Ah, adulting: the time when you leave the nest, spread your wings, and realize… you might not actually know how to fly. The term “adulting” has become a popular way to describe behavior that is seen as responsible and grown-up. According to dictionary.com, this behavior often “involves meeting the mundane demands of independent and professional living” (you know, paying bills and running errands).
Leaving the nest is both exciting and overwhelming. After all, no one has “adulting” figured out perfectly, and that’s the beauty of it. You’ll go through ups and downs, but you’ll inevitably grow throughout the process. We’re here to give you some tips for transitioning into adulthood but remember, it’s your journey so make it count!
What Does “Adulting” Even Mean?
Legally, you become an adult at 18. But that doesn’t mean you magically know everything right then and there. The transition into adulthood is so fast that suddenly, you are the one deciding what to make for dinner, how to open a bank account, unclog a toilet, spend money wisely, how to make big life decisions, and whether to do laundry on Tuesday or Friday.
While exciting, it can also feel like a whirlwind trying to figure everything out. In fact, many people experience “imposter syndrome” throughout their transition to adulthood. It’s a defeating feeling of being a fraud and doubting your own skills. Just take a deep breath—there’s no right way to do it all. A lot of adulthood is just figuring it out as you go.
Societal Expectations and the Pressure to “Adult”
Adulthood means a newfound independence where you get to call the shots. But it can also come with a feeling of immense pressure from society. All of a sudden, you’re expected to get a stable job, pay bills, move out on your own, cook healthy meals, understand taxes, or even start a family. The pressure to have it all figured out right away can be extremely overwhelming.
While you might think you’re “behind” or inadequate when looking at a curated social media profile, don’t let yourself fall into the comparison trap. Focus on your own path—there’s no perfect timeline for adulting. Everyone moves at their own pace and in their own way.
How to Successfully “Adult”
You might be asking yourself, “Can I do this?” Answer: you absolutely can! You just need the right tools. The pressure to “adult” successfully is common, but there are ways to manage it so you can experience success:
1. Financial Success
- Learn to budget by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits.
- Start saving! It doesn’t matter if you can only save $25 a month to start. You’ll be surprised at how a little goes a long way.
- Understand how to responsibly use credit cards, loans, and investments as ways to manage your money.
2. Personal Success
- Schedule self-care time for yourself, whether it’s exercising, cooking, going outdoors, or watching your favorite show. These are the little things that fuel your well-being.
- Whether you aced a test, got a promotion, or you just had a good night’s sleep, it’s important to celebrate your milestones and achievements, no matter how small.
- Remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Figure out what causes stress or other negative emotions and then actively seek ways to address it.
3. Relationship Success
- Practice setting healthy boundaries in your relationships to help you feel safe, respected, and cared for.
- It’s okay to say “no” to avoid feeling overwhelmed or taken advantage of. Setting boundaries protects your time, energy, and mental health.
- Practice communication by active listening, expressing yourself, and building healthy relationships.
- Invest in relationships that support and uplift you.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help or support when you need it. You may be out on your own, but your family and friends will still be there for you.
4. Work-Life Success
- Learn how to effectively manage your time by finding a routine that works for you. Use planners, calendars, and prioritize your tasks into categories like work, social life, and personal.
- Set clear boundaries between work hours and personal time. Work will be there in the morning—you don’t need to answer emails at 9:00 pm.
- Schedule time to recharge so that you avoid burnout. It’s okay to take breaks and disconnect so you can give your best to your job and yourself.
Adulting isn’t a destination—it’s something you’ll do for the rest of your life. It won’t always be easy, and you’ll have to make changes and big decisions along the way, but there’s also a lot of beauty that comes along with it. Remember, just because you are independent, doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help. Your family and friends will still be around to support you. Don’t be too hard on yourself. In case no one told you, you’re doing just fine!
Becoming an adult means making the best decisions for you, and you can start by researching a finding a career that will suit you for years to come! Not sure what that career is? Use College Raptor’s Career Finder to explore different jobs and their associated career projections and salaries!
