At some point, usually right after you realize groceries cost money every single time, it hits you:
Oh. I’m an adult now.
Welcome to adulting that awkward phase where you’re technically grown, emotionally winging it, and constantly Googling things like “How often am I supposed to clean my washing machine?”
The Myth of “Having It Together”
As kids, we assume adults know what they’re doing. They look confident. They pay bills on time. They own matching furniture.
Turns out, most adults are just older versions of us, quietly panicking while pretending they understand taxes. Adulting isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about figuring things out as they break. Sometimes literally. (RIP phone screen.)
Money: The Main Character of Adulting
One of the rudest surprises of adulthood is how much brain space money occupies. You start thinking in sentences like:
- “I can afford this, but should I?”
- “That’s too expensive for something that disappears in 10 minutes.”
- “Do I really need joy, or should I save?”
Budgeting becomes less about spreadsheets and more about emotional negotiations with yourself. The real win? When you get excited about discounts and feel oddly proud paying bills on time.
Time Moves Weird Now
Remember when a year felt like forever? Now weeks fly by, and suddenly it’s Monday again.
Adulting means learning that rest is productive, doing nothing is sometimes necessary, and your energy has limits (very loud, non-negotiable limits). You start scheduling hangouts like business meetings and canceling plans because “I just can’t today”—which is both freeing and slightly alarming.
Emotional Responsibility Is the Hardest Part
No one warns you that adulting is less about jobs and more about emotional management.
You’re responsible for:
- Your reactions
- Your healing
- Your boundaries
You learn that not everyone will like you, closure is often something you give yourself, and growth can feel lonely. But you also learn how strong you are, especially on days when you don’t feel strong at all.
The Tiny Wins Matter More Than You Think
Adulting isn’t just promotions and milestones. It’s:
- Making a decent meal at home
- Finally booking that appointment
- Saying no without explaining yourself
- Going to bed early and not feeling boring about it
These small wins add up. They’re proof you’re learning, even when it feels like you’re behind.
No One Is Actually “Behind”
Here’s the truth: there’s no universal timeline. Some people marry early. Some switch careers at 40. Some are still figuring it out—and that’s not a failure.
Adulting looks different for everyone, and comparison is the fastest way to forget that. Progress isn’t linear. Growth isn’t loud. And success doesn’t always come with a clear announcement.
So… Are We Doing Adulting Right?
If you’re trying, learning, messing up, apologizing, adjusting, and showing up again—you’re doing it right.
Adulting isn’t about perfection. It’s about resilience. It’s about becoming someone you can rely on, even when things feel uncertain.
And if you ever feel like you’re faking it—congrats. That’s basically the entry requirement.