The Art of Adulting…WTF Does It Even Mean?

For years, we’ve heard people say, “Welcome to the real world,” as if adulthood comes with a manual. Yet, here we are in our mid-20s, trying to balance budgets, career moves, and self-care routines, all while wondering, “Is this really what being an adult is?” There’s no clear definition of adulting because, in many ways, it’s a concept that evolves with each generation. For millennials and Gen Z, adulting has become a mix of managing responsibilities, achieving independence, and figuring out who we are outside of family and childhood structures.

The cultural phenomenon of “adulting” grew out of a need to name the unique challenges facing young adults today. Traditionally, adulthood was marked by clear milestones like graduating, getting a stable job, buying a home, and starting a family. However, studies have shown that our generation reaches these milestones later, if at all. According to a Pew Research study, fewer young adults are marrying, buying homes, or having children in their 20s compared to previous generations. For many of us, adulting doesn’t come with a clear set of instructions, and the path is different than the one our parents took.

But what does it mean to actually master the “art of adulting”? First, let’s address the basics: budgeting, time management, and self-care. Budgeting can feel overwhelming at first, especially when faced with student loans, rent, and other expenses. Financial independence is often one of the hardest aspects of adulting because it requires discipline and sometimes sacrifice. A simple 50/30/20 rule—spend 50% on needs, 30% on wants, and save 20%—can be a helpful starting point. Of course, this ratio might change depending on individual circumstances, but setting goals and tracking spending can make a huge difference.

Time management is another critical skill in adulting, especially as our responsibilities grow. Balancing work, relationships, and personal projects requires intentional planning. There are countless tools and strategies, from to-do lists to digital calendars, that can help us stay organized. However, time management isn’t just about squeezing productivity out of every minute; it’s also about making time for self-care and downtime. After all, adulting isn’t sustainable if we’re constantly burning ourselves out.

Self-care might seem like a buzzword, but it’s essential for managing the demands of adult life. Adulting means taking care of our physical and mental health, even when it feels inconvenient or overwhelming. This might involve setting boundaries at work, making time for exercise, or finding ways to manage stress. True self-care is more than just bubble baths and face masks; it’s about building a life that allows us to thrive emotionally, physically, and mentally.

Another part of adulting is redefining adulthood itself. Not everyone wants to follow traditional paths of marriage, homeownership, or long-term career commitment. Adulthood is no longer a one-size-fits-all concept, and each of us has the right to define what it means for ourselves. For some, it’s about creating a fulfilling career and achieving financial independence. For others, it might involve prioritizing personal growth, exploring creative passions, or contributing to their communities. There’s no single formula, and that’s part of the beauty and challenge of adulting today.

Finally, adulting is also about resilience—learning to navigate life’s ups and downs, setbacks, and curveballs with grace and patience. As adults, we have to develop the ability to adapt and persevere, even when things don’t go as planned. This resilience helps us stay grounded when things get tough and reminds us that mistakes are part of the journey. Adulting is messy, and it’s okay to feel like we’re still figuring it out. In fact, part of adulting is realizing that nobody has it all together, and we’re all just doing our best.

In the end, the art of adulting is about balancing responsibilities, managing relationships, and figuring out what kind of life we want to lead. It’s about learning as we go and redefining success in a way that feels authentic to us. So, while adulting may feel confusing and overwhelming at times, it’s also a journey filled with growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Each challenge we face, each lesson we learn, brings us one step closer to becoming the adults we aspire to be—even if we still sometimes wonder, “WTF does adulting even mean?”

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Quarter-Life Crisis: Finding Purpose in the Chaos