This is my first time having a Guest Post on my website, so thank you so much to Alli for writing this post for JustBeingBrooklyn readers!
Becoming an independent adult is a big life step that involves a lot of personal, financial and health related changes. Some things that you are used to your parents doing for you all of a sudden become your responsibility. Preparing for this adjustment can be a daunting task for some, but with this ultimate “I’m an adult now” checklist, you’ll be prepared in no time!
– PERSONAL –
Time management is determined by how you divide your week between your work and professional life. Effectively managing your time results in making the most of everyday and doing more in less time. When you live your day-to-day life based on a schedule, it makes it simpler to prioritize important tasks. The more organized you are with your time, the more free time you will have for extracurriculars, a night out with friends, or simply a few hours of relaxation.
Attend a networking event
Making valuable connections is the key to meeting new people. You’re able to showcase your professional abilities and it’s a great way to land a potential career position. If you attended college, you’ll know that networking events and seminars were an ideal part of your campus culture and classroom curriculum. When you enter adulthood, it is important to seek these events in your community to discover new opportunities within your area. These networking affairs can help you learn more information about volunteering opportunities, unique side hustles or new job openings.
Stay connected with friends
Maintaining a social life is a great benefit for your mental health. Staying in touch with your childhood, high school or college friends contributes to greater happiness and stronger relationships. But as the days go by and life gets busier, this can easily be forgotten. Take the lead and plan a day trip or a weekend getaway with your closest friends to catch up and make more amazing memories.
– FINANCIAL –
Create a budget
Establishing a budgeting plan is the beginning of your successful financial journey. Implementing a budget involves saving as much as you can while spending as little as possible. Spending without a limit is one the biggest mistakes you can make, so identify your expenses, know your needs vs. wants and set financial goals for yourself to make your financial status a little less nerve-racking.
Establish your student loan payment plan
This is a process you never want to delay and a payment that you should always stay on top of. Student loan payments begin six months post-graduation and after learning about your monthly costs, you might wonder how you’ll ever afford the things you need. Not going to lie, these are hefty payments, but there are several ways to lower the cost!
Open a savings account
As soon as you find a job that pays you a decent salary, open a savings account for future financial requirements. Let’s say you have car troubles or an unexpected medical bill — the money in your savings account can save you from going into debt because you won’t be paying for the cost under your normal checking account. The comfort of having a savings account will give you a peace of mind even when times get tough.
– HEALTH –
Maintain a regular sleep schedule
Depending on your life situation, your sleeping patterns can be totally off. Even with your lavender essential oils, that nightly dose of melatonin and your ceiling fan blasting, an inconsistent sleeping pattern can take away from those relaxation remedies. It is known that adults have to get 8 hours of sleep to feel well rested and ready to conquer the following day. If you notice you’re not getting a sufficient amount of sleep, consider investing in a comfortable mattress with silk sheets, or light blocking curtains as a solution.
Join a community sports league
As an adult, it is vital to exercise on a daily basis, whether that is going for a walk or run outside, joining a gym or attending a yoga class, a well-balanced diet is nothing without an awesome fitness plan. Also, there are numerous sports leagues in every community that allow friends, family members and coworkers to participate. This is a great way to get your steps in while meeting new people.
Make your own appointments
As you age, health matters, and making your annual dentist and doctor appointments is an imperative responsibility that comes along with living an adult lifestyle. Before your journey towards financial freedom, your parents may have scheduled these appointments for you around their availability to bring you. As a part of being a grown up, calling your health offices to schedule appointments around your own schedule and attend in a timely manner.
Thanks to Alli, we all now know how to become that proper adult we’ve always heard about.
What other tips and tricks do you have?
4 Responses
These are all great tips! I definitely struggled to find the balance with everything when I was first out on my own. Then things got easier until I had Aubrey, then we had to re-learn adulting as a parent…phew! All worth it though!
I’d say that for me, setting up a once a month get together with my closest friends has helped me feel like I can still maintain friendships, do something fun, etc. It’s hard to make friends as a grown up!
It is hard to make friends as a grown up! Which is so unfortunate.
From what I can tell you are doing AMAZING learning to adult as a parent, Aubrey is adorable 🙂
I would love to attend a networking event but I don’t have the confidence. Maybe I’m not all that grown-up haha
Haha awe! I’ve been invited to blog events, but never a networking event. I understand completely being too nervous to go.