5 Things I've Learned In Order to Master Adulting This Year
Start writing a post
Adulting

5 Things I've Learned In Order to Master Adulting This Year

The realities of growing up are not as fun as they seem.

224
5 Things I've Learned In Order to Master Adulting This Year
Bella Coronado

Upon completing my first year of college and successfully surviving my first year of living away from home, I have grown to understand what it means to become an adult. Although I have days where I consider myself the opposite, I have realized how different life is when you are living independently. Simple things I have depended on my parents for have now become my own responsibilities.

As the adult life is hard to adjust to, here are some things that I've come face to face with throughout the year; things that I had never really had to do on my own before:

1. Budgeting is essential.

For some reason I thought that the babysitting money I've saved over the years would carry me through my first year of college, giving me the freedom to go out and do fun activities with friends and buy overpriced lattes from trendy cafes downtown.

However, I learned very fast that the money in my bank account was precious, and I needed to only spend it when necessary. Little expenses like toiletries, snacks, school supplies, and textbooks each quarter really started to add up. I've had to come to the reality of budgeting each month and making sure that I don't overspend. I guess I never realized that my money would eventually run out… and I surely took advantage of my freedom when it came to making purchases.

2. Food is expensive and grocery shopping is stressful.

The first time I entered the local Fred Myers, I was very overwhelmed by the number of people, children, and carts moseying around the store. Grocery shopping, I discovered, was not as peaceful as I had always thought It'd be. Navigating an unfamiliar store is enough stress on its own, while also navigating other humans. Food also gets pricey and was never an expense I put much thought into. It all adds up and I learned that I needed to put deeper consideration into what I actually needed.

3. Time management is necessary to stay on top of responsibilities. 

Not only relating to school work but also relating to life in general, organizing my time and planning out my weeks became so important for reminding me of deadlines and other dates. I always thought I was really good at managing my time, but that changed when I moved away from home. With the amount of freedom that I have, I also need to make sure I am staying on top of my responsibilities. Using a planner has really helped me with that, and I have even started to actually enjoy organizing.

4. Managing important stuff is difficult at first. 

Tasks like calling the bank, making doctor appointments, and paying bills never occurred to me until I left home. I remember constantly calling my mom before appointments or other important phone calls, asking her to write a literal script for me to say or to help me deal with insurance stuff. Basically, every life skill we should have learned in high school has been hard to figure out. It has taken me a while to find my professional voice, but I've learned that appointments and other adult responsibilities just get easier with time and experience.

5. Decision making can be tough. 

Making big adult decisions that actually impact my future are some of the hardest ones to make. I am still so used to consulting with my parents, and I think I always will. Even as an adult I still believe it is important to have other's input on big life decisions. I never realized before entering college how many simple decisions I would have to make and also how many bigger ones would come my way. Life is full of decision making, and it is something we all just need to get used to.

Even though I am on my own with most things, it is always good to remember that my parents are just phone calls away. Living away from home has given me so many awesome opportunities to practice independence and navigate the adult world, and as I continue to grow and adjust to my new freedoms, it will hopefully get easier.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

Its 2023: What does Japan do better?

Not just piss of giant monsters

66
Its 2023: What does Japan do better?

There are some things Japan does better than most of the West. Here are the top 7.


Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Best Quotes from "The Gospel According to Satan"

How humanity discovers new ways to commit the same old sins

294
10 Best Quotes from "The Gospel According to Satan"

The core tenet of spirituality is to understand our spirit rather than the desires of flesh. Easier said than done. What takes you away from spirituality is sin, which is the opposite of having the discipline of faith and the understanding of grace. To achieve discipline, the gospel is a massive source of strength and truth to many. Here are some best quotes from the book of how the gospel has been twisted over generations to confuse the message of God.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Did NYC's CUNY student give 'hate-filled' commencement speech against Jews?

Fatima Mohammed, a law student, is accused of demonizing Israel. Others say she used her right of free speech and college should a secular space to discuss these issues

2239
Did NYC's CUNY student give 'hate-filled' commencement speech against Jews?

City University of New York and its law school came under scrutiny for a commencement ceremony that featured a keynote speech seen as discriminatory against Jews. The school system, better known as CUNY, released a statement condemning the remarks as “hate speech” following a widespread outcry and calls for the college to speak out.

Keep Reading...Show less
To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before...

One of the things that I love most is space. I am a HUGE space nerd. Literally ask any of my friends. I was first introduced to space when my dad dragged me to see Star Trek. Since walking out of that movie theater in 6th grade, becoming an astronaut hasn't been just some wild dream that could come true.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

The Stories Behind Scars

Some tales of tribulation with permanent impressions.

2928
The Stories Behind Scars
fanpop

Everybody has scars. Usually these marks carry a negative connotation because they mark up skin that was once smooth.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments