The Cubicle Chick

Career | Midlife | Style

  • Home
  • Career
  • Style
  • Family
  • Travel
  • Culture
She only doing what she know… 🏁 #grandnationa She only doing what she know… 🏁 #grandnationaltour #stl
MAY tings… MAY tings…
A rooftop situation is always a good idea! Recentl A rooftop situation is always a good idea! Recently, I was invited to a Happy Hour of bites and beats at @angadartshotel’s @artbar.stl and when I say the food, drinks, and the vibe were necessary during these stressful times. I see another visit soon in my future. Cheers! 🥂
April photo dump. And things of that nature. ✨✨
Are we twinning or nah? 😂😂😂 Are we twinning or nah? 😂😂😂
4/10 should be declared a national holiday because 4/10 should be declared a national holiday because on this day a king was born! Happy birthday, son. Love you more than words can say! 🎉🎉🎉
May we continue to have crazy/fun adventures toget May we continue to have crazy/fun adventures together. You deserve an overflow of serendipity, and all the joy I can provide. Still celebrating—Happy Birthday, Mommy! 🎉🎉🎉
Worked hard all week so we deserved a little treat Worked hard all week so we deserved a little treat. ✌🏾
My novel ‘A Clermont Lane Wedding’ is certainl My novel ‘A Clermont Lane Wedding’ is certainly not biographical, but there are traces of my life all up and down this book (hint hint). It’s a perfect Spring Break read!

It’s got romance, intrigue, a little mystery, and a family legacy on the line. On sale on Amazon, eBooks and paperback, link in bio.
  • Blog
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Legal
  • Contact
  • Media Kit
  • Home
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Media Kit

The Cubicle Chick

Career | Midlife | Style

  • Home
  • Career
  • Style
  • Family
  • Travel
  • Culture

Empty Nest, Kids & Parenting, Midlife · April 15, 2024

20 Things I Enjoy Now That I’m an Empty Nester


With my daughter away at college and my 30 year old son living in Log Angeles, I am living my best empty-nester life.

I can finally say this without feeling guilty–I like being an empty-nester. Strike that. I LOVE it! As many of you know, I had my oldest son when I was eighteen, so I’ve been a mother my entire adult life.  I’ve had my son or daughter under my roof for about twenty-eight years, and while I would never change my motherhood or circumstances, living out the second half of my life as a divorced mom of two adult children is now my focus. It feels good to be able to concentrate fully on the things that I’d like to accomplish.

It has been almost two years since my daughter left for college, but I can say that I’ve finally gotten the hang of the empty-nester lifestyle and all that comes along with it. I’ve compiled a list of 20 Things I Enjoy Now That I’m an Empty Nester, and if you feel inclined, follow along with me and let me know if you also see some items on my list that we have in common.

Oh, and if you aren’t quite living the empty nest experience just yet, this list can be something to look forward to.

Winging it

My days were scheduled for years according to my son or daughter’s needs and activities. Sundays, I trekked downtown with my preschool daughter in tow to take my son to voice lessons; Saturdays were filled with everything from playdates to drop-offs and pick-ups to and from the mall, early morning shuttles to the school for marching band practice, the list goes on and on. Now, I can freestyle my schedule if I want. Plan everything, wing it, plan nothing, and go with the flow. I am getting so used to this.

Privacy

I no longer close my bedroom door when I am on a personal phone call or have a guest. I have the entire house to myself, and what a feeling that is.

Eat what I want

My kids were picky eaters—and still are. For meals, it’s all about what I want. Whether I am whipping up something for myself, ordering Uber Eats, or eating out, it’s my choice. There will be no more debates or deciding on meals everyone will like.

Low food bills

Speaking of food, my food costs are decreasing while food prices are increasing. Shopping for one is proving to be great for my wallet, but cooking for one is something I am still trying to master.

In the buff

Walking around upstairs nude? I couldn’t do that before, but now, I live the buff life.

Quiet on the set

Ah, peace and quiet. I don’t have to fuss about my son’s music being too loud, and I no longer have to ask my daughter to keep the volume down when her friends are visiting. My home is now a peaceful sanctuary of quietness when I want it.

Sleep in

Unless I am getting up for work or an early morning flight, I can sleep in and bask in the wonderfulness of my bed. It is what dreams are made of.

Plans are mine

As mentioned in ‘Winging It,’ the only plans I have on my calendar are those I create for myself.

With my daughter away at college and my 30 year old son living in Log Angeles, I am living my best empty-nester life.

Nice and neat

I’ve become a neat freak in my “golden” age, and I love that for me. Things are always where they are supposed to be, and that is refreshing, to say the least.

No borrowing needed

My daughter tends to “borrow” my items and forget to put them back. I still have to deal with this over summer break, but other than that, my things stay put.

Company

I feel so adult, having someone over when I want without explanation.

Feeling myself

Singing “What a Feeling” at the top of my lungs while dancing in the upstairs hallway brings me such joy. Words cannot explain the freedom I feel during this empty nest experience.

