“Adulthood na scam.” This simple phrase has become an anthem for many young people or youth who once dreamed of growing up, only to discover the harsh realities of independence. As children, adulthood looked like freedom: the ability to make our own decisions, spend money the way we want, and enjoy life without restrictions. But now, as adults, the picture is far different. The freedom is real, but it comes with responsibilities that never seem to end.
(Image from me)
One of the most overwhelming parts of adulthood is the constant pressure of bills. From rent to electricity, internet subscriptions, groceries, transportation, and unexpected emergencies, the demands never stop, most especially if you it happens that you are a student's again. It feels as though every time you receive income, a long queue of expenses is already waiting to swallow it up. Even leisure, which should be relaxing, often comes with its own cost. Going out with friends, streaming a favorite movie, or even buying new clothes means spending money that could have gone into settling another bill.
Beyond the bills, adulthood also comes with the emotional burden of responsibility. Parents expect support, siblings look up to us, peers and younger ones rely on us and society measures success by how much we can achieve or provide. It’s not just about taking care of ourselves anymore; it’s about carrying others along. Many adults find themselves sandwiched between their own personal needs and the needs of loved ones. That constant tug-of-war between personal comfort and collective responsibility is exhausting.
The irony is that as children, we often rushed to grow up. We wanted to be seen as mature, to enjoy independence, and to live life on our own terms. Nobody told us that independence meant cooking our own meals after a long day of work, and start to rack our head on what to eat, fixing broken things at home, waking up early to commute, and planning every step with care because one wrong decision can have lasting consequences. Adulthood comes with no manual. You learn through trial, error, and sometimes painful mistakes.
However, it’s not all negative. In truth, adulthood also brings opportunities for growth. Managing bills teaches financial discipline. Facing responsibilities builds resilience. Supporting others creates bonds of love and trust. Adulthood may be tough, but it also shapes us into stronger, wiser individuals. The very challenges that make adulthood feel like a scam are the same challenges that push us to grow.
So, how is adulthood treating me? Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. Some days, it feels like a never-ending cycle of stress, deadlines, sometimes being moody and eventually leads me to cry, and bills choking from left, right, and center. Other days, it feels fulfilling to know I am carving my own path, making decisions that reflect my values, and slowly building the life I once imagined. The truth is adulthood isn’t a scam it’s just not as glamorous as we pictured it. It’s a blend of freedom and responsibility, joy and struggle, wins and losses.
At the end of the day, adulthood is about balance. It’s about learning to navigate the storms while still finding moments of peace and happiness. And though it may feel overwhelming at times, one thing is certain: adulthood may choke us with bills, but it also challenges us to rise, survive, and thrive.
