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I was 17 when I graduated from high school and would turn 18 just two and a half months later. I had my foot in the door of one possible career and would soon have a second option. I was also preparing for college. Big things were happening for me as they are for many at this stage of life. So many options. "The world at my feet" as is said. I would live at my parent's house for the next few years before making the next giant "adult" decision, getting married.
When you're in you're late teens and early 20's you think you know it all and nothing your parents tell you or warn you about sinks in. I thought, because the calendar said so, I was an adult. Little did I know I had so much to learn. There are a lot of things on the list below that should be taught in high school and the class should be called "Adulting".
Adulting is hard … 18 may be the age when we are considered an adult … but for most, it’s a lot later than that. A new survey found that 50% of respondents said they didn’t feel like an adult – until they were 30. So, what kind of things signify you’re an adult? Here are some results from the survey:
- Living on your own -- 30%
- Buying a house – 28%
- Getting married – 27%
- Having your own bank account – 27%
- Having kids – 26%
- Doing you own grocery shopping – 26%
- Doing your own taxes – 25%
- Paying for your own phone – 25%
- A steady paycheck – 25%
- Voting – 25%
I can suggest several more things for that list including lawn care, vehicle maintenance, home maintenance, health insurance, saving for retirement and learning about relationships of all kinds. There are probably more but my old adult mind is tired. Bottom line, the world that was once at your feet is now on your shoulders. You can handle it. Be prepared and don't be afraid to ask for help. Good luck and Godspeed to the Class of 2022!