Becoming an adult seems like the best thing in the world to young kids, and they just can't wait to turn 18. However, being an adult and "doing whatever you want" isn't all it's cracked up to be. Whether it's at 18 years old or 25 years old, you will know when you have become a real adult.

1. 6 A.M. is when you get up now, not when you go to bed.

Work is a part of adult life, so sleeping in just isn't a habit anymore. You'll find that even on your days off, you still manage to wake up before 8 every morning.

2. Grocery shopping is the worst time of the month.

You've been working hard all week, and then you realize that fifty percent of your income is going to be spent on food to keep you alive.

3. Your social life takes a downturn.

Between work and classes, it's hard to make a whole lot of time to go out. You're usually exhausted or broke or both.

4. You're better at math than you ever imagined, all because of budgeting.

You write down every little thing you buy and every dollar you spend, because if you don't, you're either out of food or electricity for the month.

5. You have to schedule your own doctor's appointments.

Making your mom call and schedule any kind of appointment. Those were the good days.

6. You have to learn how to do your own laundry.

It's not the most fun thing in the world. Oh yeah, and you're eventually going to shrink your favorite shirt. You live and you learn.

7. Going to bed before midnight is an accomplishment, not a punishment.

Maybe you can actually get more than four hours of sleep for once.

8. You start to read the news.

You have started to enjoy staying caught up on current events. When did that happen?

9. Your parents have stopped worrying about you.

Your parents start to realize that you can make it on your own. They might still worry, but they don't bother you about it as much.

10. Naps are a thing of the past.

You start to reminisce on all of the afternoon naps you used to take, realizing that naps will rarely, if ever, be a part of your life again.

11. You finally realize that being an adult is harder than you thought it would be.

The younger you is disappointed.

12. However hard it may be, though, you're doing it all on your own, and you couldn't be happier.

Being an adult is about being responsible and finding out who you are. It's hard at first, but once you get the hang of things, you can take pride in knowing that you're doing everything right.