Adulting ain’t easy. And it seems to happen so fast: you graduate college (or grad school, in my case) and suddenly, boom, you’re not a student anymore and you have to be a real adult. And now there’s bills and a 9-5 and other payments and surprise expenses and all kinds of other things.
The struggle is so real.
I’m certainly no expert at adulting–is anyone, really?–but I have learned some valuable lessons in my adult life. The struggle will always be there, but there are some things to remember that make adult life a little easier.
Here are 5 important tips I’ve learned in my couple years of “adulting.”
Because everyone needs a little advice, guidance and encouragement at some point in the journey.
Learn smart grocery shopping. Not just financially, but buying things that are good for you, and not junk. At least half of my grocery purchases is usually fresh produce (berries, apples, carrots, spring mix for salads, potatoes), and then I usually get some meat, yogurt, and “healthy” snacks, like cheese and nuts, and coffee, of course. I’m not a perfect grocery shopper, but I’ve learned to buy what I need and what I’ll actually eat in a week. It makes a difference!
Find a routine. Now that school is finished, you aren’t going to class every day and doing homework and all that school stuff. It’s a pretty big change–all of a sudden there’s all this free time! Having a routine helps me stay focused and not lose sight of my passion projects. I have set times when I work on certain things, just like I set time for homework in college. Outside of passion projects, having a routine helps me stay active and on a good eating schedule. So many benefits!
Never stop learning. Just because you aren’t in school or taking “formal” classes doesn’t mean you can’t find something new to learn. We all have our 9-5s, but what are we to do with our time outside of work? Find a new skill, task or activity that you’ve always wanted to learn or try – now is the perfect time to give it a shot.
Find at least one “go-to” drink you can order while you’re out. Okay, so this one is less serious than the other tips, but it’s just as helpful. Whether you’re a beer, wine or cocktail person, have a go-to of each, just so you’ll always have something you know you like anywhere you go. My personal go-tos are lighter beers (pilsners, usually), chardonnay, and bourbon and diet with lime. I can get at least one of those pretty much anywhere. It just makes nights out more expedient.
Adulting isn't easy. Here are 5 #tips to help you get through it! Click To TweetGet a credit card (with a reasonable limit) and use it. A credit card?! Aren’t those, like, dangerous? Yeah, if you abuse it and don’t keep up with payments. The truth is, you need to start building credit so you’ll have it later in life for big-time adult purchases (think: house, car, bigger apartment). I have a credit card and I use it for gas, groceries and essentials. If you learn to use a credit card responsibly and pay it off on time, then you’re taking a step in a great direction. If you’re new to credit cards, there are great resources out there to help you get started.
If you feel overwhelmed about #adult life, don't worry. Click To TweetIf you haven’t read the book Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps by Kelly Williams Brown, I highly recommend it. It gets honest about adult life and how to make it work (or at least fake it until you can make it work), but it’s also charming and witty and takes a little bit of the intimidation factor away from life after college. If you’re struggling and need some outside help, pick up a copy of this book. I’m glad I read it.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about adult life, don’t worry. You certainly aren’t alone. But it gets easier and you will feel like an adulting master before you know it.
What adulting tips would you add? What’s your best piece of advice to people struggling with adult life?
