Adulting: Things to Know about the Real World
People have coined the term “adulting” to describe real life responsibilities that come from being on your own in the “real world”. This is the moment in time when your parents or other guardian figures no longer pay your rent, for groceries, or really anything else for that matter (we can get into this in a little bit). You’re officially on your own – and it feels good!
What School Doesn't Prepare you for the Real World
I am so excited to be launching my “Adulting” column on my blog! The information provided here is going to be the info I wish I had known coming into the real world. It’s going to be filled with facts, downloadables, things you may not know, testimonials, and guest posts from the experts themselves – my amazing interviewees! Make sure to bookmark this section, it’s going to be full of important information!
If you have anything at all you want to have written about, make sure to drop a comment in the comment section below or leave me a note on my Instagram so I can make sure to cover it in the coming months.
5 Things I Didn't Realize about the Real World
In today’s article, I will be covering the 5 things I can think of off the top of my head that I wish I had known about the real world before joining it. All of these topics are areas I want to cover in depth in the coming months!
You Will Constantly Be Cleaning
Dust, dirt, dog hair… for some reason no matter how much you clean, there is always going to be something else to do. If most of your home looks clean, check your kitchen/laundry room. At least one of the two will have something for you to do. I don’t know why I never realized cleaning my room growing up was to serve a greater purpose, but it 100% was. Organization is key when it comes to this type of task. I feel like I am constantly decluttering and minimizing! So important.
Work Life Balance is Hard
This was I think the biggest shocker to me coming out of college. Unlike in school, work is a full day process. You wake up, work out / eat breakfast if you have time, and then head to the office. 9-to-5 is rarely a simple 8 hour day, and then you can either go home and veg or have a social life. It takes a long time to find this balance!
Furniture and Decor is a Constant Growth
I lived alone after college until I started living with my husband. Fortunately, my parents helped me out by giving me a mattress and a table!
Long story short: you don’t move into your first place with it fully furnished with your forever pieces. It is a constant growth. Some pieces will be temporary, and others you will have for the long haul. Those long time pieces are ones you will be proud of. I remember buying the dresser that is now in our guest room and thinking, “wow, I spent real money on this! It can go in our nursery down the road!”
You Don't Get a Summer Vacation
I have no idea why this wasn’t something I really considered starting my career. June hit and I remember having the worst AHA moment ever driving to work that Monday. Though you do get vacation days, nothing quite hits the same as the fabulous 12 weeks of carefree bliss that you had for 18+ years before.
Paychecks go Quickly
My 5th and final life lesson for today – your paychecks go so fast. I am working on a budget guide to help with this! When I moved into my first apartment, I was astonished by how little I had to do the things I wanted to do. After rent, necessities, and savings (please for all that is good save!) I had about $200 per pay period to do with as I pleased. This included dinners/drinks out, wine / alcohol for the house, purchasing work clothes, etc. I learned how to get crafty fast, and I promise you, so will you.
Adulting: the Best Thing Ever
Reading back through this article, I am realizing the amount of sticker shock I am putting forth. It sounds so negative! I wanted to end on a high note. No matter your career path, no matter how much you work… the real world truly is great. It has its highs and lows, but nothing in life is better than getting to pave your own way and create your own journey. That is what all the years of school were preparing you for! I’m excited for you to start on this path and to help you with all the bumps along the way.
