Why I Still Live With My Parents — And Why I’m Not Ashamed Anymore

Byvictorspira

Published: May 13, 2025

I still live with my parents. I’m 29. And yeah, I used to be ashamed of it. I used to avoid talking about it, dodge the topic in conversations, or joke my way out when someone brought it up. But the truth is, I’ve started to see this situation differently. And maybe, just maybe, you’re in a similar place too — wondering if you’re behind, if something’s wrong with you, or if you’ll ever figure this out.

This article isn’t a justification. It’s a reflection. It’s about what it really means to live at home as a grown man, especially in a world where success is often measured by how early you moved out and how fast you “made it.”

Is It Weak to Still Live With My Parents?

Let’s be honest. In the eyes of society, a man who still lives with his parents is often seen as immature, lazy, or not ambitious enough. You’ve probably heard it: “Bro, you need to move out,” or “How can you grow if you’re still under their roof?”

I get it. Independence is important. But the truth is, most of the people talking like that don’t know what it’s like to face insane rent prices, unstable job markets, and the mental load of trying to “figure it all out” without a safety net. In places like the U.S., Canada, and Australia, more and more men in their 20s and even 30s are staying at home longer — not because they’re lost, but because they’re being smart about their next move.

Let’s Talk About the Real Reasons

So why do some of us stay longer at home?

  • Financial pressure: Rent is brutal. In most cities, you’re paying half your income just to survive — not live, survive.
  • Mental health: A lot of guys are silently dealing with anxiety, burnout, or depression. Living at home can be the only space that feels safe.
  • Family bonds: Not every home is toxic. Some of us actually enjoy being around our parents — and that’s okay.
  • Rebuilding: Maybe you moved out, life hit you hard, and coming back was the only way to regroup. That’s not failure. That’s survival.

Everyone’s story is different. And no one’s path is linear.

The Shame That Comes With It

Let’s not sugarcoat it. There is shame. There’s that voice in your head whispering, “You’re behind.” There’s the comparison trap — scrolling through Instagram, seeing people living alone, decorating apartments, going on trips, while you’re still in your childhood bedroom.

But here’s what helped me: I realized that shame grows in silence. The more I avoided the conversation, the worse I felt. When I started being honest — with myself, with friends — I realized how many guys were going through the exact same thing.

You’re not alone. You’re just quiet about it. Like I was.

Redefining Success (On Your Terms)

Success isn’t just about paying your own rent. It’s about emotional stability. It’s about building a life that makes sense for you, not just one that looks good from the outside.

If living at home allows you to:

  • save money without drowning in debt,
  • work on your mental health,
  • build a project, business, or dream,
  • support your family in return —

Then it’s not failure. It’s strategy. It’s maturity.

So When Is the Right Time to Move Out?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But here are some signs you might be ready:

  • You’ve got enough saved to cover at least 3–6 months of rent + emergencies.
  • You’re mentally ready to handle responsibilities: bills, laundry, meals, silence.
  • You’ve found a space — even if shared — that aligns with your values and lifestyle.
  • You’re moving toward something, not just running away from home.

And if you’re not there yet? That’s okay. Take the time to build that foundation. Rushing out just to prove a point can backfire hard.

What Living at Home Taught Me

Honestly? Patience. Humility. Gratitude. I learned to coexist, to communicate better, to contribute more. I helped around the house, supported my parents emotionally, and became more present.

It also gave me space to grow — creatively, mentally, spiritually. I used that time to write, to heal, to figure out who I was without the noise of “adulting” just for appearances.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Broken

If you’re still living with your parents, let me say this straight:

You’re not behind.
You’re not less of a man.
You’re not stuck forever.

You’re just taking your time. And in a world that pushes speed over sanity, maybe that’s the bravest thing you can do.

Keep building. Keep learning. And when you’re ready to step out — not because the world told you to, but because you feel ready — it’ll be on your own terms. That’s real independence. That’s real masculinity.

And trust me… that hits different.

Still figuring things out? You’re not alone. This blog was made for that.