What's a sad reality of being an adult that young people should know?

Question

HighValue · Accepted Answer

If you are an adult man, society doesn't care about you and if you are unemployed and starve to death nobody really cares.

Popularity in high school means nothing as an adult. It won't get you a job because the people making the hiring decisions are older than you, don't know you, and don't care about your HS popularity.

Your past actions have lasting consequences. Whether that was a past of drug use that can cause health problems later in life or kill you in your early 50s, or cause learning disabilities for your future offspring. Also, injuries when you were young can come back and cause lasting pain when you get older.

Tips:
1. Get a driver's license as soon as possible, even if you don't drive. The more years you have had your license without accidents or tickets count as good driving for insurance discounts, regardless of how much you actually drove.
2. A college degree doesn't guarantee a good job. Whatever field you want to work in, get at least a part time job where you want to work in the future so you will have work experience on record and make connections. Then once you have your degree it will be much easier to get the job.
3. Figure out what kind of jobs you may like to have, see how in demand those kinds of jobs are where you want to live (high demand in an area you don't want to live doesn't help you), then choose a degree for a job you would like long term. If you need to take a year off after high school to figure out what you really want to do then do it. Don't waste years in college for something you don't want and owe money for it.
4. When you work, be careful who you trust. Many adults are dishonest and back stabbing if it will benefit them.
5. Don't compare your success to others. Some people APPEAR successful, but they stretch their finances thin and as soon as anything goes wrong they have little saved to rely on and often lose everything. Many people that have a large house and expensive car end up losing it within 10 to 15 years. Get a normal reasonable car and house. You don't need marble floors, granite counters, 2 living rooms, etc.
6. Stay healthy. That doesn't mean you can't have snacks. Snacks are fine. Just also eat things that are good for you and exercise a couple days per week. Exercise helps your health a lot more than some people realize.
7. Most "friends" will not help you when you need them to. It is better to have a couple close, trustworthy, reliable/dependable friends than it is to have 100+ superficial friends (acquaintances).

I hope that helps. :)

Adam_DoesArt · Accepted Answer

It's hard to say, because the only things I'm certain "young people SHOULD know," are life necessities, and things they need to know for survival. Everything else might be subjective, depending on the times they live in.

That said, my generation grew up with the narcissistic attitude, that we could be, and do anything, and that we were destined for greatness. We were told this in school by our teachers, sometimes by our parents, and especially through movies/children's films. It's only as adults that we truly understood we were never special, that we're just another cog in the machine.

The truth is, life is very likely meaningless, and our life purpose is what we make of it. There is no "destiny," our lives are probably not preordained... if we are to find happiness in life, we need to be able to be content with, finding, and achieving our own personal, and subjective goals, and making our own purpose.

So, is telling children their lives aren't inherently meaningful, and if they want to find meaning in their lives, they have to discover their own subjective "meaning" themselves, something they "should" know? Maybe, or maybe that's too much weight for children to have to bear right away, who knows 🤷‍♂️.

cryscrys1 · Accepted Answer

Hm sad reality ! ?
Why it comes to age you are going to grow old so quickly , even though I’m not 50 yet I can see it coming like a blink of an eye. So don’t think too much of a number that doesn’t exist. You are you at 20 or 50 downs matter. Respect all ages ~ Grow gracefully spiritually. Life is a circle is going to hit you too soon.
Money - try to save as much as you can but don’t forget to live travel and eat and buy what you like.
Passion / career - follow your heart , don’t listen to parents or friends. At the end of the day if you end up doing bad everyone is going to turn your back on you - you are the one who’s going to save yourself - so make sure you truly follow your passions.
Dating / marriage - take your time don’t rush. Have a family when you are both ready. Remember never cry for a girl or a guy because every day in earth you are going to meet new people you are always going to find a new guy and girl no matter what - this is how it’s meant to be.
Health - health is wealth. It wicks to exercise and eat healthy but in long term is going to benefit you. You can watch your kids grow old and travel more. So try to be healthy and try to accept judgments if you are obese yes it’s bad and yes it’s ok to get in shape. Don’t run away from it.

Lastly ,
Do not take life seriously. Life is nothing but a short trip. Live your life to the fullest but honestly not by stabbing others to satisfy your self. You don’t want to die with guilt. It’s ok to accept something even though you knew you were right like life is full of game and lessons . Big deal you don’t triumph at times…..

WonderBell99 · Accepted Answer

I’m not an adult yet, but, some trusted adults, such as my parents and a few relatives have shared some of their wisdom on adulting:

1. learn how to pay taxes. Also learn how to save money. Be smart about it. Invest a lot. Financial stability is very important. Dong depend on anyone else for it.
2. Time management is a necessity. Time is precious.
3. Don’t waste your time searching for a “perfect” partner. Nobody is perfect. There is “perfect” and “perfect” for you. Start noticing the red flags in your relationship early on. DONT stay with a narcissist/toxic guy.
4. Don’t grow up too fast. Enjoy your childhood as much as you can. Once it goes, you can never get it back
5. Your health should always be your #1 priority. If you’re not healthy, then you cannot achieve whatever you want to achieve.
6. Do not be dependent on anyone for anything. At the end of the day, you’re alone in this world, even if you’re surrounded by people who love you. It’s your life, not anyone else’s. Even if you fall down, you should get right back up, and move on.

Xoxocutekitty · Answer

Chase money And job titles until you have a competing priority (kids, elderly parents, higher education). Yes, job hop your way into higher salaries because HR will rarely promote you more than 3% a year and you'll see nothing but desert after your 'first' internal promotion at an 'entry' job. I went from 40k to 80k in 2.5 years and it wasn't from company loyalty. I've switched jobs 2 times. I just landed a new position and already I intend to switch jobs again in 3-5 years to cross 6 figures. I will say this is especially important for young women who intend to start/raise a family one day. Higher salaries and better companies often provide better maternity benefits and extra cash will allow you choice in when you return to work or if you are forced to in order to make ends meet.

Date in your 20s. Now I'm not saying sleep with every stray that comes knocking. I'm saying be open-minded. Get coffee/dinner with someone who looks like they belong in the mountains, or someone professionally athletic or someone whose daddy/mommy is a venture capitalist. Make memories and get to know personalities outside of the social economic or racial/cultural class they come from. People are people. Figure out what kind of person is good for you, not just interesting to you.

Piggybacking on date in your 20s, also realize that (I'm assuming long term monogamy is the end goal), everyone you meet isn't 'the one', until they are. It's normal to be frustrated in the dating scene. But realize that everyone will not work out until you find the one who does. For folks that 50% of those that put a ring on your finger. Marriage doesn't always end in happy ever after - but you can still find 'the one' who will stay by your bedside, assuming you are normal, decent human being. It will just not be timely.

GreenLanternI0I · Answer

1. Life is not a Disney cartoon, where everyone is living a happy life. Life is unfair, people are brutal and nobody cares about you, unless you have something to offer to them.
2. You can be anything that you want when you grow up, That is a Big, Fat, Lie.
Simple example: as much as I would like to be an NBA player or another Elon Musk, in reality it will NEVER happen, because no matter how hard I try and no matter how much time I would spend, I still don't have a physical gift to be an NBA player nor a genius mind to be the next Elon Musk.
3. Pursue your dreams and what makes you really happy, that is another lie.
You have to pursue the biggest paycheck so you can pay your bills and whatever left can then be used to do what you really love. Pasion = Perfection, Perfection = Spending a lot of Time, Spending a lot of time = Not making any money, because you are busy spending time perfecting something. Now that is a luxury that most people don't have.

libsaretards · Answer

No matter how close you are to your friends, life will start taking y'all in different directions do to career choice, family choice, health and many other factors out of anyone's control. Also, as you grow into who you become and solidify your beliefs, those friends you were close to may not seem like the greatest of friends for you. Change in friendships will happen. Even if you are part of the lucky few who has lifetime friends from childhood-adulthood, eventually someone will pass away. That loss of companionship sucks. I still talk to my close friends on the phone, but have not physically seen them in years because we live far away from each other. One is in bad health. That companionship alone is why marriage is so valuable if you find the right person. Your spouse is supposed to be your best friend for a reason.

Guanfei · Answer

You have much more freedom as a kid or teen than an adult. When you're an adult, you're not free, everything you do is for someone else, whether it is for your boss, for your family or even strangers.
And most adult in fact regret their childhood, unless it was abusive and stuff.

That's why, kids, you should enjoy your childhood as long as you can, don't grow up too fast, because being an adult sucks balls.

MCheetah · Answer

There is no real "adulting" or maturity. You may think your parents have all their sh*t figured out and are all put-together, but it's all a façade. No one really "grows up." Maturity and being "adult" usually comes from responsibility and authority. A 16 year old can have that, and a 70 year old can not have that (look at Trump and Biden).

So yeah. I'm 35 and probably just as "mature" as some 16 year olds out there. Not a manchild or whatever; I'm just not what you think of when you imagine a 35 year old; some successful, well-put together made-man with responsibility, maturity , and wisdom. In reality, all those defy age.

Not_Average · Answer

Becoming acquainted with death. Seeing family members and old friends pass that you grew up with. Lost my best friend, my uncle, my grandfather, my cousin, and a buddy I went to HS with. It makes you think a lot about what the purpose of life really is. Being an adult is much better than being a teenager though. My life started to really improve in my mid twenties.

boobliker · Answer

you have to do things you don't want to do but that is life, my baby girl moved out and had to pay bills rent that was ok 30% house tax 12% end of first month she got water in and out and gas that took another 28% of her monthly income So far 70% she said that's ok I still have 30% left that's when I said heat & light you do like it warm she said that's every 3 CM so I said put 25% each month by to help with it but 5% that won't get me to and from work or pay the car, after six months she came to see us and said can I move back. she had worked out that for every 3 month of her bills needed 4 month pay from both her jobs so she had got in to the red.

genericname85 · Answer

your generation has grown up in a world, where saying controversial and mean things has been forbidden. however people have mean thoughts still and will behave in ways that fuck you up. just cause nobody is able to express their negativity anymore, doesn't mean this negativity is gone.

Agape93 · Answer

Not many people are going to care about you. Teeth hurt? Have back pain? Lost your job? Going homeless? Haven't eaten in a few days? Be ready to handle it alone because most people won't help you unless they're damn good friends or you have a good family.

Aiko_E_Lara · Answer

Adulthood is only the begining of having to work untill you have no energy left. Unless you start business your early and retire early.

Age will never go back.

Doing what you always wanted to do as a child doesn't always feel thesame if done as an adult or the older you get. (example, imagine a 30 year old dude playing in a ball pit with other kids which he has never done in his life)

People judges you more.

You feel more physical pain in your body as you're getting less flexible.

Expectations

And more

Dinklex3 · Answer

Cleaning is a continuous hassle.
Be prepared to clean everything yourself (toilets, sinks, tubs, showers) or hire a housekeeper.
I feel like i knew when i was younger, but back while living with parents i never cleaned the bathroom, lol.
As an adult I clean my bathroom as well as the guest one.

killasbunny · Answer

I don't know if it's weird for me telling this but as some one who already live independent since 14 old and work my ass of like an adult.

Cherish your youthful and foolish time just have fun as much as you can cuz, the more older you are the more responsibility you need to hold as an adult that you will miss the time where it feels like the world's is in your hands, like it's only as big as your backyard and nightbore hood.

jaykumar123 · Answer

Duh! Life is a twin sided coin.
If you just want to know the hardcomings and want to get cautious you can but there's a lot of happy things that only adults can enjoy, feel and live.
With love comes a lot of un avoidable pain and that just doesn't mean that we shouldn't love. 😁

I just want to put it in a way that all phases of life has its own charm, pain and fun.

Let me know your thoughts and correct me if I am wrong.

t-8900 · Answer

be careful what you do when you are younger because you are going to FEEL that later on and for the rest of your life. Also you should question anything you hear from your instructors that doesn't come directly from source materials (their opinions and politics)

sammy_sammy · Answer

people are a lot harsher than you expect. Some have no empathy whatsoever

You'll probably spend more time working and kissing up to your boss than actually doing things you like

Factory jobs suck ass. Most people hate it and end up getting lowkey depressed

trulyanattentionhog · Answer

I’m not an adult but I do know that unfortunately no matter how hard you try the world will always stay the same and you can’t really do anything about it but live in it and get through it. The government doesn’t care about the people and it never will that’s just something I've learned

yucel_eden · Answer

You realise how lonely you are…

Regardless if you have 10 friends or 100, the number of people who actually care about you is next to none if your lucky, none in most cases.

You just gotta learn to tackle life day by day…not let it beat you to the ground

Deserter · Answer

People are selfish and only care about themselves for the most part. They may pretend to care, but really it's just a way for them to feel better about themselves. People want to think of themselves as good and thoughtful without actually putting in the work. They just tell you something clich'e that isn't actually helpful at all.

jennifer_bloom · Answer

I guess one is that people are only interested in helping you when you don’t need or want help. This might not be true in every case but I find friends come to me when I don’t need them and run from me when I do.

Sonorous · Answer

The older you get, the less people will pretend like they give a shit about you. Unless you have money, status, or good looks ofc.

Citizenkirk · Answer

Growing up sucks 💩 and doesn't improve with age🐣🐤🐥🐔🐓🦅💩. I look forward to my future job responsibility as fertilizer for future growing plants and delicious worm food.😋🪱🐛 Gotta get me some of that 😉😹

dustybiker · Answer

If you want to do something you care about commit and pay attention to details and quality. These are traits that are noticed and will be the ones most likely to reward you.

pervertedjester · Answer

It's a lot like a scary movie. You're alone in the dark of the woods at night. Armed with a pocket knife and a candle without a match. You stumble around looking for a defensible position while hoping to bump into someone else special with a match that can watch your back... Most of us will never find that person.

Anonymous · Answer

No matter what people tell you or what you see on social media, the cold hard fact is that you cannot have it all.

Anonymous · Answer

You’re probably going to reflect on what you’re doing at that age and think you were being stupid. It’s very common that this happens. It’s a fascinating bit of information: it’s virtually irrelevant what you’re doing now, whatever it is, your future self will look back on you and think you were being dumb.

I don’t know what people are supposed to do with that information, but it’s an interesting detail.

Dragonpurple · Answer

The world isn't fair, being a social justice warrior will make you miserable throughout life. You can't make other people change, you can only change yourself.

RebeccaBI2000 · Answer

Bills are real. Never live paycheck to paycheck of you can. Stay away from credit cards, they are so easy to max out. Also don’t apply for every credit card you are offered.

Subarugirl · Answer

The world won’t be any kinder to you if you are a good.

TheLittleInnocent · Answer

You get more freedom at the price of more responsibility.

bean2k21 · Answer

Get really good at math Major in Finance and work in a corporate office And you'll be able to step on everyone around you

Commander_Red · Answer

You should save your money and have good work ethic because you will have bills. Lots and lots of bills. Bills for your house. Bills for medicine. Bills for breathing basically.

Raidernation01 · Answer

The reality of being untold is the world will chew you up and spit you out. Unless you're in attractive girl then It's really hard to comprehend But everybody's complaining about.

donnny2367764 · Answer

The bigger you get the bigger the problems. Focus your energy on the things that will enhance your body and mind. Stay active because if you chose to have children it will require a lot more energy than you think

TsundereMatrix · Answer

There’s still no one to reach you how to do your taxes

Anonymous · Answer

If you're ugly you do face little injustice, and their are certain things you're not supposed to do being ugly. Though people say looks don't matter, but they Don't really mean it.

