You’re a College Grad Now…So Act Like It

What a sweet deal you have now - no need to worry about paying rent, unlimited amount of food in the fridge, clean laundry, and free cable. What more could a college graduate want? Don’t get too comfortable on that La-Z-Boy chair. This isn’t your place; it’s your parents. Remember to show them and their home the same respect you would have for your own apartment.

Here are a few ways you can show your parents how much you’ve grown up in college:

• Your parents should not be your personal maid or assistant. Tell your parents you don't need laundry or dinner, that you will do it yourself.

• At mealtime, call ahead of time to tell them if you will or won't be coming so they know how much food to prepare.

• Take responsibility for your own finances like paying college loans or credit card bills. Let your parents know about the steps you are taking toward financial independence, they may be willing to help out.

• Offer to run errands, drive, or clean for your parents to show them that you can take care of yourself. If you borrow their car to run those errands, make sure that you refill the gas tank.

• If you go out to dinner with your parents, offer to pay the bill or at least the tip

• When borrowing money from your parents make it formal, write down the amount you borrowed and when you'll pay it back.

The more you act like a renter now, the easier it will be to transition into your own place.

Action: Talk with your parents about how you can contribute and take on more responsibility.

Up Next: Make the Most of Your Time At Home

This is an excerpt from Deciding Where to Live After College Guide which is included in our Real World 101 Care Packages. Visit our Care Package page to find out how to get one for yourself or for a lucky college grad!

Comments

[Jessica]

Great Article--it's so easy getting too comfortable at your parent's house! I wrote a book about how to lose weight after college and transition into adulthood the healthy way. It's called 'Time Travel Back to Cute and Skinny'. Besides taking responsibility financially, college grads should also make responsible decisions when it comes to their health! Check it out: http://cuteandskinny.com/

[Patricia Hudak]

Thanks for your comment, Jessica!

I'd like to talk to you more about your book. Please contact me patricia@realworld101.org.