When Should Filipino Youth Move Out?

I remember it first entering my consciousness when I was young, how moving out of your parents’ house was considered the first step into adulthood. It’s a sign that you’ve matured enough to live your own life without the direct supervision of an adult. While it’s common for teenagers in the Western World to move out at a young age, that’s not exactly the norm here in the Philippines.

Many Filipinos prefer to stay with their parents even past the age of 30, with some even going as far as bringing their spouse into the fold. After all, we’ve got a tight-knit social culture, with large supportive families. And with the benefits of paying no rent, free food, and more, it can be tough for anyone to leave the familiar comforts of home. With all these advantages, it begs the question – when should Filipino youth move out?

It all depends on your level of independence, maturity, and most importantly, your financial capability. I mean, I moved out in my early 30s and I think that it was the right time for me, since I already got married. However, based on what I’ve been through and the people I’ve spoken to, I feel the best time for someone to move out would be in the mid-to-late 20s. Let’s explore why.

Why not move out earlier?

Moving out in your early 20s may give you more time to live independently, but I feel that it’s a bit too early since you’re just starting out professionally. This means you’ve probably just landed your first job and you won’t be earning much more than a living wage. Your salary may not be enough to live a very comfortable independent life. Not to mention, I know so many young people who don’t know how to cook, and spend their money on many useless things. A few more years of living under their parents’ roof might serve them well.

What if I move out too late?

If you decide to move out well into your 30s or even later, you may be set financially, but you won’t have the same energy like you did in your 20s. Trust me when I tell you that once you hit your 30s, all those aches and pains will slowly make themselves known. For me, that’s when I started having back pains, knee swelling, and frequent bouts of cough and colds. Plus, most of your peers may have their own families by then, so you’ll find it harder to have company whenever you go out.

Timing is everything

I believe that going independent in your mid-to-late 20s – roughly between 25 to 28 years of age – is the best case scenario since you’re not too old to enjoy the freedom of living on your own. Physically, you’ll still have the energy to stay up late, or go on trips without feeling any of its ill-effects once you go back to work. Financially, you’ll be earning more than the average worker, which means you’ll have enough to pay your bills and do the things you enjoy like partying, going out of town, or engaging in hobbies. Socially, your friends will either be single or just working towards getting engaged, which means they’ll still have enough time to hang out with you. Mentally, you’ll have been exposed enough to the “hardships of life,” so at this stage, you’ll be more prepared to handle the stress that comes with living on your own.

Of course, keep in mind that whatever I’m telling you right now isn’t based on any hard data. These are based on my own experiences, the people I’ve interacted with, and the problems I’ve faced once I decided to live on my own. However, if you feel that you’re financially, mentally, and emotionally capable of moving out at a young age, then don’t hesitate to make the move.

Come to think of it, younger generations are actually so blessed to have this luxury of choosing. With a growing economy comes better wages and more opportunities in various places. Throw in the abundance of available information, from where to find the cheapest rentals, to just general financial advice, and anything’s possible in this day and age.

Remember, the freedom of living on your own is one of the best things you’ll ever get to experience, especially if you manage to do it at that point in your life where you’re ready for it. Good luck!