Leaving the nest

Leaving the nest is the act of moving out of the housing provided by one's parents or guardians, often considered as part of the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The word "nest" is a metaphor for the home in which one was raised. There are causes and effects that are associated with leaving the nest, and differences in livelihood.

The age at which young people move out of their previous accommodation has been rising since the turn of the 21st century. Even so, there are differences of opinion on when, where, and who should be leaving the nest. In certain cultures, more so in Eastern societies, it is not socially acceptable for women to leave the home, if not for marriage.