Life

After living on their own — partying it up, subsisting on Easy Mac and inviting friends over at all hours of the night — some college graduates are doing the unthinkable: moving back home.

Struggling to find full-time jobs, these "boomerang" college students have decided to forfeit a little freedom in lieu of spending money on their own place.

Rebecca Olinsky, a 2007 graduate of Bowling Green University, said she felt she had the education and experience necessary to get the full-time teaching job needed to afford her own place.

But more than a year and several low-paying jobs later, the Clayton resident is still living at home with her parents, searching for a job in early childhood education that will allow her to provide for herself.

But her mother, Chris, won't be complaining.

"Rebecca is a big help around the house," doing laundry, taking care of the cats and cleaning, Chris said. When Chris' mother died recently, Rebecca was an emotional support.

While she does not pay for her own food or supplemental medical insurance policy, she does pay for her own medications, gasoline, car upkeep and toiletries.

She has no curfew and few rules, except for one: to continue looking for a full-time job.

Olinsky isn't the only one living at home while searching for a job.

Scottie Mayer, a 2008 graduate of the University of Dayton, chose to move in with his uncle in Centerville, in the home passed down from his grandparents.

He had a job as an insurance agent, but realized the company wasn't a good fit after undergoing training this summer.

While Mayer admits having more freedom living with his uncle than with his parents (also from Centerville), he said, "I really can't have people over, and I have to be quiet when I do."

Mayer pays for his own share of utilities, rent and food, and he is expected to cut the grass.

If he cannot find a job in the Dayton area, Mayer said he will have to look elsewhere — possibly in Chicago.

Another 2008 UD graduate, Caroline Quinter has yet to find a full-time job in communications and has been living at home while working part-time for her father's marketing company.

The transition to living at home was a little difficult: "My parents want to know where I'm going every minute of every day," Quinter said. "But it's nice always having someone to talk to."

While she does not have a strict curfew, she is expected to be home at a "decent time" — about 1:30 a.m. — and wake her parents to tell them when she gets home.

Quinter does not pay rent but does pay for her own personal expenses, like gas for her car. She also does her own laundry and other chores.

In September, she plans to move to Chicago, where she will live in an apartment with a friend and further her job search.

Her mother, Patty, said she has cherished having her daughter at home. "As your kids get older, you really get to enjoy their company."

Patty Quinter said unlike when she graduated from college, recent graduates decide where they want to live first — often with their friends — and then find work.

Will Quinter have trouble parting ways with her daughter? "I wish she could find a job a half-mile away," she said. "But you have to pat yourself on the back that she can pick up and go."

All three graduates said their alma mater prepared them well for the job market, so why the trouble finding a full-time job?

Shirley Favors, assistant director of career advising at the University of Dayton Career Services, said the job market is tough, but college students and alumni need to take responsibility into their own hands and be proactive.

College students should start their job search six to nine months before graduation and take advantage of their college's career services, which are also available for alumni, Favors said.

UD's center offers mock interviews and cover letter and resume critiques. Its online database allows registered students to connect with local and international employers.

With jobs constantly evolving, Favors advises job seekers to be flexible and undergo new skills training when available.

Is your child back under your roof after living alone? How do you cope?