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Why is it that young adults, who cry so desparately for personal space and independence from parental oversight, leave home only to end up right back under their parent's roof? The reality is that it happening with alarming frequency, and every "boomerang kid" has their own story. From divorce, to losing a job, to saving money, to financial dependency, more twenty and thirty somethings find moving back in with mom and dad easier than struggling in an unpredictable economy.

It's Saturday morning and you had every intention on sleeping late. Your bartending shift ended at 2AM, but it wasn't until three before you finished counting your drawer and cleaning up. Your mom has already stuck her head into your room twice, suggesting that you go to the Super Garden Center with her to pick out spring bulbs. You roll over to look at the time, and it's only eight o'clock.

Rubbing sleep from your eyes, you wonder aloud how you ended up back back at home. After graduating from State University three years earlier, your future looked bright. You accepted a job 60 miles away selling advertising for a group of radio stations, which provided perks like concert tickets and a free pass into the hottest nightclubs.

But times got hard for local businesses, and many cut back their advertising budgets. You were a rising star at the media group, but as the newest hire, you were one of the first to be let go. You struggled through your savings to stay afloat for a few months, but with student loans, a car payment, insurance, and splitting rent with a roommate who could barely keep a job, you were barely keeping your head above water. After your roommate bailed, stiffing you for three months rent, you knew it was time to humble yourself, and ask your parents about moving back in.

Sure, you know all the numbers, and how statistics indicate that you're not alone. In 2006, Nearly 54 percent of guys between 18 and 24 still lived at home. But that includes college students whose parents still claim them on their taxes. Still, more than one out of every ten guys between 25 and 34 also live with mom and dad. Working in advertising gave you a strong background in statistical research, but you never thought you'd be one of the statistics.

How bad can you really feel? Becky, who lives two doors down, just graduated with her master's degree, and now she's back home. After a couple of years living on Ramen Noodles, she looks like she's happy to eat real food again. But with $40,000 in school loans, and another $6,000 in credit card debt, you wonder how she's going to ever move out on that $32,000 teacher's salary. It's funny how you both fit right in with national statistics.

Your thoughts drift to the hottie you met at the bar last night. When she slipped you her number, you were already thinking of what story to tell her about why, at 25 years old and with a college degree, you're still living with your parents. The truth is always best, but it's a little embarrassing. Especially after the last girl showed little patience for chilling at your house with your mom, dad, and 14 year old brother.

Your mom's at the door again. She wants to get there before all the bulbs get picked over. Slipping into your jeans, you think "there's got to be a better way."

Learn more about this author, Terry Marsh.
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