Moving Back in with Parents
At 34 years old, business coach Carly Guddrow made the decision to pack up her life, along with her two dogs, and move back into her parents’ house. Following a breakup, Guddrow realized her $60,000 salary was no longer enough to manage rent, student and personal loan payments, and a car payment simultaneously.
According to Guddrow, in today’s economic climate, single adults often struggle to function independently on anything less than an $85,000 annual income.
From CBS News Spotlight to Internet Backlash
After sharing her journey online, Guddrow was featured on a CBS News segment discussing the realities of adult children moving home. The exposure brought widespread attention, along with a wave of online criticism.
Addressing the negative commentary in a recent video response, Guddrow explained why she hesitated before going on national television, knowing the vulnerability involved.
“My main goal was to shed some light on the fact that it’s okay to be happy and living with your parents,” Guddrow shared. “There’s a lot of societal norms out there that make us feel like we are behind… and I don’t want people to feel alone.”
Guddrow noted that behind the scenes, numerous viewers reached out to thank her for speaking candidly, proving that financial strain is far more common than people publicly admit.
Career Pivots and Financial Recovery
Addressing critics who questioned her professional background, Guddrow clarified that content creation is not her primary career. She previously managed and operated three Orangetheory Fitness studios before taking time to navigate a career transition.
In March, Guddrow was hired by one of her dream companies as a business coach. Living at home has allowed her to rebuild her financial cushion, save money aggressively, and spend quality time with her family. She plans to move back out into her own place in November.
A Record Trend Among Young Adults
Guddrow’s story reflects a broader nationwide trend. According to data from Realtor.com, a record 25.2 million adults under age 35 were living with their parents in 2025. This figure is higher than the peak seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Driven by rising housing costs, high interest rates, and stubborn inflation, co-living with parents is increasingly becoming a strategic financial step rather than a permanent setback.
