When we were younger, we all wished that we were adults so that we could do what we wanted when we wanted. We were fooled. Being an adult sucks and is definitely nothing like the movies.
1. Pay Day
During high school, our paychecks from the local Kroger and Gabe's lasted us until the next payday with some left over. Now when you get paid, the bills are ready to come out. You have to pay for groceries, gas, bills, and other living expenses. You are lucky if you see $100 out of your paycheck.
2. Vehicle Troubles & Gas Prices
When we were younger and the family vehicles had trouble or needed an oil change, our parents fixed it for us. They ran us around on their gas before we had our license and threw us a $20 for gas when we needed it. Now we are expected to get our oil changed, buy tires, and get our own gas. With gas being between $2.50 and $2.80, we run until our gas light comes on. These expenses put a damper on driving around listening to music with your gal pals at 2 a.m.
3. Grocery Shopping
As little kids, we would aggravate our parents in the grocery store "Mommy, I want this cereal but sissy wants this one" or "Mommy, I want this (insert gross, almost inedible snack here)." I give our parents props for continually buying food that we did not eat and buying enough food for all of our friends on the weekends. Now when we go to grocery shopping we think to ourselves 'Do I really need food or can I live off 6 bottles of $10 wine?' or 'Okay, what aisle are the Ramen Noodles in again?'
4. Laundry
We want that black bodysuit clean to wear out Saturday, but we don't have time to do laundry. We need to have clean clothes, but we don't have money to buy laundry detergent or pay for the washing machine. I do not know how parents kept our clothes clean because I can barely keep track of where I put the box of dryer sheets that I got from my Grandma before heading back to school. I would be lying if I said that I have not smelled a shirt or pair of jeans before throwing them on or using Febreze on clothes.
5. Going to the doctor
I never knew how many different doctors there were or how much money a copay or a prescription costs. Not only do we have to pay for the doctor, we have to schedule our own appointments. How rude of our parents to not call and book our appointments when we are hours from home and on a completely different schedule that they don't know! Plus, if you are anything like me and immediately cry when they mention blood work or shots, then it sucks when your mom isn't there to ask them to use a butterfly needle or hold your hand.
Growing up is a lie. You don't have the time or money to travel to New York with your best friends. You don't have the money to cook steak every night. Everyone has survived being an adult, and we will too (hopefully).