TikTok: Why young delay ‘adulting’ with milestones out of reach

Natalie Earley, 28, is in a similar situation. Her parents were married and had bought a house at the same age, which feels worlds apart compared to where she is now.

Natalie has had a partner for some time but does not see buying a home, marriage or children in her near future, and she is happy with that.

She said: “I have lived in a house share since university.

“While I’m comfortable with not owning my own home, it’s completely out of reach for me financially.”

Natalie said she used to feel the pressure as she would see some of her friends achieve those milestones, but she no longer worries about it.

“Travelling really opened my eyes, we’re all stuck in a rat race here in the UK,” she said.

“It’s just not a priority for me and while traditional milestones should still be celebrated there is so much more to life too.

“If we feel like celebrating something then it’s worth celebrating, especially if you’re proud of it.”