5 “Adulting” Things to Do This Year  

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5 “Adulting” Things to Do This Year  

 

Are you feeling a little confused and out of place post-graduation? Your early twenties might seem like being a kid all over again—you’re pushed out of school and into a job, out of your parents’ house and into an apartment, and instantly responsible for grasping hazy notions like renters’ insurance and credit ratings. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and shut down, postponing “adulting” until you’re nearing the big 3-0. 

So, how do you take the first step toward adulthood? Let’s take a look. 

Book a Dentist Appointment  

Duh duh duh…yes, this is a big one. The word “dentist” may conjure up childhood nightmares of someone digging in your mouth, but, thanks to modern dentistry most procedures can be less invasive or painful. 

Prioritizing your oral health can help elongate your life and prevent your health from deteriorating. So go ahead, book that appointment and take advantage of leading dental procedures. 

Understand the Distinction Between a Career and a Job 

Unfortunately, work is going to take up most of your life from now on—you’ll likely spend 7-8 hours a day at work for the next 30-40 years of your life. 

While professional trajectories are significantly less linear than they were for past generations, nearly 30% of individuals change industries after college. There will almost always be a common theme to the job you perform, or at the very least a consistent narrative that begins to shape as you navigate the working world. 

Your first job is a terrific starting point for figuring out what kind of career you want to have. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in events and learn skills that are going to be beneficial to you. 

Write a Budget and Stick to It 

It’s time to wake up and take charge of your financial future! If you don’t track your spending as an adult, it’s extremely simple to get into a spending rut that you won’t be able to climb out of. Some folks like to write everything down on paper, while others prefer to use a computer.

Find what works for you. At the end of the day, you want an accurate method of tracking income and expenses. Part of becoming an adult is understanding where your money is going. This makes saving up for future purchases easier. Next thing you know, you’ll have enough for that down payment or that luxurious trip to Paris.

Learn the Beauty of Simple Meals 

Believe it or not, cooking is NOT difficult. You have access to endless recipes online that will provide you with the greatest, simplest, and most cost-effective recipes available. Take advantage of fresh vegetables, one-pan miracles, and easy-to-prepare dishes for a dinner gathering. It will not only wow your friends, but it will also keep you from craving takeout all the time. 

Also, don’t forget to pack a lunch! A little effort spent planning meals for the week ahead on the weekend will save you an incredible amount of money over time. It’s honestly ridiculous not to, and the meals you prepare will be far more nutritious and flavorful as a result. 

It’s unrealistic to expect you to have it all sorted out right away—the first few years of becoming a responsible person are the most difficult.

If nothing else, adulting entails refusing to check out. When everything appears to be too difficult for you, try to look at it as a challenge. Whether it’s understanding the difference between a job and a career, creating a budget, or simply booking those dentist appointments, you’ve got this—you’re an adult!

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