After college, for the most part, our choices are our own, and it’s time to start making the most of our newfound adulthood and the real world. Yet, for some of us, the sound of adulthood and graduating college is terrifying, and “adulting” is something we haven’t at the littlest began to figure out. From my experiences and others in trying become an adult, here is an A-Z Guide to Adulting.
Acquire your inner cook. Make your own dinner. It doesn’t have to be a five star meal. It literally can be soup or a salad.
Buy some professional attire. Sadly, leggings do not count even if they are black.
Create another email account. Something other than your nickname with some numbers and “x”s attached to it. Yes, it is sometimes annoying to send people updates about your new email information; however, employers will approve and appreciate a good looking email address.
Do your own laundry. Don’t get me wrong, I hate laundry with a passion, but eventually you have to do it for yourself. It’s really not that hard. Just throw some detergent into the washer. Separate colors to whites, darks, and reds. Throw one set of colors in the washer. Click some setting. When the washer beeps, throw the wet clothes in the dryer and let them dry. Then, fold them. That’s it.
Experiment with people, love, and just life. Take a chance and go outside of the box.
Figure out your expenses each month. This includes your weekly Taco Bell run. Use mint to do this.
Get a credit card. You don’t have to use it everyday, but use it often enough to build credit. Slide your card here and there when pumping at the station, and pay it all off as soon as the first bill comes.
Have respect for yourself and others. This means if you’re going to use Tinder, use it for the unstereotypical reason, to find love. Choose appealing pictures, have a good description describing what you truly want in somebody and who you are, show your actual age, and be polite when chatting.
Independently make your doctor’s or dentist's’ appointment without help. Even if your mom has done it your entire life, you’ll have to eventually. Don’t be afraid of the people on the other end of the phone; you’re just another mouth or body of hundreds they talk to weekly.
Journey to a world unknown.
Know basic information about your vehicle. This means knowing your driver’s license number, license plate, car brand, car name, car year, and any previous damages that have been done to it. It’s better to be safe than sorry if an unexpected event comes up. Also, you should look into AAA.
Laugh at yourself. Don’t be afraid to show weakness.
Move out of your family’s house. Move out by yourself and move in with anyone.
Nix your old hairstyle. Be bold and brave. Cut it, curl it, dye it, or shave it.
Own up to your mistakes and regrets.Because nobody is perfect and you’re allowed to mess up as much as humanly possible. The sooner you forgive and forget, or at least forgive, that be people or choices, the quicker you can recover and change for the better.
Pay a membership card off, even if it's your Angel’s membership card. Pay the monthly amount or pay it all off if you can. Then, cut that plastic in half and never sign up again.
Question anything. When you don’t know what to do, ask for help.
Re-gift to a child. It’s okay to keep your favorite stuffed animal and a few other toys, but unless they are collector’s items, you really don’t need them anymore. And yes, you could throw them away, but there is something extra special about seeing a child’s face light up when they are given something. Maybe the child will be your cousin, or maybe the child will be a stranger.
Start saving. Even if it's the change you find in the bottom of your wallet, purse or backpack. Pennies add up overtime, and it could go toward those monthly expenses.
Take somebody out for dinner and pay. Not just for yourself but also your family and friends. Sure, the bill is going to be high, but it’s about time to start giving back to the ones you loved who may have helped you over the years.
Use LinkedIn. People underestimate the power of LinkedIn. LinkedIn does more than create a savvy resume online, but it also makes you visible to millions of people. Make the most of it, you never know if LinkedIn will be where you find your first real employer.
Vote on something-- President of the United States, student council, or what should be served for dinner.
Write a cover letter.
Xerox on the positive qualities that make you an original and keep doing it.
Yank yourself out of a bad habit and aspire for more that be exserzsing everyday or blocking an ex for good.
Zzz get enough sleep even if you’re schedule is crazy. Sleep is one of the main factors to healthy life. Without it, you can survive but not well.
Adulting isn't always fun, but with some practice it can lead you to a successful life.
