Even though I turned 18 almost six and a half years ago, I haven’t considered myself an “adult” until recently.
My journey to adulthood has been a slow and gradual one. When I turned 16 I got my license and a car, when I was 18 I moved away to college, on my 21st birthday I had my first drink (;)), after college I moved away to Chicago, and then recently I finished a masters degree and started to apply for a more permanent job (there is more school in the works for me…eventually). With each step came an increasing amount of responsibility. First there was buying gas for my car and then I had to remember to pay my rent on time. Next, I had to get a job (undergrad) and budget money and then I had to learn how to navigate a new city. All of these things were difficult at first but over time became second nature.
However, when I graduated with my MPH I knew things were about to really change. Finding a job was no longer only about “getting experience”, I had to consider salary and benefits. Also, bills that my parents paid when I was in school started to fall on my shoulders (I was so lucky to have some help while in school). I had to make a decision about which health insurance plan and transit card I wanted to have, knowing that their costs would be taken out of my paycheck each month. Along with all of this, work became more demanding (as it should with more experience), student loans started staring me down, and my general responsibilities grew and grew.
Now, I’m not complaining at all! I’m actually very thankful that I have a full-time job that offers me benefits and that I have parents who have helped me along the way– I am eternally grateful. But, I’m not going to lie and say that I’m not a little crazed right now. Every week I start out with a to-do list and work my way through it during the week. Lunch breaks are spent making calls or running errands so that my free time at night can be spent relaxing. I never thought that being an adult was going to be easy but the transition from graduate student (who worked half-time) to full-time employee has not been simple.
Maybe I’m just in an adjustment period? Maybe things are my life is just busy right now and will calm down soon? Who knows, but for now I’m just going to keep spending time with friends, running, eating (duh!), and picking away at the seemingly never ending to-do list.
Eats haven’t been too exciting over here. I’ve had lots of oatmeal and soy (testing it this week) and have been trying to squeeze in a few veggies here and there (still turned off after the veggie-licious Saturday feast).
My runs have been good too. Yesterday I ran a recovery 4 miles at a slower pace. My legs were definitely feeling a little sore after my last few runs and it felt nice to stretch them out. I must say that I love my long/hard run days but I also look forward to my shorter ones. It’s nice to have a quick workout sometimes!
Besides that life is good. I have a busy but exciting weekend ahead of me including book club and a Lady Foot Locker sponsored event. Exciting!
What keeps you sane?
This post is giving me the hives! Im graduating in a 1 year and a semester. Im graduating early and Im already freaking out. Haha. What keeps me sane is my family. Happy Thursday
Christina recently posted..Its smoothie time
You’ll be fine!! It’s scary but also kind of exciting because you’re finally 100% independent!
When I graduated from college, it took a good 6 months for me to fall into a schedule and accept that I was now an “adult.” I got freaked out about student loans, paying bills (which I always did but with student loan money), and had to make sacrifices. But after a while, it just became this thing I had to do. I created a budget and I have a pretty good idea of where my money is going and what it needs to be spent on. You’ll figure it out too, but it’s definitely a weird/uncomfortable transition period.
Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian recently posted..Healthy Living Summit Day 3 + Final Thoughts
I’m glad to know I’m not alone/weird for feeling this way! I’ve outlined a budget but need to really finalize it. Thanks for reminding me!
awe this was such a great post. being an adult is weird, sometimes I have random thoughts where I realized WOW I really am an adult. I’m turning 25 next month, where did the time go?
I like being an adult but I would prefer less responsiblities, more play and more $$
kelsey recently posted..The Couch: My New Bed
Exactly!
I feel ya, girl. I know I’m extremely fortunate for not having some of the major expenses a lot of recent grads have, but transitioning from student to “grown-up” is rough. I can’t begin to count the number of times in the past two months where I’ve just wanted to move back in with my parents and go back to college and have my life back instead of this weird existence of independence that apparently has to be the new norm for me since I’ve graduated and got a job and all. I was feeling SUPER stressed about it all yesterday, and thankfully my four miler helped clear my head (as they have a tendency of doing), but there’s nothing like a phone call home to help me get my head on straight again
Bethany @ Accidental Intentions recently posted..Immobile
Yeah, I’ve thought about moving home too even though it is so far from possible for me at this point. Plus, it would be the easy route and I don’t want to cop-out of any responsibilities.
Hopefully it all gets easier over time!
Haha I know just what you mean – I still don’t feel like an adult because I’m still in school! I don’t think I will until a few months at a real job next year! (Lol if I get one!)
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats recently posted..Thursday Thoughts
You will!! Just start looking early and have an idea of what you want to do. I’m sure you’ll be fine
when you ask “what keeps me sane” that assumes that i am at all sane – which i am not. HOWEVER, what do i do to try to keep myself sane? well, lots of things. but the biggest is making time for myself everyday. i like waking up early and having breakfast, watching an episode of something i dvr’d, reading blogs, blogging, and not thinking about all the things that i have to do later that day. it’s about an hour of just me time, and i think it keeps me as sane as i’m going to get. also tasty snacks. those keep me sane too
your food looks delicious!! i’m excited/hoping that we’ll get an update on how re-introducing things into your diet is going! good luck with the soy.
molly @ heart, sole & cereal recently posted..tour de clase
I do the same thing (when I can). I looove to wake up early and have the mornings to myself. It actually works out perfectly that Ian likes to sleep in. I can get up, work out, make breakfast/coffee, and do blog things all before he works out. I love for “me-time”.
And haha you totally read my mind. Update today!
I’ve been an “adult” for over a year and a half now (as in out of school with a real job) and I feel like I am still in transition. I pay my own bills but my parent’s own my car (even though I still pay them every month). I have my own health insurance but I am still on their cell phone plan. It makes me wonder if I will ever be truly independent from them!
Exercising definitely helps keep me sane. And so does talking to other people who are in this “transition” period as well!
Alyssa @ Don’t Look Down recently posted..A Night of Champions
Thanks for sharing!! I’m still on a family plan with my mom too.
Exercising is my outlet as well. I’d be miserable if I couldn’t break a sweat every now and then!