Dave Says: Moving Out After College

Dear Dave,

My son has worked and saved all through school and will be graduating this year with a degree in electrical engineering. He has a job waiting for him when he finishes, and he wants to move out on his own then. I think he should continue to live at home and save up more money. What do you think?

Sue

Dear Sue,

Honestly, I think he should move out. This situation isn’t about money as much as it’s about your son becoming a man. At this point in his life, it’s going to be really good for him, emotionally and spiritually, to stand on his own two feet.

It sounds like you’ve got some good ideas about saving and financial responsibility, and he needs to take some of Mom’s advice in those areas. But it’s time he had his own place and started paying his own bills. It’s time for this one to leave the nest, spread his wings, and fly.

Here’s something else to think about. He’s going to look a whole lot better to the world if he’s out there standing on his own. I think lots of young ladies, not to mention their parents, will be much more impressed by a guy who’s making his own way rather than living at home with mom.

He’s at a point where he’s reaching for dignity and trying to make his way in the world. Let him do it. I’ve got a feeling he’ll make you proud!

—Dave