What Every Young Adult Should Know About “Adulting”
Growing up comes with a lot of invisible milestones. Beyond the degrees, jobs, and relationships lies something more elusive—and often more overwhelming: the process of becoming an adult. Or as it’s commonly known today, “adulting.”
As a therapist, I often work with young adults navigating this complex life stage. The transition from adolescence to adulthood isn’t just about gaining independence—it’s about managing responsibilities, building emotional resilience, and shaping your own identity in a world that often feels confusing or uncertain.
If you’re in your 20s or early 30s and feeling like everyone else “has it figured out” while you’re still trying to keep your plants alive, please know: you are not alone. Adulting is a process, not a destination. And no one gets it perfect.
Here are some of the most important things I believe every young adult should know:
1. It’s Okay to Not Have All the Answers
You don’t need to have your entire life plan figured out by 25. Or 30. Or even 40. The idea that success must follow a strict timeline is outdated and unhelpful. Life unfolds in phases. You’re allowed to explore, change your mind, and take your time.
2. Emotional Maturity Matters Just as Much as Practical Skills
Paying bills, managing appointments, and doing laundry are real parts of adulting—but so are setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and learning how to manage stress and disappointment. Emotional regulation and self-awareness are skills worth building.
3. You Are Not Behind
Social media has a way of making us feel like we’re constantly behind. But people are sharing highlight reels, not reality. Your journey is uniquely yours, and there is no “right” timeline for hitting life’s milestones.
4. Asking for Help Is a Strength, Not a Weakness
Whether it’s asking how health insurance works, reaching out to a mentor, or seeking therapy—it’s brave and wise to ask for support. Nobody becomes a capable adult completely on their own.
5. Financial Literacy Is a Lifelong Learning Curve
You don’t need to master investing overnight. But understanding budgeting, saving, and debt can give you a powerful sense of control. And remember: your financial worth is not your self-worth.
6. Friendships Take More Effort—and That’s Normal
In adulthood, friendships often require intentional effort. People move, work different hours, or get busy with other responsibilities. It doesn’t mean your connections are weak; it means they need care, just like anything important in life.
7. Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor
Rest is not earned—it’s essential. Learn to recognize the signs of burnout and give yourself permission to recharge before you hit a wall. Productivity should never come at the cost of your mental or physical health.
8. It’s Okay to Outgrow Things (and People)
As you grow, your values may shift. That’s not a betrayal of your past—it’s a sign of self-development. Letting go of what no longer serves you is an act of courage, not failure.
Final Thought: You’re Already Doing More Than You Think
If no one has told you lately: you’re doing just fine. Adulting isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about showing up for yourself, learning as you go, and being kind to yourself in the process.
Being an adult means you get to create a life that reflects who you are—not who you think you’re supposed to be. That journey takes time, patience, and support. And you don’t have to do it alone.
