> majored in literature and anthropology and had hoped for a job in book publishing

> moved back to his childhood home in the San Francisco Bay Area

And we have the reason why. This isn't about a shortage of jobs or income, it's about a generation getting an expensive degree in a low-income field and trying to live comfortably in the most expensive city in the country. One that doesn't built 10% of the needed housing to keep costs in check. This fact alone makes it nearly impossible to be independent while having a "starter" job.

"Is That a Bad Thing?"

Is that a serious question? During the great Depression 48% of young adults were living with their parents.