I get kinda sick of people judging me because I am 26 years old and still live with my mom...What most people DON'T get is that 5 years ago my mom was laid off from her job after 31 years of service and is now drawing her pension (which was extremely cut back due to her drawing it early) which makes it impossible for her to get a job in the same line of work (retail/grocery/bakery etc). And she is is far from tech savvy or healthy enough to work in a factory setting. Also She is 57 so her options are kinda limited due to not so great health.
My mom and I have always lived well together. We get along really well and she loves the animals just as much as I do. We barely ever argue. I have no rules or guidelines to follow (because i'm an adult). And without me here to pay all the utility bills, buy groceries, and buy gas for the car she would not be able to keep her home.
So I really take offence when people think I am "living off my mommy" when really it's no different than living with a roommate. I also get annoyed when people think I am forced to live here...No! I made the choice to do this. I made the choice to not watch my mom lose her house and have to move in with crazy relatives. I was not asked to but I made the choice to take over paying a majority of the bills. Because I am single, have no other commitments in my life. And it works for myself and the canines
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Also due to my moms poor health we are currently waiting to see if she qualifies (which all the doctors say she does) to receive social security/disability. If that happens that would be a HUGE god send and we could stop living paycheck to paycheck. That would also free me up to possibly move into my own place someday. But in all honesty I am in no hurry.
I just wish the stigma and the judgement would go away. I mainly get it from younger friends (fresh out of high school or college) that can't imagine why I would want to live like this.
I do have to admit though. A few friends have recently had to move back in with their parents due to financial issues. And it's so hard to me not to go "Nah! Nah! Nah! It's not so easy out there on your own is it?