Leaving the Nest

Larry: ‘Last year, I decided to leave my parents’ home and start a new life in New York. It was extremely difficult because I had lived my whole life in the country and didn’t have a clue how life in a city like New York would be like. At first, I rented a flat in the outskirts because rents are usually lower there. However, it took some time for me to find a job, and commuting to the workplace drained most of my financial resources. It got to a point where I asked my parents for financial assistance, knowing that it would be a huge burden for them to help me. As time passed, I realized that a lot of people, especially young people, share flats to reduce their costs, so I started looking for roommates. It was a difficult process because I was extremely picky with the candidates and none of the people who applied met my criteria nor did they share my political views or lifestyle. At the end of the year, the future looked bleak, so I decided to move back to my parents’ home and start an independent life in a town nearby. My parents have been supportive of my decision, and I think I have made the right choice.’

Amanda: ‘Larry was a bright boy at high school, and we thought if he continued his studies in a good university, he could have a successful career in the future. What he did, though, surprised the family. He decided the leave the nest and throw himself into the difficult life that was waiting for him in New York. We resisted his decision, but no one could convince him to stay. I am sure he went through a lot during his year in New York, but his decision to move back and start from an easier level was one we hoped he would make. He can have all the help he wants, and I am certain that he has learnt enough to make the right choices from now on.’