Living at home has become my new normal

I never headed off to Australia or New York like most of my peers but I love Ireland and I love living here.

Ireland just doesn't want me to find my own home here.

Like 68% of young adults, I am still living at home with my parents. It's the house where I took my first steps and now the house I'll likely stay in until I miraculously win the lotto.

I have been dreaming of owning my own home since I was young, but it doesn't feel like a reality for me, or any young professional in Ireland.

Many of my peers are living at home but that doesn't stop anxiety and insecurity from creeping in. I feel guilty for not owning a home in these impossible circumstances and often find myself questioning if I've failed simply because of my address.

A study by Eurostat discovered that 68% of people aged between 25-29 are still living at home. It is nothing to be ashamed of but I can't help but feel guilty about it.

I should have my own home, I shouldn't be spending another decade of my life in my family home, but it's something I'm slowly learning to accept.

I could spend my time dwelling on this unwelcome reality but I have started to realise how wasteful that is.

It is up to our Government to end the housing crisis and there's so little I can do to change it.

I can try my best to save whatever money I can, but owning a home in Ireland is a hurdle many people can't tackle.

My Dad is constantly reminding me that I'm not a failure because I don't own a home. I'm incredibly lucky to have two parents who are happy to let me stay with them for as long as I need.

I've slowly started to accept that living at home isn't all bad and it's giving me a greater appreciation for my never-changing abode.

As difficult as it can be, living at home has given me a deeper appreciation for my parents.

It feels like I've been given additional time with them because I've had no choice but to stay at home. Dublin rent is impossible to afford and saving for a mortgage takes a lifetime on your own, but the extra time I spend with my mam and dad eases those struggles.

I would obviously make the housing crisis disappear if I could but I've accepted the fact that I cannot move out. Financially it isn't something I can do right now and that's okay.

It certainly has an overwhelmingly negative impact on different elements of my life, but knowing I've had extra time with my parents means a lot.

There's a comfort in going downstairs in the morning and hearing my dad potter around the kitchen with his favourite radio station on.

I've found joy in sitting down and watching Call the Midwife with my mam every Sunday evening.

I love knowing my little cousins or nanny may call over for a visit on a random Tuesday afternoon and I'll be able to spend time with them.

These comforts are one of the few things helping ease the burdens that come with the housing crisis.

I do hope I'll be able to leave my childhood home one day but for now, I'm grateful to spend time in the place I've always known as home.

Living at home is something I'm trying to appreciate more at 30.

And as difficult as it may be, I'm accepting that there's nothing embarrassing about it at all.