Turn it up

My music at total volume while cleaning is peak joy for me.

Peaceful

Gratitude for where I am now and so much peace comes with that.

With my daughter away at college and my 30 year old son living in Log Angeles, I am living my best empty-nester life.

GNI

Girls Night In anytime I want? YES!

Freedom and flexibility

Breakfast for dinner? No dinner at all? A late-night walk around the neighborhood? Take a road trip or book a flight spontaneously? Renting a tiny house for the weekend? I can do that at a moment’s notice.

Sunday mornings

Sunday mornings are everything to me. I enjoy them now much more than ever because they are my time to reflect on what I’ve done during the week and reimagine my plans for the future. It’s my favorite part of my week.

Silence

Can you hear it? That’s the sound of nothing—a sound I covet and hold dear.

Finally, I have my own space

I have never had my own space as an adult until now. This is the best part of being an empty-nester.

The skin I’m in and where I am in my life has been a journey worth taking. I would do it all again the same way, with no regrets. My kids are thriving and creating their own lives, and so am I. The gift of having this time is one that I don’t take for granted, and I look forward to discovering even more about myself as I embark on my latest journey.

I am thankful to be an empty-nester. I earned this.


Related Posts

  • I've got an official graduate on my hands. In my next installment of my Empty Nest Series, I'm waxing poetic about Class of 2022.
    Empty Nest Series: She's a Graduate Class of 2022

    I've got an official graduate on my hands. In my next installment of my Empty…

  • Operation Dropping My Daughter Off at College is officially official and to all the mothers who have gone through this, I salute you.
    Empty Nest Series: College Move-In Day

    Operation Dropping My Daughter Off at College is officially official and to all the mothers…

  • In the first in my Empty Nest Series, I am sharing my experience with college visit do's and don'ts. Read before you make the trip.
    Empty Nest Series: College Visit Do's and Don'ts

    In the first in my Empty Nest Series, I am sharing my experience with college…

In: Empty Nest, Kids & Parenting, Midlife · Tagged: empty nest, empty-nester, midlife

join the cube

You’ll Also Love

Life begins in midlife. I'm sharing what makes me feel sexy fter 40 because more often than not, we've been overlooked.Midlife: What Makes Me Feel Sexy After 40
Perimenopause: Cooling Sheets & Pillow from Verlo Mattress
How Can Adults Balance Work, Life, and Study Effectively?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Next Post >

An Ode to A Soldier’s Story: Classic 80s Cinema

Advertisement


Hi there! I'm Danyelle Little, a St. Louis blogger, mom & and empty-nester. This site is for those of you who like to get the best out of both worlds-personally and professionally. Learn more about me HERE!

Buy My New Holiday Novel

join the cube

Recent Posts

  • The Nurse Practitioner’s Guide to Building an IV Therapy Brand
  • Career Options in Medicine: Exploring PA and MD Pathways
  • Planning a Vacation to Orlando: The Best Places to Shop and Explore
  • Seattle Round Trip: Elliott Bay, Hawaii, Alaska and More
  • Letter To My Daughter As She Turns 21: The World Is Yours

The Cube on Facebook

Checkout my NEW podcast

Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Google Podcasts

Affiliate

Perdue Farms Special Offer

View the blog

instagram

Follow @thecubiclechick

She only doing what she know… 🏁 #grandnationa She only doing what she know… 🏁 #grandnationaltour #stl
MAY tings… MAY tings…
A rooftop situation is always a good idea! Recentl A rooftop situation is always a good idea! Recently, I was invited to a Happy Hour of bites and beats at @angadartshotel’s @artbar.stl and when I say the food, drinks, and the vibe were necessary during these stressful times. I see another visit soon in my future. Cheers! 🥂
April photo dump. And things of that nature. ✨✨
Are we twinning or nah? 😂😂😂 Are we twinning or nah? 😂😂😂
4/10 should be declared a national holiday because 4/10 should be declared a national holiday because on this day a king was born! Happy birthday, son. Love you more than words can say! 🎉🎉🎉
May we continue to have crazy/fun adventures toget May we continue to have crazy/fun adventures together. You deserve an overflow of serendipity, and all the joy I can provide. Still celebrating—Happy Birthday, Mommy! 🎉🎉🎉
Worked hard all week so we deserved a little treat Worked hard all week so we deserved a little treat. ✌🏾
My novel ‘A Clermont Lane Wedding’ is certainl My novel ‘A Clermont Lane Wedding’ is certainly not biographical, but there are traces of my life all up and down this book (hint hint). It’s a perfect Spring Break read!

It’s got romance, intrigue, a little mystery, and a family legacy on the line. On sale on Amazon, eBooks and paperback, link in bio.
The miracle of being a WOMAN. A life giver. A soul The miracle of being a WOMAN. A life giver. A soul nurturer. A blessing. ✨
Follow on Instagram

Work With Me

  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Media Kit

join the cube

Site Info

  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal
  • Site Disclosure

Copyright © 2025 The Cubicle Chick · Theme by 17th Avenue