Prioritizing time while transitioning to adulthood more challenging than expected

Transitioning to adulthood can be difficult but going through it myself I’ve learned a few things.

Turning 16-years-old made a big impact on my growth, allowing me to get a job, license and a car. 

Growing up came with privileges but also trials and tribulations. The main problem for me is trying to balance work and school along with being able to afford the things I need, while saving for the things I want.

One problem I’m always running into is not prioritizing my time, especially in between school and work. 

I get about an hour and a half after school until I have to be at work but instead of using it for homework or anything productive, I waste it driving around or clowning around with friends.

At times I can get easily distracted. 

Oddly enough, for me to focus on the important things I need to get done, I multitask. It’s unusual to partake in multiple things while still concentrating on one important idea, to stay focused I like to listen to music. Doing this works on my own time but working my first job it’s not a luxury I have, so I started singing songs in my head to stay focused and not disturb anyone and I was simultaneously getting my job done.

What I’ve learned with this small personal problem is that it is what it is. You don’t always get your way and a big part of growing is dealing with that and working through it until you find an acceptable way for you to understand it. 

Another problem that seems to never end is financial problems. Your teen years are the years that you’re beginning to figure things out and have more opportunities to test your independence. 

My independence consists of paying for my own things, prioritizing my responsibilities and using all my resources and experiences to morph into the person I want to be while still learning who that is.

Part of prioritizing my responsibilities is having to give up some of the things that connected me to my childhood and redirecting that focus towards my adolescence.

I’m giving up more time with friends and Fridays at the skating rink for work and study time. In doing so, I’m setting myself up for success and managing the inevitability of adulthood. With all these obligations it’s also important to find a little free time to calm yourself and just take a breather.

One thing I think even some adults never learn is accountability and not always relying on other people. I think because of the freedom and independence that we as teens get we should be held accountable for our actions and responsibilities. 

I’ve noticed that through this adolescent journey my relationships have evolved, my family and friends are witnessing my growth and acting on it. Since getting my license I’ve had more being asked of me like picking people up or paying for someone else. Of course when I can, I help people out just to make their journeys a little easier but I’ve also learned to say no.

 Sometimes there is a fear of saying no but it is okay. As you are going through life so are the people around you and part of that process is accepting you can’t do everything. It took me stressful nights and no free time to eventually learn this but in the end I’ve had more time to tend to my responsibilities leading to a better me. A better me still consists of my saying yes to some things asked of me but also accepting I can say no.

One thing I hope anyone reading this no matter what the age is to take life as it is and make it your own. Work through the inevitability of adulthood and work through things taking the time you need. Prioritize that time and remember the responsibilities you have to yourself and others.  The last thing is just remember, it is what it is, if something is out of your control do your best and remember you did your best but it was out of your hands.