Why Adulting is Overrated (But Necessary)
Look, I’m gonna be honest with you. Adulting is the worst. It’s like someone took all the fun stuff about being a kid and replaced it with bills, taxes, and figuring out what ‘ROI’ means. I’m Sarah, by the way. 38 years old, senior editor at a major magazine, and I still don’t know how to fold a fitted sheet. (Don’t judge me.)
I remember when I first moved out of my parents’ place in 2005. I was 22, had a degree in journalism, and thought I was hot stuff. Then I tried to cook spaghetti and set off the fire alarm. Twice. My neighbor, let’s call him Marcus, had to rescue me. He said, “Sarah, you can’t even boil water. How are you gonna adult?” Which… yeah. Fair enough.
But here’s the thing. Adulting isn’t about being perfect. It’s about figuring out what matters and what doesn’t. And honestly, some days I still can’t tell the difference. But I’m gonna share some stuff I’ve learned along the way. Some of it’s useful, some of it’s just me rambling. You’ll figure it out.
The Myth of ‘Having It All Together’
Let’s get one thing straight. Nobody has it all together. Nobody. My friend Lisa, who’s basically a Pinterest board come to life, still can’t balance her checkbook. (She told me that over coffee at the place on 5th, by the way. The one with the weird art on the walls that looks like someone’s 3-year-old made it.)
I interviewed this guy, Dave, for an article last year. He’s a financial advisor or something. Anyway, he said, “Sarah, people think adults are supposed to have all the answers. But the truth is, we’re all just winging it.” And I was like, “Really? Because my mom still calls me to fix her Wi-Fi.” He laughed and said, “Exactly.”
So, stop stressing about not knowing how to do everything. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to not know. It’s okay to Google “how to change a lightbulb” at 11:30 PM. (Guilty.)
Chores: The Necessary Evil
I hate chores. Hate them. But they’re like flossing. You gotta do them, or else you’ll regret it later. I used to be one of those people who would just shove everything under the bed. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Wrong. So wrong.
Then, about three months ago, I met this woman, let’s call her Emma, at a conference in Austin. She’s a professional organizer. Yeah, that’s a real job. She told me, “Sarah, you don’t have to enjoy chores, but you gotta do them. And you gotta do them regularly.” I asked her, “But what if I just don’t wanna?” She laughed and said, “Then you’ll live in a mess. And trust me, that’s worse.”
So, I started small. I set a timer for 15 minutes every day and just did one thing. Folded laundry, wiped down the counters, whatever. And you know what? It worked. I’m not saying my place is spotless. But it’s better. And I don’t have to hide my dirty laundry when people come over. (Okay, I still do that sometimes.)
Shopping: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Now, let’s talk about shopping. I love shopping. Love it. But I’m also really bad at it. I’ll buy something, wear it once, and then never wear it again. It’s a problem. But I’ve learned a few things to help me shop smarter.
First, make a list. I know, I know. It’s boring. But it works. I used to just wander around the store, throwing stuff in my cart. Now, I write down what I need before I go. And I stick to it. Mostly.
Second, don’t shop hungry. Or tired. Or emotional. Trust me on this one. I once bought 17 pairs of shoes because I was sad. And then I had to return them all. It was a nightmare.
And finally, look for the best online shopping deals 2026. Seriously, online shopping is a lifesaver. You can find great deals, avoid crowds, and shop in your pajamas. What’s not to love?
A Tangent: Why We Need to Talk About Mental Health
Okay, this isn’t really about adulting, but it’s important. So, bear with me.
I have a friend, let’s call her Rachel. She’s amazing. Smart, funny, talented. But she struggles with anxiety. And for the longest time, she didn’t talk about it. Because she was afraid of what people would think. But then she did. And you know what? People cared. They supported her. They helped her.
So, if you’re struggling, talk about it. Don’t suffer in silence. And if you’re not struggling, be there for those who are. We all need to support each other. End of rant.
Final Thoughts (Or Whatever)
Adulting is hard. It’s messy. It’s confusing. But it’s also necessary. And it’s okay to not have it all figured out. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to make mistakes. Just keep going. Keep learning. Keep trying.
And remember, if all else fails, there’s always pizza. And wine. And best online shopping deals 2026.
About the Author: Sarah Johnson is a senior editor with over 20 years of experience in the magazine industry. She’s written for major publications and has won several awards for her work. But her greatest achievement? Finally figuring out how to use the self-checkout at the grocery store without freaking out. You can find her on Twitter @SarahJWrites or at her website, sarahjohnsonedits.com.
