Planning on moving back home after graduation?

By Emily Buckmaster, Career Coordinator at Drury University Career Center in Springfield, MO

Are you graduating without a job lined up? You aren't alone. Having a job at graduation is usually the result of months of preparation, searching, and interviewing. Since the average job search can take six to nine months, obtaining a job might take your entire senior year! If you find yourself without a professional job on graduation day, moving back home with your parents while you complete your job search could be an option.

CBS News reported earlier this year that more than 65 percent of college graduates move back in with parents while looking for a job. At one time, young men and women may have been looked down upon for doing so. However, the recent economy has made moving back in with your parents more acceptable.

Does the thought of moving back home make you shudder? Here are some things to think about (right now!) if you want to steer clear of your old bunk bed:

Dedicate a reasonable amount of time to your job search. Browsing the classifieds in the Sunday paper is not enough! Have realistic salary expectations. Researching salaries and comparing cost-of-living information can prevent disappointment later. Participate in on-campus recruiting your senior year. Check with your college career center to find out which employers will be visiting campus-and when! Complete an internship. Employers look for real world experience on resumes. An internship can sometimes lead to a full time position. Realize that sending out dozens of resumes may result in only one interview. Know that having dozens of interviews may result in only one offer.

If you do find yourself back at home, consider the following:

This is only temporary, so be positive. Living at home should provide more motivation for you to stay active in your search! Keep in contact with your college's career center. Most assist alumni as well as current students. You have gained a whole new level of responsibility since you left for college. Impress your parents by helping out around the house. They won't regret you taking away their guest room.

Searching for and starting a new job can be stressful. A familiar home environment can be a comfort to you. An added bonus is getting to eat some of those homemade meals you've been missing. Soon, you can invite your parents over to your place for dinner!

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