All our lives we've looked forward to growing up, becoming an adult, and making our own rules. As a child the life of an adult looks glamorous; no bedtime, no homework, spend money on whatever you want, no more chores, and no more being told what to do. These are all things kids look forward to when they turn the magical age of 18, but there are a lot of things that just are not talked about when it comes to "adulting." Here is a list of 11 things no one told you about being an adult.
1. Doing taxes is so confusing...
Doing taxes is one of the most confusing things in my life. I did not even know what a W-2 was until one came in the mail for me. Thank god for Turbo Tax and it's dummy proof online tax returns!
2. Paying bills literally hurts.
One of the greatest feelings in the world is getting your paycheck on Friday's and putting it in the bank. All that money just waiting to be spent.. after you pay your bills and realize you have ten dollars to last 2 weeks.
3. There is no such thing as holidays and summer vacation anymore.
One of the best things about going to school is having holidays and the summer off. Once the magical world of high school is over and you enter adult world holidays and the summer time are usually spent working or trying to have just a little bit of a social life.
4. You will find out who your real friends are (if you have any at all).
All those friends you had in high school and maybe even in college will eventually become nothing more than acquaintances. You will make plans and then have to break them, or you will just be to busy working or catching up on some much needed sleep to hang out. Your real friends will understand and keep making plans, checking in on you, and just being there when you need them. Some people you will lose along the way because they will not understand your adult responsibilities, that's okay, you're better off anyway.
5. Applying for FASFA and student loans is stressful.
If you choose to go to college then the FASFA is your main source of money to pay for college. Every year you sell your soul and answer every single question known to man in order to hopefully get some money to help you pay for school. In the event you do not get enough financial aid you now have to apply for student loans. Now you have to navigate the world of interest rates, cosigners, and payment plans which is enough to make anyone go crazy.
6. The impending debt of student loans is even more stressful.
Now that you've got some student loans and are close to getting a degree you realize you will be in debt for what feels like the rest of your life. Paying back an insane amount of student loans all with incredible amounts of interest can send someone into a panic, not to mention trying to find a sustainable job to live off of and pay the loans back. This is when you realize there is a lot of Ramen Noodles and Spagettios in your future.
7. Being perpetually tired is a thing.
As an adult being tired is a constant thing, no matter how much you sleep the constant feeling of exhaustion is always there. Most of being a successful adult it combating the tired feelings and still functioning on a high level. Naps become an essential part of adult life.
8. The awkward stage between 18 and 21 is like being an adult but not really.
When you turn 18 you are considered an adult in the United States but you can't drink, get a loan, buy a house, or even rent an apartment without a co-signer in most cases. It is so frustration trying to "adult" when you can only do some things. Until you are 21 you are basically still a kid, you just have to work, pay taxes, vote and fight for your country.
9. You now are responsible for making your own doctors appointments.
One of the most terrifying thing about being an adult is trying to make your own doctors appointments and going to those appointments on your own when your whole life your parents have done it for you. Trying to sort through going to your family doctor, dentist, chiropractor, specialists, etc. can be confusing and annoying at times. I hate taking time out of my day to see a doctor who I will not understand and just costs money. This is probably the reason most young adults avoid doctors unless absolutely necessary, I know I do.
10. You will appreciate a home cooked meal like never before.
Working and going to school have wrecked my diet, I mostly eat out or quick things that can be popped in the microwave for a minute and eaten on the go. This has caused me to crave the meals I took for granite growing up. I look forward to the days I can sit down to a family dinner and enjoy my mom's delicious cooking without having to pop it in the microwave hours after it has been prepared.
11. Generations of people have made it through the transition from childhood to adulthood and you can too.
It may seem hard and confusing to "adult," because it really is, but it is important to remember that generations before us have done it and generally succeeded. This give us hope that it can be achieved and that there are more experienced adults around ready to help when we need it.
