Teenagers count down the years to their second decade on this earth, until they realize it's not all that they hoped it would be. Maybe they have a full-time job or maybe they are a full-time student with a part-time job. Everyone is living their own individual lives, but they all have one thing in common. The dread of feeling like you should have your life together when it seems to be going in the opposite direction.
As someone who just turned 20, I can vouch that I, in fact, do not have my life together. There's this stigma that as soon as "teen" leaves the adjective to describe you- you need to go full adult mode. If that was the case, boy I would be thriving with clear skin and no stress. Society has led me to believe that I need to have my own apartment, be able to afford groceries, rent, the phone bills and more just with a part-time job.
Should I be in a relationship? Be married? Should I already have my dream career going for me? All my friends are thinking about these things, should I rush to join in?
The truth is, it is okay to go your own pace. Your timeline of life is dependent on your choices, your desires, your needs, and your wants. As I was celebrating my birthday this past week, it hit me hard that I'm not a teen anymore. I still live at home, going to college full time while working 30 hours a week. I guess I just don't know what category I fall into. Adult-ish? Semi-adult?
These sorts of questions definitely lead to levels of anxiety, stress, or even depression for some people. I've had times where I'm just existing. I don't feel as involved in my school as I wish I could be since I commute to and from school. There are days I wish I could afford an apartment downtown and constantly be a social butterfly. Societal pressures truly sit heavy on the shoulders of young adults, especially as generations get older and form into newer ones.
I'm in what I like to call the "in-between" stage of life. I'm not quite an adult but I'm not a kid anymore. Many people in my life expect a lot from me. That can be terrifying to think about while juggling dozens of other responsibilities. I'm sure there are so many people my age reading this going through the same thing. Knowing that makes this confusing experience a little less intimidating.
At the end of the day, you just have to take a deep breath and remember who you are and that you are in control of your life. As cheesy as it may sound, you only have one life to live, so you may as well live it to the fullest. Remember you're not alone, there are family members you can speak to, counselors who can advise you, therapists, who will listen.
We're all in this together.
