The Survival Guide to Adulting | Teen Ink

The Survival Guide to Adulting

April 15, 2024
By Anonymous

Welcome, fellow adventurers, to the journey known as adulting! As we navigate the treacherous waters of bills, responsibilities, and existential crises, it becomes abundantly clear that there is no handbook for this chaotic adventure. However, fear not, for I propose a solution—a Survival Guide to Adulting, infused with wit to help us tackle the stormy seas of adulting with a smile and a pep. Let us embark on this quest together.

Ah, adulthood—a magical realm where the dishwasher is always full, and the laundry basket is never empty. In this section, we shall explore the challenges that await us on our journey through the land of grown-ups. From navigating the mysterious realms of taxes to mastering the ancient art of grocery shopping without buying everything in sight, we shall face each obstacle with courage and a healthy dose of sarcasm.

Now, dear comrades, it is time to unveil the secrets of survival in the wild world of adulthood. Our Survival Guide to Adulting shall be our trusty companion, filled with practical tips, tricks, and life hacks to help us emerge victorious in adversity. Need to iron a shirt without setting your house on fire? We've got you covered. Need help figuring out how to assemble that IKEA wardrobe or bed frame without curing up a storm? Fear not, for salvation is at hand.

Nevertheless, wait, there is more! As we journey through the chaotic landscape of becoming an adult, let us remember to embrace the absurdity of everything. From the awkward encounter with exes you met on Tinder in the grocery store to existential cries over the meaning of life while folding laundry, difficulty can be found in every situation. Let us laugh in the face of adversity and find joy in the absurdity of the human experience.

In our quest for adulting mastery, we must also embrace the art of time management, a skill as old as time. As we juggle work, social life, and personal passions, time seems to slip through our fingers like sand in an hourglass. However, fear not, for within the pages of our Survival Guide to Adulting lie the secrets of effective time management. From prioritizing tasks to utilizing productive techniques like the checklist method, we shall reclaim our days from procrastination and emerge as masters of our destinies.

As we journey onward, let us also recognize the importance of community in our adventures through adulthood. We may be the protagonists of our own stories, but we are not alone in this grand saga. Friends, family, mentors, and even the strangers we meet along the way provide invaluable support, guidance, and companionship. Whether it is sharing a laugh over shared struggles or lending a helping hand in times of need, our connections with others enrich the happiness in our lives. So, let us cherish the bonds we forge and remember that we are stronger, wiser, and more capable of conquering the challenges ahead.

My fellow adventurers, the Survival Guide to Adulting is not just a mere handbook—it is a manifesto for living life to the fullest, even when faced with the most mundane tasks. Armed with resilience and a healthy dose of self-deprecation, we shall conquer the wilds of adulthood and emerge victorious on the other side. So, don't feel like you have been thrown into the lion's den with a steak strapped to your chest when you start college or graduate. Let us embark on this journey together, for the adventure of our lifetime awaits us all in the great unknown of adulting.


The author's comments:

This piece is a humor article that I wrote in class. 

Self-Evaluation

Writing "Survival Guide to Adulting" presented several challenges, the most complex of which was finding the right balance between humor and practicality and addressing issues. Ensuring that the humorous aspect remained consistent throughout the proposal while delivering valuable insights and advice was difficult. I wanted to cover a wide range of topics without overwhelming the reader. Finally, finding creative and relatable examples of adulting experiences that would stick with the readers posed a challenge since I am not technically "on my own '' as a person while still having my parents to support me.

Writing "Survival Guide to Adulting'' was incredibly rewarding despite the challenges. Coming up with humor-infused content allowed me to tap into my creative side and explore unique perspectives on the trials and tribulations of adulthood. The process of brainstorming and writing humorous examples of adulting experiences brought a sense of joy and amusement, reminding me to find humor in the everyday challenges we all face. Overall, writing this essay was a fulfilling experience that allowed me to blend humor with practicality, creating a piece that will entertain and inspire others on their journey through adulthood.

After researching countless articles to guide my essay, few of them stood out. I knew from the beginning that I wanted my topic to be about the struggles of adulthood. I did not find any articles that went in the same direction I was trying to connect with my readers. However, while reading some of the past students' essays posted on Canvas, I found "Glocked Up Chicks: Using Guns to Reduce Violence" ( the author was not specified in the essay). I thought that in this article, there was an issue that many people face in our world today, which is that only women should be able to carry guns because they are more at risk of robberies, rape, and sexual harassment. I wanted my essay to have the same effect in which the reader sees the issue at hand while still having a humor aspect in it.

While gathering inspiration from "Glocked Up Chicks: Using Guns to Reduce Violence," I found it surprisingly easy to veer away from its topic and craft my own essay. Instead of talking about firearm violence prevention, I went in the direction of journeying through adulthood. I wanted to use the same humor as they used in their essay, although I used my own creativity on it.


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