We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Cultural

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Boomerangers?

Michael Pollick
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,382
Share

The proverbial 'empty nest' may not stay empty for long if a new subculture called boomerangers can help it. The term boomerangers refers to post-graduation adults who choose to return home to their parents instead of seeking their fortunes elsewhere. According to the most recent census figures, over 18 million young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 currently live in their childhood homes. As that number continues to grow, sociologists and other interested parties are trying to make sense of it all.

Boomerangers are not necessarily unemployed or unmotivated, but many of them are simply underfinanced. The starting salaries for many entry-level jobs is often so low that young adults cannot afford to pay off their student loans and credit cards while simultaneously managing an independent household. The answer for boomerangers is painfully obvious -- return home temporarily until their incoming wages outweigh their outgoing expenses. The idea of becoming an independent adult may have to take a backseat to the realities of life.

Some parents embrace the concept of boomerangers, even if it means reliving a role they thought they had abandoned forever. Having an able-bodied adult in their home means more security and less dependence on others for routine chores and errands. Some boomerangers find themselves taking on the role of caregiver for aging parents, which can mean a significant savings compared to assisted living facilities. Boomerangers often pay their fair share of rent and utilities, although this practice may not be as universal as some parents may hope.

The controversy surrounding boomerangers is often more social than financial. Society in general favors a traditional progression from dependent child to independent young adult to responsible married couple. Parents who have successfully raised their children should have the right to enjoy their later lives without the responsibility of parenthood. The phenomenon of boomerangers definitely throws a monkey wrench in this traditional machinery. In a world in which entry-level jobs have been outsourced to other countries, more and more adult children may feel the need to regroup and rethink at home.

Experts suggest that parents dealing with boomerangers set definite boundaries and expectations. Rent and other financial responsibilities should be clearly defined and put in writing. The arrangement should be seen as temporary, in order to avoid a sense of entitlement or laxity on the part of the adult child. Boomerangers shouldn't necessarily be treated as freeloaders, but neither should they be encouraged to abuse the privilege of free room and board. Once the boomerangers have reached a point at which their outstanding expenses are manageable and their income is sufficient for independent living, they should recognize the need to leave the nest once again.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Michael Pollick
By Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to WiseGeek, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range of topics. His curiosity drives him to study subjects in-depth, resulting in informative and engaging articles. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael honed his skills as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to WiseGeek, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-boomerangers.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.