To struggle with living at home

[InsertImaginativeUsernameHere]

I graduated this summer, and like most people I know in the same boat, I moved back home. Both travel to my job and the really expensive renting market means it is impractical to move out. (My DM would also be very against it because she worries a lot when I'm away).

However, since returning from uni (and living independently) I've really struggled with creating a balanced dynamic at home with my DM and older DSis. DM is very much in control of the house and likes everything to be done a certain way. It can make it difficult to balance out chores and things because DM runs the house like she has for the past 20+ years and I'm finding it hard to pull my weight because there is always something that isn't right with how I've done it.

Does anyone have any advice or experience with adult children living at home? It isn't a large house so we don't have much privacy or our own spaces. How do I go from child living in my DM's house to another adult living in the same space?

As a mother of adult 'children' I would say that talking about things is the way to go.

Your mum will find it hard to understand if you're not happy as she's just doing what she always does - to her, it's still home and you've come back.

She won't understand how different it feels to you without an honest conversation, or even a few of them.

Friend is in her early thirties and in your position. Worse for her as she is a lot older. It is so hard for single people in not very well paid jobs to get onto the housing ladder. Maybe have a talk with your mum?

Oh, and finding some type of privacy is essential for you. Without it you won't be able to cope as being treated to the privacy level of a 12 year old is maddening for anyone who returns home.