Adulting 101: How to Make it Through the Day as an Adult

They say that the only way to learn is through experience, and this statement couldn’t be truer when transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. When you become an adult, no one gives you a manual with all the answers—you just have to figure it out as you go. Here are a few things no one tells you about adulthood:

Bills are Forever

As soon as you start earning, bills will follow. We all know that rent, utilities, and car payments come with being an adult, but don’t forget about other expenses such as groceries, gas money, insurance payments, gym memberships, etc. The list goes on and on! As long as you stay organized and mindful of your budgeting strategies, these bills don’t have to be overwhelming.

Making Friends is Harder Than You Think

As adults, we tend to get stuck in our own routines—it can be hard to even find time for ourselves, let alone make room for new friendships. But having relationships with other people is important for mental health, so don’t feel like you need to do it alone! To meet friends as an adult, try joining social clubs or interest groups related to your hobbies or career goals.

You Can Change Your Path

It’s easy to feel stuck in a rut when it comes to your career path, but remember that it’s never too late for change! It may take some adjusting, but transitioning into something new can bring opportunities and experiences that wouldn’t have been available otherwise. So if something isn’t working out or if you feel like something else could better suit your lifestyle or goals, go out there and explore your options!

You Have To Be Your Own Advocate

At first, it might seem scary, but it’s important for your success as an adult to stand up for yourself at work. This means speaking up when something isn’t fair or is just outright wrong. It means negotiating for better pay or benefits and standing up for yourself when someone tries to take advantage of you. Learning how to properly advocate for yourself doesn’t happen overnight; it takes practice, but it will pay off in the long run!

You Will Have To Make Difficult Decisions

When you’re an adult, there are going to be times when you have to make tough decisions, even if they aren’t always the ones that people want you to make. It can be nerve-wracking to choose between two job offers or to weigh the pros and cons of relocating across the country (or even further), but if you handle the situation correctly, it will be well worth it in the long run. Keep in mind that even though some decisions may appear overwhelming right now, they will help shape who you become in the future. Because of this, you should make sure that the decisions you make reflect your genuine values and objectives.

You Have To Learn How To Balance Work And Life

No one ever talks about how hard it can be trying to find a balance between work/school and life outside of those realms as an adult; however, it is important for maintaining mental health and avoiding burnout over time. Setting boundaries at work, like saying no to assignments or tasks that aren’t in your job description, can help manage what your boss expects of you and give you time to grow as a person outside of the office (by taking classes or doing things you enjoy). Taking breaks from work/school can also help keep stress levels low, so remember to take time out every now and then!

You Will Feel Lost At Times

Last but certainly not least: everyone feels lost at some point during their transition into adulthood, whether it takes weeks/months/years! It may feel like everyone around you has their lives figured out while yours is still up in the air, but this isn’t true. Everyone experiences moments of doubt during their journey into adulthood, so don’t worry if yours isn’t perfect right away either! Just remember that these feelings are normal – and with enough patience (and maybe a few extra cups of coffee), everything will eventually fall into place at its own pace!

Transitioning into adulthood can be intimidating at first but once you learn how everything works it gets easier (and more fun!) day by day. Remember that bills will always be around but that doesn’t mean they have to overpower your life; making friends takes effort but it’s worth the extra energy; and don’t forget that paths are meant to change over time – so explore different options until you find what works best for YOU! Embrace these unspoken truths of adulthood and enjoy every step along the way.