Monday, May 19, 2025

The Struggles of Adulting: How I’m Learning to Survive & Thrive in the Real World



No one really prepares you for adulthood. One day you’re figuring out what to wear to prom, and the next you’re wondering how rent, savings, and mental health are all supposed to fit into one life. Honestly, “adulting” is a lot sometimes exciting, sometimes overwhelming, and often just plain confusing.

As I continue to navigate this phase, I’ve realized a few things that have helped me stay grounded. I’m still learning (every single day), but I wanted to share a few insights that have made the journey a little smoother and a lot more human.

Mental Health Comes First

One of the hardest parts of adulting is the pressure to always have it all together. But let’s be real: no one does. Some days are productive and focused, and others are just… survival mode. I’ve learned that checking in on my mental health isn’t a luxury it’s a necessity. Whether it’s journaling, talking to someone I trust, or simply unplugging for a while, taking care of my mind helps me deal with everything else more clearly.

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

For a long time, I thought being an adult meant doing everything on my own. But the truth is, we all need support. Whether it’s emotional encouragement from a friend, career advice from a mentor, or a shoulder to cry on when things get heavy, I’ve learned that having a support system makes a huge difference. You don’t have to do life alone.

Budgeting Isn’t Boring (Okay, Maybe a Little—but It Matters)

Money stuff used to freak me out. Spreadsheets? Bank apps? Retirement savings? It all felt like another language. But once I started tracking my spending and creating even a basic budget, I felt more in control. Learning how to manage money (even in small ways) has given me peace of mind and helped me make fewer panic-fueled purchases.

Life Skills Are Your Secret Weapons

From learning how to cook without Googling every step to figuring out how to fix things around the house, basic life skills have become small victories for me. Adulting really is made up of tiny moments like these getting groceries, doing laundry, managing time and every time I master one, I feel a bit more confident.

Progress > Perfection

I’ve made peace with the fact that I won’t have everything figured out, and that’s okay. I’ve missed deadlines, paid bills late, and gotten lost (both literally and metaphorically). But every misstep is a chance to learn and do better. Perfection isn’t the goal growth is.

Never Stop Learning

Whether it’s reading a new book, picking up a new skill, or even watching YouTube tutorials, learning keeps me going. It reminds me that I don’t have to stay stuck and that it’s never too late to pivot or improve. Adulting doesn’t mean you have to stop being curious or creative.

Self-Care Isn’t Just Bubble Baths

Taking care of yourself means listening to your body, eating nourishing food, moving a little each day, and knowing when to rest. Self-care has become a daily act of survival for me not a treat, but a priority. And it’s made me more patient with myself and others.

In conclusion, Adulting is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes hilarious. But I’m learning to take it one day at a time. I’ve stopped chasing perfection and started focusing on what truly matters: being kind to myself, asking for help when I need it, and celebrating the small wins along the way.

If you’re in the thick of it too, just know—you’re not alone. We’re all figuring it out as we go. 


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