Some people my age may think they are already an adult, but honestly it's still hard for me to wrap my mind around me becoming a grown up. I will openly admit that my parents are helping me get through school. I work part time but that would not even put a dent in the bills for school, my apartment, food, books... the list never ends. Anyone who tells me that they are paying for everything 100 percent by themselves, I bow down to you because I know I couldn't do it. On top of the bills, the stress is overwhelming. I mean, having to worry about getting through classes, going to work, doing homework and trying to have a social life is a lot to handle. But even though we deal with all of this, are we even prepared for the rest of the real world?
Urban Dictionary defines "Adulting" as "doing grown up things and hold responsibilities, such as a 9-to-5 job, a mortgage/rent, a car payment, or anything else that makes one think of grown ups." Just seeing the word mortgage makes me cringe. But the real world will kick your ass if you don't start getting ahead of it now.
Here are five things to help the transition into adulthood a little bit easier.
1. Get organized. There is room for mess ups in college because you are almost in you own time zone, but as soon as you find a job you cannot be late just because it was thirsty Thursday the night before.
2. Stay motivated. It's definitely easy to get in a rut of wearing sweatpants to class everyday and only reading when you know there will be a quiz. Unfortunately, you just can't wear sweatpants to a 9-to-5 job. But, keep in mind that doing the extra work now to get ahead will pay off later.
3. Make connections. Clean up your Facebook page of any suggestive photos of you at the Halloween frat party a couple years ago. Go to the events your school puts on to speak with professionals in your field.
4. Get used to saying no. You think you're busy now, wait until you've started a new job and are traveling all around the Midwest and when you finally get home, all you'll want is your pillow, not to go out drinking.
5. Set goals. Make sure your goals are realistic. Instead of setting the goal of getting a B in a class, fight for that promotion you've been wanting.
