Welcome to adulthood, a land where everything is serious and you are clueless. As we find ourselves transiting from our teenage wonderland to the grim, daunting and frighteningly-independent phase of adulthood, most of us often are engulfed by a swirling of confusion, anxiety and stress.
Most of us manage to surpass this perplexing period through the ‘hit and miss’ method, getting advice from elders or friends. We thought you could use a hand, since Millennials have their own unique set of problems to tackle.
So, let’s get you some help at becoming a real adult instead of a kid disguised as an adult. Here are a compilation of links to teach you what you need to know [You and I both know you need to bookmark this article.]:
1. The Living Alone Endeavour
Inevitably, as an adult, you will have to live alone. As exciting as it may seem, there are a lot of things that need to be taken care of when you first move into your apartment.
From paying rent to figuring out how many times a week you need to do laundry. Here are certain answers to the most obvious questions everyone has but is too afraid to ask:
- What is Mortgage?
- First Apartment: Must haves
- Renting an apartment
- Renting an apartment in Dubai: What you need to know
- How to shop for groceries
- How to pay your bills on time
- Lessons learnt from living alone
- Do you own laundry
- Learn to cook for yourself
2. Dealing with finances
The biggest pitfall of being in college is the involuntary abuse of money. Living on a budget can be hard.
Whether you’re someone who has just graduated from university or someone who’s still figuring out where they spent all their money (also known as, college students), there are plenty of ways in which you can save money or even make a little extra:
- What to do when you can’t pay your bills
- Cracking phone bill stress
- Learning how to save money
- How to balance a Chequebook
- How to do your own taxes
- Quick guide to managing finances
- How much of your salary should you save
- Simple accounting app to manage finances
3. The most neglected element: Health
The highly competitive society the live in leaves us little time for ourselves. As an adult, you have to make time for yourself since no one will be nagging you to visit the Doc – you have to go when you have to go.
Make it a habit to undergo health checkups at least every 3-6 months, maintain a balanced diet and take time out for exercise. Go ahead and add, ‘stop taking yourself so seriously’ to your checklist and keep the below in mind:
- Taking care of yourself when you’re sick
- 10 things you should bring to the doctor’s appointment
- How to get free therapy
- What to expect from your first gynecologist appointment
- How to make a doctor’s appointment
- How to pick a health insurance plan
- Avoiding Hangovers
- Stress relievers
- How to become physically fit
- Save yourself the embarrassment: How to remove splinters
4. Always prepared: Handling Emergencies
While you’re working strenuously towards making rational ‘adult’ decisions, on a lot of occasions, you are going to find yourself in a mess, which in all honesty is an output of your rational adult thinking process. Take note:
- What to do when you get pulled over by the cops
- Things to keep inside your car at all times
- What if I choke?
- Emergency numbers for Dubai residents – Post these on your fridge.
5. Jobs & Careers
Finding a job is the most crucial and stressful part of being an adult. The rewards of financial independence or an individual identity don’t come that easily, and there’s a lot more you’ve got to do apart from getting that degree. Here are a couple of pointers to help you plan your career:
- Dealing with stress
- How to: Resume
- Finding the right career
- Picking the right college major
- Man, I have an Interview
- How to get yourself together: Overcoming Procrastination
- Writing Cover Letters
- How to ask for a raise
- Mobile apps for work
- Everything you need to know about UAE Labor Law
- Work etiquette rules you need to know
6. Travel
“To travel is to live”
Hans Christian Aden
Alright, so now we’re at the fun part of adulthood. You’ve got the money to travel to exotic destinations. With independence comes the chance to explore and finally tick those boxes off your bucket list. But first, make sure you are aware of these travel essentials:
- Ultimate Packing List
- Travelling for cheap
- Travel Accessories
- Best way to pack a suitcase
- Reading Maps
- Applying for a Passport
- How to make a travel budget
- How to create an itinerary
7. Self-Improvement
As you grow, you will look back at the opportunities you let go and the chances you didn’t take. Growing with age is quintessential – adulthood isn’t a permanent state – it’s a ride. It’s never too old to learn something new:
- Read the news
- Overcoming childhood traumas
- How to quit smoking
- “Stop biting your nails!”
- Eating your breakfast
- Learning to ask for help
- Learn a new language
- Improve your self-esteem
- Sewing basics
- On loving yourself
- 100 good pieces of advice
- Art workshops in Dubai
- Do what you want to
- How to manage your emotions
- How to improve yourself – practically
Final piece of advice:
Growing up can be intimidating, whether it’s work pressure or the emotional ups and downs. Don’t be overwhelmed, stay calm and don’t be afraid/too proud to ask for advice.
A little help is a sure ‘short-cut’ into adulthood.
What do/did you find most difficult about adulthood? Tell us in the comments below.