Adult: a word that is hated and loved at the same time. No one wants to be an adult, but we actually really do. Most younger people see the word adult and think freedom! But little do they know the struggles that trail behind freedom like a shark lurking in the water. Some people enter this territory sooner than others, but no matter who or where you are in life, you can relate to these struggles of adulthood.
1. Bills, bills, bills.
If you are living on your own, or even with a roommate, you have to pay bills. Bills for everything you do or have. You work only to have to give your money up every month for the things you need (and sometimes for the things you want). You can't forget about these things either.
2. Loans.
Loans are the absolute worst. No matter what kind they are; student, house, car, anything! It seems like a waste of your money to pay off loans. Sadly, we live in a world where it takes most people many, many years to pay off student loans from college. And if you didn't go to college/don't have to pay student loans, you still will probably have to pay loans for a house or a car. Avoiding loans is impossible too because you do owe money, and if you don't have the money, they will find you.....
3. Getting a job.
Nothing is more stressful than applying for a real life, adult job. Once school ends, you have no excuse to work short hours or not work at all. Some people are lucky and they don't get a job and go and do everything they want without having to get slapped in the face with life (I hate and envy you at the same time). For the rest of us, we go to school to get real life jobs, applying over and over, creating resumes and portfolios and rejection is all-too common. But never give up hope! Do everything in your power to get the job you want!
4. Parental backup is less frequent.
Going to your parents for everything is something that shouldn't happen all the time. And they will, for the most part, tell you the same thing. We all have to grow up and fly solo at some point. It gets easier over time to not call your parent every time something goes wrong, I mean, what are friends for right? But from time to time, calling your mom or dad to cry, laugh, or just get advice is needed.
5. Food.
Not only do you have the freedom to eat what you want, but you also have to refrain from eating out every night because making your own food is one of the biggest struggles. There's nothing worse than trying to eat healthy and cheap. Pretty soon, cheap becomes the top priority. Learning to cook is also a struggle because who has the time for that? Frozen pizza, cereal, and ramen become some of the only food you eat. Don't forget the coffee/caffeine that will fuel you to survive!
6. Making friends.
When school is over, you are put into situations with people you don't know at all. You have to push yourself to make friends with all new people. During this time, you ask yourself "why in the hell did they not teach us how to make friends in school?" You aren't forced to live with these people, which makes it 10 billion times harder. But like most things in life, it gets easier as you go.
7. Relationships.
It may seem like everyone around you is getting engaged, married, and has their life together and you don't, but it's all in your head. Just because you don't have a significant other doesn't mean you are a loser. Dating is harder outside of the community you once were probably in before. Besides, who wants to trust a random stranger? No one. But we will. Nothing shouldn't stop you from doing it though. Do your own thang and be you .
8. Money.
No money, mo' problems. Money is the worst and best thing in the world. It's the best thing to have, and the worst thing to get rid of. But without it in the adult world, you are screwed. For the most part, you don't have anything or anyone to fall back on if you run out of money. Not only do you have to pay for things you absolutely need, but you also have to pay for things you want. And balancing out what you need and want is the hardest thing to do.
9. Having to act like an adult.
Adulting is hardest when all you want to do is watch cartoons and color in those coloring books. You have to act a certain way around certain people so you actually get seen as an adult rather than a really immature person. This means dressing up in something other than flannels and ripped jeans you've had forever, and actually having to shower more often. This also means refraining from laughing at things that are really immature but really funny, or saying a quote from a Disney movie that is really relevant.
10. Life.
The adult life is exciting, terrifying, sad, happy, crazy, and more importantly, awesome. The freedom that steers the train of adulthood is the best part. Don't let this list fool you into thinking that as soon as you are an adult that life is basically over. Because, truth is, it has just begun. There will always be struggles in everything you do. It's what you do to outweigh those struggles that really matter. Everything you do as an adult will build you into becoming the person you are.
Good Luck!
