#NerdsUnite: I just graduated college!! But um, now what?

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Megan. She recently just graduated from SDSU and is now entering the world with a fresh pair of eyes in a stinky economy. In these series of posts she will discuss her thoughts and discoveries as she ventures out into the real world. Hit it Meg!!! </editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @MegCorbs

When I graduated and decided to live back in L.A. again, I knew I'd have to move back in with the parentals.

As much as it killed me to do so, I realized that it was the smart thing to do (damn being responsible and shit!). It would mean that I would be able to pay off a lot of my student loans and get back on my feet in a shit economy. 

That being said I should be out a year after I moved in and I have learned a TON. While all parents are different I noticed that some problems seems to be universal for people in my position. So here is my short guide to surviving this not entirely enjoyable experience. 

1. Interrogation 

One of the hardest things to get used to is the barrage of questions when you walk in the door. "Where were you?" Who were you with?" "Was it fun?" "What'd you eat?" "Was it expensive?" 

Once you've moved away and then come back you are no longer used to the interrogation from the 'rents. I used to get crazy annoyed, especially after a long day at work, which in turn would make them annoyed (hello endless cycle).

The trick to this is to not get irritated but expect it and spend 10 min answering and talking to them. You'll get used to it and they won't ask a million questions just to get you to talk. Win, Win

2. Sleepovers

This is one that I thankfully never had to navigate. My boyfriend has his own apartment so the whole 'bringing home someone' thing never came into play. 

Though from what I've heard and seen, it's just never a smart thing to do even if your parents are easy going. I mean, from a girl's perspective, you never want to get taken back to the parent's house post high school (#awkward).

So my advice is, find someone that has their own place while you don't.

3. The Battlefield 

Fighting with parents just comes naturally, but once you've grown up, you just shouldn't do it. 

You need to pick your battles and this should be 1 out of every 20 potential fights so make sure it's something that will significantly affect your day to day life. 

Yes, doing unnecessary chores suck and yes, being talked to like you 12 is annoying but it's better than living in a hostile environment

It's a tough pill to swallow, but at the end of the day, it is their house 

4. Just don't go there.

One of the things we learn most in college is that we have our own opinions and they usually don't match those of our parents, which until that point were most likely ours as well. These opinions usually have to do with Politics, Religion, Money, etc. 

I grew up in a VERY Catholic household. I mean Church every Sunday, Catholic school for 12 years kind of thing. I'm sure from that you can put two and two together to get my parent's political stance.

I was this way too until I went to college and met a ton of different and unique people. I totes lean more to the left now but hate to identity with and/or get in debates about politics (I get way too angry with ignorance).

As much as I absolutely adore my dad who couldn't be more selfless and kind hearted, he has gotten crazy stubborn in his views on politics. He would make a comment that would drive me nuts (usually pro-right) and I would debate him on it. 

Not. Smart. It would always turn into a huge fight when he would say something hurtful and then I would cry because…well…he is my dad. Pathetic, but the truth.

So trust me when I say, just don't bring it up and fight with them on it because they are not going to change their minds and you are not going to change yours (at this point in time at least) so it is just a pointless debate that has the very real possibility of getting personal quickly. 

Nod and smile kids, just nod and smile

Thus concludes my guide to living back at home. If you are in the same situation as me, or will be soon, all I can say is…

GOOD LUCK!

#nerdsunite

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