Once you turn the lucky number 18, you feel the urge to jump and shout because you're finally classified as an "adult". This word sounds so exciting as it holds the word freedom within it...but that's not really the case. To be completely honest, adulting is hard shit, but it's completely unavoidable. So make the best of it. I'm 19 and I'm already ready to run back to my parents and have them do everything for me again, but that'd be the easy way out. No, I'm not paying the bills or the mortgage just yet, but I'm taking on more responsibility than I thought about before. Adulting is a part of life, and some day you're going to have to do it, so why not do it right? Or kind of right. Whether you're just hopping on the adulting wagon or you've been here for awhile, here's a dummies guide to adulting.
1. Get a job.
At some point you're going to have to make car payments, pay for gas, pay rent, pay for food, etc. This money will not come from mommy an daddy forever. So do yourself a favor and get a job. Working is not as horrible as it seems. You go in, you do your job, you get money. Working will not kill you. Start with a simple job, work a few hours, get used to it, because nothing in life is free. If your parents do not push you to get a job, do it anyway. Getting extra cash will not hurt you. Plus it'll look good on your resume later on. No one wants to hire a person who lays in bed all day watching Netflix.
2. Make your own appointments.
This one is definitely a struggle for a lot of people. I have had my mom make appointments for me for everything. And I mean everything. I always hated talking on the phone, but now that I'm 19 it's the easiest thing to do. I'd rather make appointments all day than do anything else. Seriously, this is the easiest adulting task ever. Make the doctors appointment, make your hair appointment, make the appointment for whatever you have to do and stop turning it into rocket science. The person on the phone will not reach through and punch you. I promise. You're going to have to do it at some point, so why not start now?
3. Enjoy the little things.
Enjoy the simple things like sleeping in till 8, getting a cup of coffee in the morning, having time to shower, or finding something appetizing to eat. Adulting can be rough some days, trying to meet deadlines, getting stuck in traffic, dealing with stupid people. It's exhausting and emotionally draining. So enjoy the cuddles your dog gives you, appreciate the person that holds the door for you, and enjoy the days when you find the last Oreo.
4. Stop complaining.
This one is tough as it's second nature for everyone to complain. But STOP COMPLAINING. Be an adult and put your big girl panties on. No one cares that your life is the "worst" and that you're tired, and that you stayed up late doing work. Nothing in life comes easy, so adult and be successful, or complain and get nothing done.
5. Thank your parents.
Stop whatever you're doing right now and text/call your parents. Tell them you love them and say thank you. Your parents are the reason you are the person you are today. Without them you woukldn't be here, literally.
