A 30-year-old earning £35,000 says she “financially feels like a student again” after being forced to move back in with her parents following redundancy.

Kaycia Duncan, from Milton Keynes, was made redundant in November 2024 and spent nearly a year unemployed.

When she finally secured a role in October 2025, the digital marketing executive had to take a £10,000 pay cut, dropping from a £45,000 salary to £35,000.

Initially living alone, Kaycia moved back into her family home in April 2025, admitting the decision came with mixed emotions.

“I was very embarrassed at first,” she said. “But I realised it was a logical decision.”

Despite having over six years’ experience in her field, Kaycia said she was shocked by how competitive the job market had become, even taking a warehouse job for a short period to help cover costs.

Now earning just over £2,200 a month after tax, she says her salary covers essentials and allows her to save £500 a month, but leaves little room for flexibility.

“I financially feel like a student again,” she said. “I’m much more conscious of my spending than I expected to be at 30, and I’m constantly checking my budget before committing to anything.”

Kaycia sets aside around £200 to £250 a month for socialising and says she carefully plans ahead before agreeing to plans.

“I pre-think things like going for a cocktail with a friend,” she said. “I’ll check my finances first. It reminds me of budgeting for nights out at university.”

Before losing her job, she said her lifestyle was very different.

“When I was earning £45,000 and living alone, I had more independence and didn’t need to think so carefully about every decision,” she said. “What I miss most is having my own space.”

Moving home has helped her regain control of her finances. She now contributes £250 a month towards household costs, compared with the £1,500 she previously paid in rent.

While more stable, she admits the constant budgeting can be mentally exhausting.

“It’s having to think about every pound every day,” she said.

Kaycia has cut back on smaller expenses, switching to own-brand groceries and limiting non-essential purchases, while continuing to save consistently and pay down existing debts.

She added: “Life isn’t about constantly going up.

"There are ebbs and flows. This isn’t where I’ll be forever.”

Although moving out again feels like a challenge, she remains optimistic and hopes attitudes around moving back home will change.

“It can feel like you’re moving backwards,” she said, “but it can actually be one of the most responsible decisions you can make.”