When a person crosses the stage at a high school graduation, the expectations for what is to come are high and exciting. An individual feels anxious and as leaving for college approaches one begins to see freedom for the first time. If you are one of those people who have a part-time job, just graduated high school and say you are moving out and starting your life like in a snap or blink of an eye you have another thing coming. Being an adult is work and it isn't always easy.
As soon as you turn eighteen (and for some of you lucky folks 26) you have to purchase your own health care. You have to tell the government how much you make and then they charge you to see a doctor. I should add that on average each person typically spends $100.00+ for health care coverage. You can't forget about dental! Add an extra $25-$50 on to your health care costs!
Because you have some bills of your own now, you have to get a job if you haven't already had one. Working sucks. You work 6-8 hour shifts for not great money to pay for things you feel you don't need. I mean, how many times a year do I really get sick? Most 18-25-year-olds believe they are invincible and don't need healthcare coverage.
Alongside all of these new responsibilities, you have to budget your money and make sure you have enough for gas, car insurance, and health insurance. Suddenly your well is dry and your ability to do the things you enjoy is not an option because you have priorities now. You work longer hours and more times a week to be able to continue your extra activities and are exhausted a lot of the time.
As you transition from high school to college, things get more complicated. Applying for college is tedious and extremely time-consuming not including the time you spend looking for scholarships. Financial aid is not fun either. and balancing school with a job to pay for bills is a test of balance I don't think many are prepared for.
As we are hard at work and focused in school, the social life aspect of your existence begins to cease unfortunately. The weekends are strictly for fun and that is the only thing getting you through the week! You now have many responsibilities that require your commitment.
Becoming an adult seems like the gateway to your independence and freedom. Unfortunately, very quickly will you realize that all the time you spent wishing you were an adult, you would end up wanting is to be a kid again when things were actually simple! When mom made the doctors appointments for you, and seemed annoying but now you appreciate those things you now have to do yourself. In order to enjoy the freedoms of an adult we have to act like one, work hard and commit to responsibilities that we didn't have before.
So put on your big kid pants! It's time to grow up.
