At what Age did you leave home?

[Johnnyredline]

I moved out a week after my 18th birthday.

My dad came home and said "clean the mess I left in the kitchen or leave!" ...so I left.

[classicfan1]

Seems to be the family trend, at least for three or four generations:

- Turn 18, graduate high school, go to college
- Get a job
- Save up your cash
- Get out and dont let the door hit you on the way out!

My day has not yet come.

[shaker]

I moved out a week after my 18th birthday.

My dad came home and said "clean the mess I left in the kitchen or leave!" ...so I left.

I use to leave a mess in the kicthen. Now my kids leave a huge mess for me to clean...now i know how my mother felt......

[PeepingScott]

I moved out at 17. Had two jobs and no opportunity to go to college, I was the third child out of three and didn't get a heck of a lot of attention growing up.
I still remember when I was probably about 9 or 10 that my parents told me that they only wanted two kids. I should have moved out then, but had nowhere to go...
That first year out of the house was brutal...lot's of fun and dead brain cells...

[XtremeS15]

Talked to the recruiter at 18, left for basic when I turned 19. Six years later and I haven't looked back.

[donaldww]

I left the farm at 17 and went to University. I graduated four years later, and by 23 had a master's degree. I also had a part time job throughout, and never returned to live at my parents, other than week-end visits, summer break, and trips to the lake.

My son is 21. He returned home after one year of school in another city to live with me, the ol' man. I've been told by other parents that this is not unique; kids everywhere are living at home longer than they did back in my day. The kids simply don't get plum opportunities knocking at the door, so they kick back and wait for the phone to ring. Others spend their free time at occupy-this-that-or-the-other city park with neither agenda nor purpose, all the while using their iPhones to text their friends — on Dad's data plan.

I may be showing my age, but I find the situation disconcerting. It's not the old story where I fight with my son, he continually cleans out the fridge and drinks all my beer. On the contrary, we get along well. He's a kind and considerate boy and his friends are great kids, too. I sympathize with their fear in what lies ahead for them. I've been there and understand the frustration.

What I worry about is how or when this ragtag army of freeloaders is going to muster the courage to make their own opportunities. Ingenuity and self-directed effort is how the nation was built and that is the only way it will stay strong in the face of global competition. When the icy winds of adversity are blowing strong, they need to lean and squint against it, not watch another episode of Kim Kardashian.

Well, I've also been told that there is nothing to worry about. The new generation is smarter than our generation. Ok, I'm willing to listen, but the argument better be good. In the meantime, I'll give the youngsters 100% in one subject — finding the best deal on cheap room and board.

[toysalot]

15.5 years old. Worked at Westminster Lanes and paid 25 a week at my friends house for a room. Kept score at the lanes for extra money and supplemented my income by bowling the adults for money in 'pot games'. Finished High School in 3 total years, started at Goldenwest College but couldn't have a full time job as a cabinetmaker and go to school also. Never went back to college.

blah...blah...blah.

[gem427]

Got married at 18.....at least for a couple of years anyway.

Gary

[SFT]

18...

[hotwheels1993]

17 graduated high school and left for the city to get a job. I've been in the city ever since.