Adulting: It’s Like Being a Grown-Up, But Way More Confusing (and Maybe a Little Bit Lonely)

Sohil Guntagani
3 min readMar 8, 2024
Photo by Samuel Morgan on Unsplash

Ah, adulthood. That magical time when you’re no longer a kid, but not quite sure what you are. You’re expected to know how to do everything, from fixing a leaky faucet (YouTube tutorials, anyone?) to navigating the complex world of finances (adulting tip: adulting is expensive).

But fear not, fellow adulting newbies, for today we delve into the hilarious and relatable struggles of pretending to have it all figured out.

The Expectation vs. Reality of Adulting:

We all remember those childhood dreams of being a grown-up. We envisioned fancy careers, unlimited freedom, and maybe even a pet dragon (okay, maybe that last one was just me).

But the reality of adulting often involves long work hours, mounting bills, and the ever-present existential dread of “am I doing this right?”

The Loneliness of Adulting: We’re All Just Faking It, Right?

Adulting can feel strangely isolating. Your friends are scattered across the land, adulting in their own unique ways. Family gatherings can turn into a game of “who’s adulting the hardest?” (spoiler alert: everyone loses).

Also, let’s not forget the constant pressure to portray a perfect, put-together life on social media (remember, the highlight reel is just that, a highlight).

But here’s the secret: we’re all just winging it, learning as we go.

Tips for Surviving (and Maybe Even Thriving) in Adulting Land:

  • Embrace the mess: Adulting is messy. There will be spills, both literal and metaphorical. Learn to laugh at yourself, ask for help when you need it, and celebrate the small victories (like surviving on ramen noodles for a week straight).
  • Build your support system: Surround yourself with people who make you feel good, who understand your struggles, and who celebrate your successes (even the small ones).
  • Find your joy: Don’t let the responsibilities of adulting drown out your passions. Make time for the things that bring you joy, whether it’s reading, painting, or belting out karaoke tunes (just maybe not at work).
  • Remember, you’re not alone: We’re all in this together, navigating the uncharted territory of adulthood. So, share the awkward moments, the hilarious mishaps, and the victories (big and small) with your fellow adulting comrades.

Adulting may not be what we expected, but it can be an adventure (with occasional meltdowns and existential crises). By embracing the messy reality, finding your support system, and holding onto the things that bring you joy, you can navigate the world of adulthood and maybe even find your own unique way to thrive.

Remember, you’ve got this! (Even if you sometimes feel like you don’t.)

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Sohil Guntagani

Ex-BDS, full-time story weaver (and pizza enthusiast). Art, movies & mayhem with a side of anxiety (courtesy of wife). #DoctorTurnedWriter #HungryForLife