To: the almost adults

Adulting is hard, but 'almost-adulting' might be harder.

That time between college years and "real adulting" is such a hard space. Somewhere between 20-25 feels like such a confusing, yet exciting time of life to me. Most of us are broke, trying to figure out how taxes work, and adjusting to 'big kid jobs' all while still getting texts from our parents everyday telling us to eat more vegetables (or whatever they think of that day). Some people see us as young & stupid, while others expect us to just jump right into 'real' adult life.

For me, a 21 year old senior in college, I fear that I may never land a real 9-5 doing what I have spend 4 years learning about. I'm scared of taxes, insurance and retirement funds. I have no idea what i'm doing and i'm nervous about this new season of life, but i'm also so excited to figure it out. I remember people always telling me to enjoy my college years since they go by so fast, and I never truly believed them until now. I have one year of college left. Less than 365 days until i'm done with formal education for the rest of my life. HOW THE HELL DID THAT HAPPEN! College life seriously flew by, and it makes me sad to think it's almost over. I'm so incredibly thankful for lessons i've learned, the friends i've met, and the confidence i've found in myself. Life at 21 is so great, and I just hope that life after college will be just as transformative.

But what if we accidentally commit tax fraud because we messed up a couple numbers? What if we forget to get our oil changed and our car explodes? What if we don't have enough money in our savings account when we encounter an emergency? What if we buy the wrong lightbulbs and our apartment catches on fire? What if we undercook the chicken and get food poisoning?

Growing up is fun, don't get me wrong. It's empowering to be able to support yourself and finally make your own decisions, but it's also scary as HECK.

Welp, that's all she wrote. Wish me, and all the other 'almost adults' good luck....

-The Oh, So Joyful Times with Jess

Do you consider 20-25 year olds to be...

• Still young and figuring out life
• Old enough to adult on their own
• Depends on each individual