11 Things I’ve Learned During My First Year Of Adulthood

On my graduation day, I naively walked down the stage to receive my long-awaited university degree. Little did I know that at the end of that walk were a pile of responsibilities waiting to cling to me for the rest of eternity. I thought that walk would mean I could finally welcome a life full of freedom, but on the contrary, it was me kissing my carefree life goodbye.

Fast-forward a year later and luckily here I am, a year closer to cracking the full code of “adulthood.”

And here’s what I’ve learned so far:

1. Never, ever lose sight of your dreams.

Unfortunately more likely than not, your first job after college won’t even come close to what your dream job is, and you’ll hate it. You’re going to be busy adjusting to and keeping up with work; but it’s important to find the time to pave the path of achieving your life goals, doesn’t matter how slow you’re going or how little you’re doing, as long as those little steps eventually take you to where you want to be.

2. Knowing how to deal with your colleagues is very tricky at first.

Take your time to decide whom to befriend and trust. Side note: don’t engage in office gossip.

3. A good salary doesn’t justify staying at a job where you dread waking up each morning.

4. Not caring what others think of you is the most liberating feeling and is very vital for your personal growth.

People’s opinions of your choices serve nothing more than chains that hold you back; why give someone other than yourself such a big influence on YOUR life and YOUR choices?

5. Actively look for the positive in all situations.

Things will go wrong, really really wrong sometimes, but getting in the habit of seeing the good in everything will make things easier to get through.

6. You only need one person to believe in you.

Yourself.

7. You always know best.

You know your life, values, and beliefs better than anyone else, and though there will be those who try to advise you on how to deal with certain situations, which can be insightful to listen to. However, at the end go with your instinct; it knows best.

8. Learn to remove people from your life without holding any bitter feelings.

9. It sucks, I agree, but saving up is a must.

Your future self will be grateful. Or so I hope.

10. No shame in going to bed at 9PM.

Yes, there will come a time where you’re bewildered at your past ability of pulling all-nighters.

11. Always, always give others the benefit of the doubt.

You seriously have no idea what a person can be going through. People are really good at hiding bad things going on in their lives. Just be kind and don’t assume the worst in others.

I did have a hard time accepting the fact that my carefree university life has come to an end, but the endless possibilities of what is ahead were far too promising to waste looking back.

So the best one can do is just embrace this phase of confusion that no one seems to understand, and Happy Adulting!