Growing up and becoming an adult can be seen as flipping a page and starting a new chapter. Becoming an adult can give you a sense of freedom to choose your path, make your own decisions and craft your future.

However, the thought of being an adult and maturing is, for some, better than it seems. One minute you’re in high school with the only worry being what you’re wearing to your friend's house party, then boom! You’re hit with responsibilities, work, financial pressures, figuring out your future and relationships. You feel like you should be more educated, you can feel completely lost while everyone around you seems like they have it all figured out.

A survey asked students about what they wish they would have known before entering adulthood.

When asked how confident they were about managing things like finances, time management and responsibilities, many of them shared that they were not confident at all and were going into it cluelessly. Many said that they are still are struggling to figure it all out. Whereas a couple of respondents shared that they came into adulthood overly confident and did not think anything mattered until it did.

When asked about self-care and mental health advice, most respondents said that they wish they had known that it’s okay to take a break, slow down and ask for help. With other respondents saying they would pick up healthy habits like a good diet and prioritising sleep.

Image by Catherine Falls Commercial via gettyimages

When asked about navigating feelings of uncertainty in your life, most respondents said that they are still figuring it out with one saying, “I still have an overwhelming feeling of uncertainty and a fear of the unknown.” One said that they look to those around them for guidance while some said that they do what makes them happy.

When asked about balancing a social life with work and/or higher education, most respondents said that they balance it by sticking to a schedule. However, some respondents said that they struggle and don't have a lot of time for a social life.

When asked what things they wished they had managed differently in their teen years, most respondents said that they wish they had been more confident and stopped worrying about insignificant things that were out of their control. Others said that they wish they would have studied and read more.

Image by Janina Steinmetz via gettyimages

Stepping into adulthood is like taking a leap into the unknown. You’re suddenly thrown into a landscape of responsibilities and dilemmas with a blindfold covering your eyes. This can be an exhilarating but overwhelming experience for many. Life is all about growing and discovering yourself. This survey proves that no matter what age you are, you still are figuring yourself out. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day and you are living your life for the first time, so of course you are going to make mistakes and run into tricky situations, but don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek guidance. There is always someone that can support you.

It is crucial to remember that the things we wish we would have known before entering adulthood is a learning experience and not something we should dwell on. So cut yourself some slack, be curious, never give up and embrace the journey of life.

Things we wish we would have known before entering adulthood