized the need to move back in with her parents when her financial situation deteriorated to the point where she couldn’t afford nutritious meals. However, her mother had reservations about her returning to the family home.
Traditionally, moving out of one’s parental home has symbolized a step towards adulthood. It’s where young individuals gain independence, learn financial management, and explore the world on their own terms. But a growing number of young New Zealanders are forgoing this freedom, resembling boomerangs as they return to the parental nest.
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Why are they making this choice? For some, the escalating cost of living has become unmanageable, while others find it impossible to save for travel while also paying rent. When Newshub invited Kiwis who had moved back home to share their stories, they received an influx of responses, many of which shared a common theme: the challenges of adulthood are daunting.
Katie, who had been living in shared accommodation for two to three years, decided to return home due to the stress of financial strain, which prevented her from maintaining a proper diet or accessing healthcare. “The cost of living played a huge role in moving back home,” she explained.
Furthermore, dealing with flatmates proved challenging, and she hopes to avoid this experience in the future if possible. After a year back home, Katie’s decision has paid off. She managed to bolster her savings and is now planning to purchase her first home. “It was the best option for me,” she concluded. Katie is not alone in her choice, as Newshub also interviewed Otago University Clinical Psychologist Kobus du Plooy, who noted the emergence of a new phenomenon—the “boomerang generation.”
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Du Plooy referred to studies from the United States and the United Kingdom that highlighted this trend of young adults moving back home, which goes against conventional norms. Andreas, who spent several years studying in Dunedin, returned to Wellington and discovered that rental prices had nearly doubled compared to what he had previously paid. As a public servant, he moved home to maximize his financial stability and pay off his student loans, all while saving for future travels.
Andreas has been back home for around nine months and is saving approximately half of his paycheck as a result. Despite missing his independence, he hopes to return to shared accommodation next year to regain some freedom.
While his parents have become less strict since he became an adult, living at home still requires more communication and adherence to certain rules than having his own place. However, Andreas appreciates knowing that home is always an option, and he believes his mother is pleased with the arrangement, especially with his siblings living elsewhere.
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Andreas’ partner and many of his close friends have also moved back in with their parents due to the financial strain of living expenses. In a few months, I will follow in the footsteps of Andreas and Katie, leaving my shared accommodation after three years to move back in with my parents. Like them, I find independent living expensive, particularly with the high cost of living. As I prepare to move abroad, saving every dollar of my paycheck is essential, and I am grateful to have supportive parents, as leaving the country would not be possible without this option.
I believe that moving back home should not carry the stigma it might have had for previous generations, as there seems to be a shift in attitude.
Kobus du Plooy suggested that in a changing world, especially amid a tightening cost-of-living crisis, young adults are taking a pragmatic approach. He noted that many younger individuals acknowledge the challenges and have begun better planning for the future. This generation is open to the idea that moving back home is not inherently flawed.
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Du Plooy emphasized that most young people who moved back home reported positive aspects, as they found support from their families. However, he cautioned that transitioning back to living at home after independence can be tricky, as parents may still see their children as dependents.
To avoid conflicts, he advised those considering such a move to communicate openly, establish clear expectations, and ensure that everyone is on the same page. He emphasized the importance of empathy and meaningful discussions before making the transition. “It all boils down to communication,” he concluded.
SOURCE: NEWSHUB