**Living with Parents as an Entrepreneur: A New Perspective**
**The Rise of Multi-Generational Living**
According to the United States Census Bureau, one in three adults aged between 18 and 34 currently live with their parents. Over the past 50 years, the number of children living at home has more than doubled, but societal attitudes towards this living arrangement remain negative. However, for individuals like Olivia Howell, embracing multi-generational living has provided unexpected benefits.
**The Benefits of Multi-Generational Living**
Olivia Howell, a single mother of two, found herself living with her parents after her divorce in 2019. Despite the initial uncertainty, she soon discovered that this decision was one of the best she had ever made. Living with her parents provided Howell with stability and emotional support during a challenging time. She no longer had a mortgage or rent to worry about, and the additional support from her parents allowed her to focus on her entrepreneurial dreams.
**Embracing Support**
Olivia Howell, the founder of a New York-based marketing agency, realized that she needed capital to launch her new business idea. In order to achieve this, she sold her three-bedroom home and moved back to her family home. The adjustment to living with her parents was initially unknown, but she quickly realized the value of having that support system. Instead of constantly hustling as a single mom, Howell now feels a sense of security and a chance to truly live life.
**Breaking the Stigma**
While there is still a stigma surrounding multi-generational living in the United States, Howell believes that it is essential to change this perspective. She wants to give other families going through major life transitions the courage to think outside the box and consider the benefits of living with relatives. Howell’s children have flourished in this environment, and they take pride in their multi-generational home.
**Unlocking Career Opportunities**
Living with her parents also allowed Howell to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities she had never imagined before. She was able to launch Fresh Starts Registry, a website that provides essential items for families undergoing major life changes. Without the financial support from her parents, Howell would not have been able to start this venture. She believes that having a solid support system in place is crucial for individuals to take risks and pursue their passions.
**An International Perspective**
In contrast to the United States, many European countries have embraced multi-generational living as the norm. In countries like Croatia, Greece, Serbia, Portugal, and Italy, up to 76.5% of adults aged between 18 and 34 live with their parents. In the United Kingdom, 4.9 million adult children lived with their parents in 2021, suggesting a growing acceptance of this living arrangement.
**Financial Considerations**
For individuals like journalist Éilis Cronin, living in a multi-generational home is primarily a financial decision. Cronin, based in West London, chose to live with her parents and grandparents to save money on rent and instead build up a deposit to buy her own home. By paying her parents rent instead of a commercial landlord, Cronin hopes to start her property search ahead of schedule. This financial advantage allows her to enter the housing market earlier than the average first-time buyer in London.
**Embracing Heritage and Connection**
Living with her parents and grandparents has had a profound impact on Cronin’s relationship with her family and her heritage. Sharing meals and gaining insights into her grandparents’ experiences has brought them closer together. Cronin also values the open and honest conversations she can have with her parents about financial matters because they understand her situation. The decision to purchase a larger home was driven by the desire to support her grandparents as they age, and Cronin’s experience has been met with positivity and respect.
**Changing Perspectives**
As more individuals like Olivia Howell and Éilis Cronin embrace multi-generational living, it is essential to challenge the negative stigma associated with this choice. Living with relatives can provide stability, emotional support, financial benefits, and a chance to strengthen family bonds. By showcasing the positive aspects of multi-generational living, we can encourage others to consider this alternative and, ultimately, change societal perspectives on the matter.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings