When I was a child, or rather, when I was in primary school, I always believed that I would become an adult when I entered secondary school because I felt being an adult means freedom and enjoyment. After secondary school, I still didn't feel adult enough, why?? Because I was still answerable to my parents. I really wanted to grow up. To me, I had always believed that my parents made life a bit uncomfortable, especially with all their restrictions. I wanted to enter university and finally start living my life.
But guess what? I actually entered university, and the fantasies and imagination disappeared. Reality and responsibilities set in. Luckily for me, my school wasn't far from home, so every weekend, I would visit home. The home that was once a burden to me became my favourite place, especially because I could eat my mummy's food. 😂
I can remember one day when I came home and my youngest sister said, “Sister, if I were you, by now I would have bought my first car. In fact, when I come back home after 100 level, you won't recognise me.” I laughed because I could remember telling my elder sister exactly thesame thing. But oh no!!, the fantasies I had about adulthood were just imagination.
The most challenging aspect of adulthood is dealing with responsibilities you were never informed about. Yes, there is freedom, but there are also responsibilities that require money to sort out. This brings us to the question of how to cope as an adult without a strong source of income.
I have always believed in having a skill because I believe skills are sustainable. Instead of depending entirely on working for a short period and getting paid, acquiring a skill gives one something he/she can continually fall back on.
During my undergraduate days, there were times when I felt like going crazy because of bills. But because I sew clothes, I sometimes get jobs from my friends, even if it was just amending clothes. I used the little income I made from sewing to sort out some of my needs.
Another important thing is planning. I came across a post on Facebook where someone said that making money is not as difficult as keeping money, and I agree with this speaker. Planning and setting priorities help one spend his/her money properly and account for where it goes. This also helps us avoid running out of funds easily. During my apprenticeship, I encountered a colleague who didn't plan for feeding, she buys everything she wants to cook daily. Everything needs to be planned, including what you will eat. Buying food in bulk when possible, cooking for yourself, and reducing how often you eat out can help you manage money better and will be economical.
Then, another important thing is the right friends. The right people around you, people who come through for you when you are in need and also also helps when they can. Sometimes, adulthood can be overwhelming, and having people who genuinely support you can make difficult moments a little easier.
I am gradually learning that adulthood is not exactly what I imagined as a child. It is not just about freedom, independence, or finally being able to make your own decisions. It is comes with many responsibilities, financial discipline, learning skills, making wise choices, and sometimes figuring things out as you go.
To me adulthood is not about having everything figured out. But it is a stage of learning how to cope with whatever life throws at you while becoming a better version of yourself along the way.
Image was generated with meta AI
