The Top 10 Responsibilities That Come Along With Growing Up

When we're younger, we’re only thinking about what we’re going to be when we grow up. We’re taught to have dreams and ambitions. As we get older, we’re given some freedoms - remember that first movie you saw with your bestie without your parents? Oh, what a time.

If you are the younger sibling, you probably wished you could get away with everything your older sibling was doing. But there comes a point when you’re old enough and wish you could go back - as the saying goes, we want what we don’t have. As you disconnect from your inner child, the responsibilities get tougher - so here are a list of them and what to expect.

1. Calling to book doctor appointments… all by yourself

When Katy Perry said "someone, call the doctor 🎶" - PLEASE, CAN SOMEBODY DO IT FOR ME?!

I still remember the first time I was at the doctor’s by myself. Not for any specific reason, just a regular check-up but I was old enough to go without my parents. My parents know more medical info about me than I do about myself, so it was very much a coming of age awakening for me. Nevertheless, it was frightening.

2. Doing taxes and keeping your admin life in check

Nobody said it was easy. But nobody also taught me how tf to bloody do 'em. Lodging your tax return as a casual at 16-years-old? I had no clue what to do and they barely teach you that in school. I’ve grown to love spreadsheets but I’ve got no idea how to track my expenses.

If you got no clue, count ya blessings because we thought it was kinda messed up how we literally had no idea how to do taxes after high school and thought someone should. So, we did. You're welcome.

3. Having to meet people and actually... socialise

Gone are the days of nagging your mum during school pick up to hurry up as she’s carrying my backpack on one shoulder, catching up with someone she’s bumped into while dangling her keys in her other hand. Now, we actually have to create small talk and act interested in what people have been getting up to. It still frightens me and I wish I was a kid again.

@patrickdurnansilva

It’s good to be socialising again #fyp #fypシ #postcovid #comedy #xyzbca

♬ original sound - Patrick Durnan Silva

4. Getting a job that you might not love

When you turn the legal age of getting a job, you’re probably ecstatic. Finally, you can buy that video game you’ve always wanted with your own money. You can work for your own lunch money instead of pestering your mum before school. My first paycheck went to One Direction concert tickets, sue me. But I earnt my pay from working five shifts a week after school at McDonald’s - I didn’t McLove it and you’ll stumble across one you don’t like too but you soon start to realise that work is what you make out of it, plus money is pretty cool.

5. Grocery shopping and cooking

Going to the shops is a pretty fun trip but when you have to think of what to cook for dinner every night and then actually do it… Bleh. Exhausting. Don’t get me wrong, if you’re good at experimenting with cooking and keeping it cheap, go nuts! But that doesn’t even include cleaning either and that brings me to my next point...

6. Cleaning and maintenance

When mum and dad are no longer there to pick up your mess, you have to fend by yourself. That’s right - doing the dishes and washing your clothes. I’ve only just found out that you have to clean your dishwasher filter? 

7. Maintaining your physical and mental health

This one is a given but when you’re younger, it’s not something you think about. As you get older, your metabolism slows down and the worries of the world starts creeping into your life, so it is a bit of a neg when you’re not keeping up with both of ‘em. From self-care to good habits, we can only do what we can, so always remember to put yourself first!

8. Life organisation

From making sure you’ve got all your files in one place (birth certificates, receipts) to meetings, social events, work and family commitments - it all gets a bit much.

@stephpase

My TOP organisation hacks! #organisation #organizing #storagehacks #lifehack #organizinghacks #organizingtiktok #fyp

♬ telepatía - Kali Uchis

9. Being in charge of your own finances

Who put me in charge of adult money? From not getting the coolest stationery I wanted as a child, I am buying all the latest Sharpies, colourful rubbers and all the random sh*t that I couldn’t get when I was younger. This is not good. This is dangerous.

10. Getting yourself from A to B

Ah, the joys of driving. One day, you’re with your mates in the Maccas drive-thru and the next you’re driving an hour to work and back in peak traffic. It does get boring quite quickly!

We all navigate our young adult life differently and some might be more difficult than others. But just take it one step a time and check out some resources online to help as these are endless! Have a geeze and growing up will be a breeze.