ADULTHOOD: A SCAM?

 

Welcome to the realm of adulthood, the long-anticipated destination where responsibilities stack up like cards, bills pile up, and the pursuit of dreams seems more achievable while asleep. It's a farewell to free food, black-and-white thinking, zero worries, financial dependency, and visitors handing you money on their way out. Realizing that no one is coming to save you but yourself is a sobering awakening.

Reality check 1: Adulthood 1:0 You

As children, we harbored innocent dreams of growing up quickly, believing we could achieve our aspirations without restraint. We were sold the dream of adulthood as the ultimate freedom, a time to spread our wings and soar. Yet, the reality sets in: adulthood isn't what we thought it would be. Independence comes with its baggage, and the dreams of eating two meats at once or going out without parental restrictions crumble.

Reality check 2: Independence comes with its baggage.

Soon, these dreams transform into a complex web of twists and turns. Transitioning from childhood to adulthood, the weight of responsibilities grows. The facade is stripped away, and the truth emerges: adulthood demands more than we anticipated. The pursuit of success requires sacrifice, from determining our future to caring for the elderly, meeting professional demands, supporting spouses and children, and handling the challenges of our 30s. Finding stability amid chaos becomes crucial.

Reality check 3: Your Uncle was not a wicked person.

The struggles of adulthood often go unnoticed. It feels like a solo expedition with no pause button, where today's actions determine the future. Life hits hard, turning us into the "stingy" uncle or aunt who couldn't fulfill promises. The carefree days of spontaneous friendships seem over, replaced by juggling connections in an era of scattered family and friends facing their own challenges. Despite appearing calm on the surface, our hearts may be heavy with bitterness and worry.

Nevertheless, we find a unique sense of accomplishment in our endeavors: progressing careers, flourishing businesses, happy families, proud parents, thriving siblings, family reunions, and friendship reminiscing. Despite life's hardships, a glimmer of hope always manages to pierce the darkness.

Reality check 4: Nobody will ask if you have eaten, and no one will send you free money. (Molade, 2022)

As an adult facing mundane tasks, you must sigh, complain, and push yourself to work harder or find solutions. No one feeds an adult for free or constantly gives money. Financial responsibilities loom large, and personal expectations weigh heavily on your shoulders. Nothing and no one prepares you for adulthood, yet escape is impossible.

 

In contemplating the intricate dance of adulthood, it's worth noting that the journey is a paradoxical blend of challenge and reward. While the weight of responsibilities can feel burdensome, it also serves as a crucible for personal growth and resilience. The unpredictability and constant demand for adaptability teach us to be agile in the face of life's uncertainties. Moreover, the concept of success evolves beyond mere professional achievements. It encompasses the richness of relationships, the pursuit of personal passions, and the ability to find joy amidst the chaos. It's a recalibration of expectations, acknowledging that fulfillment is a multidimensional tapestry woven from diverse threads of experience.