Boomerang Kids Buried Under Debt

Damon Casarez captures the trend we see today with young adults and life after college with his latest series Boomerang Kids. The project was a commissioned work from New York Times Magazine and shows post-graduate students who have had to live back home at their parent’s house and those who never left. For reasons like excessive student loans, the downturn of the economy, and not being able to get a job right after college, many graduates find themselves living under their parent’s tutelage once again. The Los Angeles based photographer paints a powerful picture of the young adults representing roughly 20% of post graduates against the backdrop of framed family pictures, green leather couches, and the clutter of their childhood bedrooms.

For a photography series on how the rest of the world lives, try Photographer Goes Couch Surfing and Shares Pictures.

Ashley Chang, digital media analyst
B.A.,comparative literature
Student loans: $20k

 

Robert Shane Ellis, looking for voice-over employment
B.A., Asian humanities
Student loans: $10k

 

Monica Navarro, library volunteer/Home Depot employee
B.A., literature and writing
Student loans: $44k

 

Gabriel Gonzalez, graphic designer and production assistant
B.F.A., graphic design
Student loans: $130k

 

Annie Kasinecz, project coordinator
B.A., advertising and public relations
Student loans: $75k

 

Sarah Van Eck, dietary worker at a hospital
B.A., biology
Student loans: $50k

 

Jessica Meyer, veterinary assistant
B.A., art history
Student loans: $27k

 

Adrianne Smith, Entrepreneur/therapist (clients include autistic children)
B.A., psychology
Student loans: $40k (for grad school)

 

Ari Hoque, rental car employee
B.A., economics
Student loans: $12k