Remember when growing up seemed like the coolest thing ever? When we were little, we couldn’t wait to be veterinarians, doctors and architects. We couldn’t wait to grow up to be independent like our parents. Now that we’re adults, we actually have no clue what we’re doing. I’ll be honest, I know how to do some stuff because my mom taught me, but other things...I have no idea.
But, since I am 21 years old and will be 22 in July, I feel like I, as well as every other young adult in the world, should know how to do these 13 things because, well, we're all adults who now have responsibilities whether we asked for them or not.
1. File taxes
I'll be honest here, I learned how to do this one on my own because Tax Act and Turbo Tax both have options on their website of walking you through it step-by-step so you know what goes where. If you have the 1040EZ, it's really fast and simple and usually doesn't take any longer than 30 minutes.
2. Pay bills online or by phone
If you're like me and have medical bills or a credit card, then you should probably know when your payments are due. I personally like paying my bills online because phone calls sometimes make me nervous.
3. Cook a simple meal
I'm not talking like sirloin steak or rib-eye by any means. I'm talking something simple like spaghetti and meatballs or one of those skillet dinners that have instructions that are easy to follow. Ramen and fast food have become staples in our diets, but as we get older, we should probably learn how to cook at least a few meals.
4. Fix a hole or tear in your clothing
If the hole is too big, then it may not be fixable, though.
5. Walk in heels
I'm not sure why I even put this one on here. I don't know how to walk in heels and I can barely walk in Vans without tripping over air.
6. Schedule a doctor's appointment
I'm still on the fence about this one, to be honest.
7. Fold a fitted sheet
After several YouTube tutorials and watching my mom do it a few times, I'm now able to (kind of) do this one.
8. Wash, dry, fold and put away a load of laundry
This one, I mastered when I was 14, because both of my parents had two jobs at the time and sometimes worked until 9 or 10 p.m, so if I needed clean gym clothes or something washed for the next day, I had to wash it myself or it likely wasn't getting washed.
9. Create a resumé
Whether you know the correct formatting or not, you can easily find a resume builder online or use a word template. If you want a job after college, this might help you!
10. Have a decent wardrobe
As nice as walking around in leggings and hoodies 24/7 sounds, we occasionally have to dress up for formal events or interviews. It's ideal to own a few pairs dress slacks, shirts, dresses, cardigans and one or two pairs of nice shoes.
11. Starting a conversation
Talking could open up doors to opportunities you didn't even know existed! If you don't put yourself out there and talk to people, who knows what you will miss out on.
12. Have a checkbook and know how to write a check
This can come in handy for places that do not accept cards, or for giving money as a gift, or even for paying things that may charge extra fees for paying online. You may not need to write a check too terribly often, but it is important to know how to write one in case you ever need to.
13. Memorize your social security number
This'll come in handy for job applications, credit card applications when getting a house, or if you need to confirm your identity with your bank because of statement errors or fraudulent transactions - which has happened to me before, it's not fun. You don't need to carry your card with you in your wallet or your purse, but it is ideal that you should know it.