Living with Partner's Family to Save Money

Jordyn Bradley, 26, relocated from Michigan to Connecticut to live with her partner's parents. The decision was driven by a job offer in New York City and the financial barriers of securing housing after eight months of unemployment. Bradley noted that while most 26-year-olds might not prefer this living situation, it was the only viable option for her to accept the position and save money.

Upon arrival, the family prepared a vacant bedroom for her, ensuring she had her own space and furniture. Although she was laid off from the New York job six months later, the family continued to provide a safe living environment without requesting a plan for her departure. Bradley ultimately viewed the experience positively, highlighting the strong relationship she built with the family and the benefits of avoiding a lease in an expensive city without a job.

Accepting a job in one of the country's most expensive cities presented a significant challenge for Jordyn Bradley. After eight months of freelance work and side jobs, she lacked the funds to sign a lease or cover moving expenses. She described the situation as a Catch-22: she needed a place to stay to work, but she needed to work to afford a place to stay.

Bradley had been in a long-distance relationship with her partner since late 2023, following their meeting in grad school in 2022. When Bradley received a job offer in New York in early 2025, her partner's parents offered a solution. They provided a free place to stay indefinitely, allowing her to commute into the city while saving money and adjusting to the East Coast.

Despite the practical benefits, Bradley initially struggled with the idea of moving into her partner's childhood home. She values her own space and control over her environment and worried about overstaying her welcome. However, she recognized that accepting the family's offer was the only way to take the job in New York.

The family took immediate steps to make her feel comfortable. Upon her arrival, they had cleared out a bedroom, emptying a closet and three dressers so she could unpack. They also provided her with a desk, vanity, and dedicated space in the kitchen. Bradley noted that while she moved to be closer to her job, she ended up getting much closer to her partner's family instead.

Bradley's employment lasted only six months before she was laid off. During this difficult time, her partner's family did not ask her to leave or demand a plan for her future. Instead, they continued to offer a safe space and provided home-cooked meals. This support system became a crucial aspect of her experience in Connecticut.

Reflecting on the experience, Bradley expressed gratitude that she had not moved to New York City. Had she signed a lease, she would have been financially stuck without a job. Instead, she enjoyed social activities with the family, including:

• Late-night games of dominoes
• Happy hours on the patio
• Trivia team wins

What began as a logistical necessity turned into a positive living arrangement for Jordyn Bradley. Although she moved to the East Coast for a job she eventually lost, the time spent with her partner's family proved more valuable than she anticipated. She stated that she would not change the decision, as it worked best for her and her partner during that period of their lives.