Taking freedom to the next level: Single millennial women want to move out of parents' home & live alone

BENGALURU: Chartered accountant-turned-pastry chef Nithya Sunil, about to turn 30, is proud of not only the eatery, Blackboard Bakery, she has opened on Lavelle Road but also of having picked up a new “life skill” — living independently in a three bedroom house in Benson Town despite her parents living locally. While the decision was made against her mother’s wish and it costs her Rs 27,000 a month in rent, her father supported her. Today, weekends are spent qualitatively together at either’s homes.

“Nobody takes you seriously when you switch careers and take the unconventional path,” says Sunil. “Coming to an empty home is a hard lesson but the home grows on you. I designed it according to my sensibilities. I learnt to budget. As a single working professional, it is important to learn survival skills in the home sphere before getting married.”

Like Sunil, many millennial women are opting to reside separately from their parents the same city. A rising number of young working women aged between 25 and 35 years want to experience this living concept like bachelors. They want their own place to come home to. It is part of “adulting,” they say.

Sejal Valera, 28, moved out of her parents’ home in Rajajinagar to a rented 1-BHK in Koramangala. The researcher at Institute of Product Leadership wanted to live closer to her office to avoid the 46-km daily commute. On weekdays, she follows her routine between office and the gym. On weekends, she visits her parents and siblings. “Each visit is a celebration. My family respects my boundaries and decisions now. I too willingly help them with chores. It a good balance of me-time and quality time with family,” says Valera.

Many parents welcome this decision. Sujata Prakash (name changed), who even helped her 35-year-old daughter on the house hunt, says, “Many landlords are still averse to renting homes to single girls. They assume girls have fought with their parents and move out to ‘misuse’ freedom. I supported my daughter’s decision. I can see her bloom and become responsible. Today, I turn to her for many decisions.”

Experts note that modern-day parenting, education and economic independence to easy availability of basic needs like furniture through rentals have birthed this trend among millennials.

Ray Titus, marketing and strategy professor at the Alliance School of Business, says, “Young working women feel a sense of empowerment by living independently. From selecting a mate to travel, career and living choices – women want to be decision-makers unapologetically. This will impact every arena of their future like raising children to politics.”