There’s a strange paradox in adulthood: one moment, you feel completely capable and independent, and the next, you’re calling your mom in tears because you forgot how to handle basic life admin. As I approach 30, I’ve come to accept that adulthood isn’t about consistently feeling like you’ve got it all together. It’s more about embracing the swings between chaos and confidence.
This list captures the hilarity, frustration, and small victories that come with navigating adulthood. From moments where I’ve felt like a child fumbling through life to times when I’ve truly impressed myself with my ability to “adult,” these experiences remind me that maybe no one really has it all figured out. And honestly, that’s kind of comforting.
Times I’ve questioned if I really am an adult
- The time I thought I broke my fridge and called my landlord, only to realize I hadn’t shut it properly. I kept that detail to myself. – Age 26
- Anytime I’ve had to make a major financial decision, which always turns into a full-on financial analysis exercise with my dad. – My entire adulthood
- Climbing a little stool to grab something from the top shelf in my kitchen. Sure, it’s more about my height than my age, but standing on a wooden stool feels oddly childish. – My entire adulthood
- Getting too drunk at Oktoberfest in Munich, missing my bus to Paris, and waiting 12 hours in a train station to pay for an absurdly expensive last-minute ticket. – Age 20
- The time I confidently put my backpack on the overhead compartment of a train going back to Milan and fell asleep thinking everything would be okay. To no one’s surprise, my backpack was stolen. – Age 28
- Every time I’ve called my mom crying. – My entire adulthood
- The period of my life when my parents had to help me financially to get by – Age 29
- When I ruined the shirt my friend had lent me by washing it with dark clothes. I still feel guilty. – Age 27
- Getting pulled over for speeding and immediately bursting into tears. – Age 21
- Watching friends and acquaintances get engaged, married, or pregnant while I’m just planning my next rave. – Late 20’s
- Thinking, ‘Let the adults handle it,’ whenever something bad happens. – My whole life
- Calling my mom to ask basic questions about my medical history. – My entire adulthood.
- Sending every contract to my dad for review before signing it. – My entire adulthood
- Anytime there’s bad turbulence in a plane and I start panicking in silence, but still draw attention from strangers who feel the need to comfort me. – My entire life
- Not standing up for myself and demanding a raise after getting promoted. – Age 26
The times I do feel like an adult
- Hosting dinner parties that feel like something out of a lifestyle magazine.
- Reading a book before bed instead of scrolling on my phone.
- Doing a deep clean of the kitchen, complete with reorganizing the pantry.
- Pouring myself a casual glass of wine while watching TV, just because.
- Paying my credit card bills on time and feeling smugly responsible.
- Stopping myself from emotionally spiralling when things go wrong.
- Consciously deciding to be the bigger person in a conflict.
- Successfully renting a car and negotiating an upgraded deal.
- Seeing teenagers and thinking, ‘Thank God I’m not that age anymore.’
- Getting genuinely excited about starting a new embroidery project.
- Nursing myself back to health when I’m sick, no mom required (most of the time).
- Letting my motherly instincts kick in when I’m with my little brother (who is also well into his twenties).
- Diving into world news, reading articles, and having meaningful political discussions with friends.
- Earning respect from someone older than me by teaching them something or making a thought-provoking comment.
- Moving to a new country completely on my own and figuring it out.
Adulthood, as I’ve learned, isn’t about reaching some ultimate destination of maturity or competence. It’s a messy, unpredictable journey full of missteps, small wins, and lessons learned along the way. For every moment I feel like I’m failing at life, there’s another where I surprise myself with my growth, resilience, and ability to adapt.
Maybe the real secret to adulthood is realizing that you don’t have to have all the answers. It’s about finding humor in the ridiculousness, gratitude in the small victories, and the courage to keep showing up, even if it means calling your mom one more time.