Adulthood is an adventure that has endless ups and downs. When you’re young, being an adult seems like the best thing in the world, but when you look back on those days, it’s easy to see how different life is as an adult. Keep in mind that adult life can look different for everyone. It is difficult to have full control over how your life will turn out and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to living out your adult years. With that said, here are some of the most common stages of your adult life that you can look forward to.
Finishing College
Going to college is an exciting time full of exploration and new experiences. However, when it’s all said and done, you must think about what comes next. After graduation comes many options; some will require further schooling, some will not. Make sure you choose a degree that aligns with your values and interests. This will help you ensure you are able to get the right type of job that can lead to a fulfilling career later on in your life. Even though college should be fun, don’t forget that it will set you up for your future. Take it seriously and try to get good grades and as much experience as you can.
Getting Your First Job
It’s up to you to decide where you go after college. Should you try to get your dream job at a traditional company or do you try to start your own business? Perhaps now is the right time for personal growth or volunteering. Wherever your career takes you, always be sure that it matches up with who you are as an individual. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land your dream job right after graduating from college as well. Understand that it will take some trial and error to find the right fit for you. Take opportunities as they come and try not to put too much pressure on yourself right away.
Getting Married
After you’ve found the one and things are getting serious, you’ll likely start thinking about marriage. The first question most people ask themselves is whether or not they should get married. Some couples choose to get married relatively quickly after becoming engaged while others may take longer, even a year or more to decide. As long as you’re in love and your relationship seems stable, it’s up to you how long you want to wait before saying I do.
After that, there are countless decisions to make in your new love life. It’s time to factor in decisions like raising a family, the next steps in your career, and where you both will live. Taking the time to choose wisely will ensure your new marriage is off to a great start.
Buying a House
There are many reasons to get your place even if you’re not ready to settle down. Your own home can be your sanctuary and allows for more privacy than living with roommates or family members. Likewise, you may want to buy a house as it gives you complete control over your living space. Whether you decide to grow your family, rent out a room, or renovate and sell your home, you’ll have more options as a homeowner. It is a great financial investment and can set you up for a better financial future. Many people enjoy that stability that homeownership can provide. It’s a good idea to purchase a home if you are hoping to have kids and start a family.
Starting a Family
The decision to have children is one that should not be taken lightly. Having kids is a large responsibility that can drastically change your life. If you truly desire to be a parent, then talk with your partner to decide when you should have your first child. Make sure you are in a place mentally and financially where it makes the most sense for you to have kids. Prepare your home to make sure it is kid-friendly as well. If you decide having children isn’t the right choice for you, there are plenty of other ways to live a fulfilling life.
Retirement
For a lot of people, retirement represents a time when they can finally relax and enjoy life. However, for many seniors, their golden years are tinged with loneliness and social isolation. It is important for anyone entering retirement to stay active as they age, so start planning for your golden years now by making sure you have hobbies that will keep you socially engaged throughout your life. Make sure you don’t isolate yourself during this time either. It’s easy to spend too much time inside. Find social events to connect with others your age and take advantage of your free time away from work obligations.
The transition into adulthood can be complicated, especially if you are still trying to figure out who you are and what your place in the world is. Keep these stages of life in mind as you continue to grow into the next version of yourself. Remember that your life might not look exactly like your friend’s or family member’s life. You have your own path and decisions to make, so create the life that you desire. Put your happiness first and do what you can do to enjoy your adult years.