As young adults in a changing world, it's hard to take in all of the advice our parents give us. The world has changed so much since they were in their twenties and it may seem like their advice is a little outdated, but it isn't. Your mom's advice is definitely still valid.
1. Not everything is going to turn out how you want it.
Whether it be the boyfriend/girlfriend who changed your world, the major you chose or the first job you take: not everything will turn out how you plan. If anything, plan for the plan to not play out. As someone who has switched majors three times, I can vouch that you most likely do not know what you want to do with the rest of your life at the age of 18...(and most likely still won't know at 25.)
2. You do not have to be nice to everyone.
As someone who aims to please and be kind to most people, there has to come a time when we step away from the situations and people that are toxic. You will meet toxic people, that is inevitable. You have to choose to be the stronger person and let those loose ends go. When you do this you will make people upset. You will make people mad. You may even break someone's heart, but you have to make decisions for you and your future.
3. Budget, budget, budget.
This is one of the most important things my mother told me. Budget and budget again. Run the numbers and take into account all possible expenses. If anything, you should overestimate for expenses because if you have money left over you'll feel better than not having enough. So, if you have a scheduled wine night with the girls every Thursday, budget for it.
4. Don't aim for perfection.
Life in your twenties is all about growing into a civilized member of society, but unfortunately, we live in an imperfect world. Perfection is a wall you put yourself behind. If you set your goals to perfection and feel as though you reach it, you stop growing and you stop improving. Every experience in life should be an opportunity to acknowledge what works and what doesn't and apply that knowledge to future endeavors.
I try to apply the advice from my parents into my life as much as I can while making my own decisions and trying my best. In most situations, our parents want the best for us and hope that we make better decisions than they did in their past. So, when your mom calls and tells you that being out late and drinking your money away isn't a good decision, she's right and you know it.
