Moving out: The New Digital Age

Indeed, there comes a time in life when one ponders over the subject of moving out of one’s parents’ home. Male and female alike are burdened with this thought. I write to propose a new perspective on this topic: ‘The New Digital Age,’ which we live in now.

It is worth asking that, in 2021, is there still the belief that a single woman who ventures into the real world and gets herself a one-bedroom apartment should be labelled as promiscuous? Called a ‘runz girl’ or other labels for being able to afford such which is presumed to deter her chances of being able to marry and build a home for herself and her new family? For a man, the societal pressures that force them to move out prematurely often lands them in a dark world of debt, illegal jobs and depression, in some cases because of this unrealistic definition of a ‘man.’

I asked a group of friends at a social setting at what age a man or woman should move out. The average response for a man was 24 years, and for a woman 30 years (where she is not yet married). The reasons given for a man at that age is so that he may learn to be independent, and that it will give him a good sense of responsibility and privacy. However, somewhere, somehow, the opposite will happen if it is a woman who moves out at that age. This is just how our culture views these things.

A fresh new perspective on the horizon says moving out actually has nothing to do with sex, but everything to do with proximity to work/opportunities, finances, maturity, or extenuating circumstances such as a beating or sexually abusive father or uncle. About 50 percent of the baby boomers and Generation X (40-70 years old) owned their own homes at age 30, while for millennials and Generation Z (13-30 years old), the figure drops to 32 percent. A major reason actually is because the rental and purchase markets have seen increases in prices much higher than salaries. The data also shows that young women are the ones getting out of the family home quicker than men.

A reason that struck me during my conversation with friends was that 50 percent of the women who are now moving out come from incredibly toxic homes with abusive fathers and the like. Moving out is the only way they are able to secure a safe future for themselves. For the men, I believe the reason their number is lower is that the new age brings a novel understanding that societal expectations are not worth the mental pressures put on them. In my opinion, it is not necessary. It is smarter for a man at that age to save so that he is able to provide for his future. Learning to be independent and responsible can be done at home or in university where 90 percent of young adults live by themselves or with their peers.

Moral of the story: enjoy life while you are young—male or female. Remain in your family home or an apartment to yourself or with a friend. Do what is best, convenient and most comfortable for you. Lastly, do not conform to society. Till next time, readers.

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this publication belong solely to the writer and do not necessarily reflect the position of Castles Lifestyle. The written content is not intended to malign any group or individual.