People don't really care about your existence if can't offer anything useful that people demand.

Jouth · Answer

having bad calcium in your bones.

hello everybody I'm new years milk goblin, I've come to spread holiday cheer!!

respond with how many cups milk you would like to have bones with good calcium.

Note: Replying with "doot doot" will not yield good calcium. I am not Mr Skeltal. Stop asking where my trumpet went. Thank you

FilmGuy93 · Answer

That if you love something; do it as a hobby for as long as you can because it'll stop being fun the moment you make it a business.

DanielBlack1904120 · Answer

That even though you know the people that loved you are going to pass away one day it doesn't do anything to ease the pain your going to feel when they do

-Asca- · Answer

Nobody knows what they're doing. No one's got life figured out. As a child you may think that adults know everything, but they are just as clueless about how to live life as you are.

CarolineW · Answer

You have to take responsibility for your actions and stop acting like a 5 year old

Wester1967 · Answer

You will be surrounded by miserable people your whole life. You don't have to let them get to you or get under your skin.

AllieAnswersThings · Answer

Disney movies... they... they don't come true. Also, bills are real and they suck.

Ighosh · Answer

You’re basically on ur own. people are happy to help but at the end of the day, everyone expects u to fend for urself :(

Aurora1010 · Answer

You learn the real world responsibilities so enjoy now that you're still free

blondfrog · Answer

A lot of things. Just when you get there then you will truly know lol. I guess one big thing is that the older you get the less you will be desired by others.

zagor · Answer

It doesn't get easier, the point of your existence doesn't suddenly come to you, going down the stairs a half-flight at a time may be fun now but will have serious physical consequences in the future.

Mediterraneansoul · Answer

You want happiness, make others happy.
You want good impressions, smile
You want respect, respect yourself
The main lesson adulthood teaches you is you're not the hero in noone's story but yours and if you learn to not be selfish.

Arias · Answer

It's not just how much money you have in your pocket, it's how well your credit works for you.

FinalFantasyBro · Answer

You have terrible health issues, plus you eventually lose your metabolism once you grown older, believe treasure that gift as much as you can.

jahaims · Answer

At the end of the day you are alone. Don't go through life expecting it to be fair that is a waste of time.

TheAfrikan · Answer

Most of Us adults do hustle our arses off in order to live a life we do wanna live. So no one is gonna give it to you, so we go out for it in older to achieve it.

2021biguy · Answer

That life can seem hopeless and no one cares about you. Life will chew you up and spit you out. Most young people don't know how hard life is, but some do have a hard life.

Sam_The_Savage · Answer

Be Prepare for everything.  Don't be emotionally fool. Use mind. Not heart.

Nazgol · Answer

Don't expect anyone to help because you're supposed to have figured it all out, & you will be left alone to deal with your feelings

anylolone · Answer

"There's no map and there's no clue of where to go and what to do and who to dog and who to ride and who to hold forever by your side..."

Jackblue · Answer

That we never do all the things we dreamed we would do once we had the freedom to do so. Our imaginations have no limits, we do.

jasco · Answer

It's just tiresome, life is full of shit and honestly napping is so much more fun than you would think.

dolemite89 · Answer

life isn’t going to work out they way you hope at all. You take this with a grain of salt when adults say it when your young but it’s true unfortunately.

Massageman · Answer

Whether or not you are ready to be, you are now RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR LIFE!

Anonymous · Answer

Your body turns less flexible and more prone to breaking. Your health declines steadily. You are approaching natural death much slower than anything else.

What's a sad reality of being an adult that young people should know?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

What's a sad reality of being an adult that young people should know?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

We're glad to see you liked this post.