Ed. Note: Kristin Davie is a recent college grad who I asked to write a few posts about the current situation–job hunting as a recent gradutate. She brings added impact to a growing issue….and group.

by Kristin Davie, for WWDS

I often joke that if looking for a job was indeed a paid position, I’d be the luckiest (not to mention richest) girl on the block. My morning coffee would be free, the office attire would be casual AT BEST, and the commute? Practically nonexistent (there are a few steps between my bed and the computer, after all). Needless to say, I spend hours each day searching the web for interesting advertisements, buffing up the ole’ resume, and social networking.

I’m sure my father can’t help but think that if I’d devoted as much time to childhood sports, I’d be a world class soccer star by now (and he’d be coming to me for money instead of the other way around).

This all led me to speculate about a common, but often underestimated and under-reported, situation experienced by so many recent graduates: moving in with mom and dad.

After four years of grandma sending cards with cash blissful independence, thousands of college graduates jumped back into the nest in light of a bleak economy. Granted I’ve been home for breaks before, but this is a major transition, and there are no proverbial training wheels that can prepare either party for the road ahead. When talking among my friends, I’ve found that the most contested details surrounding our present housing situation are often curfew (we haven’t had one since we were 18), cooking (I can make Ramen), laundry (let’s face it, we waited until we came home), and money (we don’t have any).

Coupled with the fact that so few of us were lucky enough to land jobs before walking the plank graduating, it’s no wonder that nest may resemble a prison cell more and more.

Lately, though, I’ve realized the same might be true for our parents as well. Last week, it was announced that 9.5% of the American public is now unemployed, with over 400,000 jobs lost in the last month alone. Considering recent graduates cannot file for unemployment, that 9.5% is actually-you guessed it-our parents.

What does this mean when the competition for a potential position lives down the hall?

I’ve found that strategic teamwork work best. My parents are both part of that 9.5% and over the last few months, it’s become increasingly obvious that we could learn a lot from each other. I may have a leg up on social media, but my Dad has over 30 years of experience under his belt. So to my fellow graduates, listen to your parent’s advice (except about blowing bubbles in your milk because that will always be fun) and parents, take a cue or two from your kids. In the end- may the best man win.

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Home is where the heart is…and thank y our parents one more time for knowing how to protect THEIR most valuable asset–You. Ed note.