In one way or another, we’ve all been touched by the cost-of-living crisis. Perhaps we’ve noticed the blowout of the weekly grocery shop, or maybe we’ve had to give up our daily coffee.

For me, a higher cost-of-living has led me to take the somewhat drastic step of moving back in with my parents. In 2021, I bought a property with a manageable mortgage, but consecutive interest rate rises over the following years made repayments hard. So, after more than 15 years of living independently, I rented out my place and can now be found sleeping in the upstairs bedroom of my family home, crammed in among my books and art that previously populated an entire apartment.

Elsie Flanagan-O’Neil with her parents.

While I stayed at the family home for short periods throughout my 20s, to save for a trip or a house deposit, there is something altogether different about moving in with your mum and dad as a 30-something woman. And though my parents were thrilled to take me in (it was initially their suggestion), it has certainly required some adjustments.

One of the challenges has been my rapid regression to my teenage self. I have lived alone for years, and have easily managed to wake up on time, wash my clothes and cook my dinner. But within weeks of returning to my........

© The Sydney Morning Herald