The Square Life

Moving home for the summer falls into a love it or dread it dichotomy. Returning to one’s native habitat is either be the most anticipated event of the year, or an event about as thrilling as a kick in the groin/child birth. Let us examine some of the pros and cons that must be considered when making such a monumental, life altering decision.

MONEY Financially, moving home is the cat’s pajamas. No rent, free food, and a break from Ramen and frozen chicken burgers. However, can a price truly be placed upon autonomy and freedom? That is debatable.

FRIENDS Many of us have left behind a plethora of people who eagerly await our return to the mother land. Facebook and Myspace accounts are constantly littered with their ecstatic “Can’t wait to see you! Only another month!” messages. However, have you actually been home since high school? While many of your old acquaintances have been busily holding down the fort at home, you have been in a new place, making new friends and big changes in your life. You may return home and find that your bff’s have become pyclwo’s—people you can live without. Such a realization is often disappointing.

JOB Many people have stellar jobs awaiting them back in the home town. Coupled with living in a rent free environment, going home for that dream landscaping job makes great fiscal sense. However, working 40 hours a week is a drag. It is much more difficult to maintain a fun summer social life when one must arise at the ungodly hour of 6 a.m.

QUALITY FAMILY TIME Waking up to a mom-cooked breakfast on a daily basis is indeed a quintessential ingredient to a happy summer at home. Family dinners are always a pleasant affair. Gathering around the sheepskin rug for family story time is never a dull soiree. However, quality time comes with a price. Can you handle a Spanish-esque inquisition from Mom and Dad upon returning home at 4 a.m.? Are you prepared to mow the lawn on a weekly basis? Perhaps a vacation with the family for a week or two is a more mentally-sound decision.

High school friendships were fun. Families are great. But when we grow up, we move out for a reason. What it all may boil down to is necessity vs. desire. Provo summers can be unbelievably fun. However, being broke as a joke throughout the school year is annoying to the max.