Adulting 101: 6 Steps To Becoming Your Best Adult Self
Many people cringe at the thought of becoming an adult. There are so many things we have to deal with when it comes to being an adult. Taxes, bills, car payments, mortgages, retirement…and that’s just the financial side of things!
Adulting is not for the faint of heart, but it’s also a very rewarding experience. Becoming your adult self and figuring out who you are as an individual is a journey we all take at some point in our lives. It can be scary and awkward, but if you get through this phase, you will be stronger than before.
So what does it mean to be your adult self? Being your adult self means being responsible, independent, trustworthy and accountable for your actions. It means having a good job that pays well and gives you benefits as well as hobbies outside of work that keep you grounded and happy, like painting or reading books or playing video games or volunteering at local soup kitchens. Here are some tips on how to embrace your adult self and let go of those awkward teen years once and for all.
Pay your bills on time and don’t fall behind.
This should go without saying, but if you want to be taken seriously as an adult, you should never fall behind on your bills. If you feel like bills are a struggle for you, call your utility companies or other agencies and ask for help. Many companies offer programs for people who may be struggling to make ends meet. You’d be surprised how many people are willing and able to help you meet your financial obligations. Additionally, if you fall behind on your bills, it can be very hard to catch up. You can end up with a bad credit score and it becomes harder to rent a house or get a car loan.
Learn how to manage your money.
This goes along with paying your bills on time. As an adult, it’s important to know how to manage your money. The best way to do this is to create a budget for yourself and track your expenses. You can use a website or app like Mint or You Need a Budget to keep track of your spending and make sure you are putting away enough money for savings. Additionally, if you have a 401(k) at work, you should be contributing to that. You never know what the future holds and it’s good to have a nice little safety net for yourself to fall back on.
Find a job you love and a career you can see yourself in for the long term.
This is not to say that you can’t find a job you enjoy right out of high school or after college. But if you want to be your adult self and be responsible for yourself, you need to do your research and find a career path that’s right for you. A lot of people make the mistake of going straight into the field they studied in school. While it’s good to use your education, you also don’t want to close yourself off to other options.
Don’t rush into finding “the one” too fast.
This is a mistake many young adults make. They find a potential partner and decide to move in with each other or get married after only a few months of dating. Instead, take your time and don’t worry about finding a romantic partner just yet. Focus on yourself first and once you’ve found confidence in who you are, you’ll be a stronger partner for the right person.
Set aside time for yourself and your hobbies.
As an adult, you should have hobbies that you enjoy doing. Whether it’s painting, reading, playing video games or volunteering at a local soup kitchen, make sure you have these things in your life. Having a hobby keeps you grounded and helps you de-stress after a long day of work. It also helps you meet new people and positively engage with others. Adulting is a lot of hard work and it can be stressful. Having something just for you can help take away from the stress of bills, work, and family.
Bottom line: be proud of who you are.
Being your adult self isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. It’s important to remember that you are in charge of your own life and you don’t have to compare yourself to others. As long as you are working towards your goals and proud of the person you are, you’re on the right track.
TCID: peter-kubele