I’m sad to say I’ve reached my late twenties. That point in
one’s life where the struggle of being an adult becomes real. No more partying
on the weekends (or after classes during the weekdays) because you have to get
up and work the next day. No more sleeping until noon (or possibly later
depending on the state of your hangover) because you will most likely get fired
if you do. No more Ramen Noodles, Easy Mac, or cheap Chinese food (well maybe
higher end Chinese food. I refuse to give up lo mien) because you probably
should start thinking about your health and let’s face it: there is massive
amounts of sodium and fat in all mentioned. You have to be an “adult” now. That
means you have to learn how to do “adult” things. What in god’s name is an
“adult” thing? How on earth can I do it if I don’t know what it is? Am I even
old enough to be qualified as an adult? I still sleep in “Superman” pajamas for
crying out loud!
Personally,
I don’t think one should be considered an adult until they’re at least 35. That
seems like a legit age. But I digress.
So what
qualifies as “adult” things? Paying bills, managing your finances, buying
groceries (beer no longer qualifies as your top “grocery” item guys, sorry),
signing up for health insurance, paying bills…paying bills…paying off the
inevitable student loans that you’ve probably racked up during your college
years. Holy crap. This is getting scary. Life is starting to creep up on you.
Slinking its long, gnarly fingers around your wallet and mind; threatening to
drive you mad! Life! You thrust the skull high and dramatically say: “Alas poor
Yorick I knew him!” Then you realize that you not only don’t know someone named
Yorick, but someone else said that first. So you sit down in the corner and
fall into the fetal position crying out: “I don’t want to be an adult! I can’t
handle all of this!”
Take a deep
breath. Uncurl yourself from the fetal position, and sit up. You’re going to be
fine. I know it’s a lot to take in and it’s scary as hell, but you are not
alone. There are thousands of people going through the exact same thing as you,
maybe not at this very moment but trust me they’re definitely going to feel it
soon. I am one of those people; I’m terrified
of becoming an adult. But being an adult doesn’t mean changing who you are
completely, it means making a few tweaks here and there to make sure you’re
successful and most importantly: happy. Let me explain:
First off, people unfortunately
need and require money in order to survive. Wouldn’t it be better if we all
could pay with pocket lint or something? Or pennies? There are probably more
freaking pennies than there is pocket lint. Sadly, that’s not the case so one
needs to find a job and become a contributing member of society; a taxpayer. Preferably,
you want a job that makes you happy but alas, that doesn’t always happen. The
truth is you’re going to have to work a few crappy jobs before you find one
that makes you happy. I truly believe that if you keep pressing on, you’ll find
that job. Just keep going kid, you’ll make it.
Secondly you’re going to have to
learn how to manage your money. I feel so hypocritical saying this because I am
awful with money. But it’s something
I am learning to do. If you have to, talk to someone about planning a budget or
finance management. There are people out there who do that sort of stuff for a
living (I know, shocking right?) so they’ll be more than happy to help you out.
Lastly, never lose track of where
you came from; whether that place is lower class, middle class, or first class.
Where you come from is an important part of who you are and it’ll keep you
grounded. I’m blessed to come from a wonderful family who supports me in all I
do, even when I screw up royally I’m able to come home and find my bearings. If
you’re not as lucky as I am, then remember where you come from and become
better. Remember that someone can’t be more human than you, if a human being
did it than it is attainable for you.
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