The cost of independence is rising, and young professionals are paying it in square footage. Zety, a resume templates service, today released its Boomerang Kids Report, revealing how economic pressure and shifting social norms have driven many early-career workers back into their childhood bedrooms.
Surveying 1,000 adults aged 18–33, the report found that 35% of young adults have previously lived with their parents after starting their career and another (34%) are currently living with their parents. High rent/housing costs (62%) and inadequate salary (38%) are the top reasons.
Key Findings
- Nearly half of young workers (45%) are living with parents (34%) or other relatives (11%) instead of living independently.
- 78% know at least one person aged 33 or younger who had to move back in with their parents after starting their career.
- 55% believe living at home as an adult hurts their workplace credibility.
- 43% fear it could block a promotion.
- 37% say they wouldn’t tell coworkers or managers they live at home.
A Generation Redefining Adulthood
Zety’s data shows how the youngest members of the workforce are rewriting what it means to “make it” — financially, professionally, and emotionally.
Current living situation:
- 34% live with their parents
- 11% live with other relatives
- 55% live independently (alone or with roommates/partner)
This means nearly half of young workers are living with family instead of independently. In addition, 78% know at least one person aged 33 or younger who have moved back in with their parents after starting their career.
Boomerang Kids: What’s Driving Young Professionals Home?
Financial strain is a major factor in why young adults move back in with their family, fueling the rise of ‘boomerang kids.’ Respondents cited these as the top reasons:
- High rent or housing costs (62%)
- Salary does not cover basic living expenses (38%)
- Saving money for a major goal (home, travel, education) (27%)
- Enjoys living with family (26%)
- Lost a job or unable to find one (25%)
- Paying off student loans or other debt (20%)
- Needs emotional or family support (20%)
- Dealing with health challenges (18%)
- Ended a relationship (16%)
The Professional Impact of Moving Home
Living at home can be viewed negatively, as many young adults worry it may affect credibility and advancement in the workplace:
- 55% believe living at home as an adult hurts their chances of being taken seriously.
- 37% wouldn’t feel comfortable telling coworkers or a manager that they live at home.
- 43% think it could prevent them from getting a promotion.
Trend Toward Normalizing Boomerang Living
While 70% of young adults acknowledge there’s still a stigma, returning home is becoming more accepted among early-career professionals:
- 34% believe living at home is smart and financially responsible.
- 58% view it as a temporary or practical step rather than a setback.
- 76% say it is becoming more normal for peers in their age group.
“For many young professionals, living at home isn’t about failure, it’s a survival strategy,” said Toni Frana, Career Expert at Zety. “The challenge is that the workplace still clings to outdated ideas of independence, even when the economy makes it unrealistic.”
For detailed insights on the Boomerang Kids Report, access the full study at zety.com/blog/boomerang-kids-report.
Photo credit: Mindful Media/iStock
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Tags: boomerang kinds, career, early career, economy, parents, rent, young professionals
