10 things I learned from living on my own
Chances are if you’re reading this, you are entering your early 20s, maybe in college, and really just trying to figure out what the heck to do as your are reaching adulthood. In college, we get a taste of this; there’s heavier work, strict deadlines, more responsibility, and less rules while not being under the roof of your parents.
This summer I decided to take adulting for a test run, before the real deal, graduation. By next year I am hoping to have a little bit of a jump start on knowing what to expect with being on my own and also a little bit more about my career interests. I have taken some pretty big leaps this summer to do so: got my top internship, became (mostly) financially independent, moved into an apartment away from home (700 miles to be exact), and moved in with my boyfriend. Within the past couple of months, I have learned a lot more about myself and I imagine this would have set me back if I waited until I graduated. I have found out a way to harness my creative energy with copy writing and art directing, how to set the fire alarm of (and turn it off), how to find an apartment and not get scammed, how to handle situations that are completely out of my control, and… well that is what the rest of this post is for, so enjoy!
10. Start paying close attention to your income and what you spend. Downloading a mobile banking app is a super easy way to keep track of how much you are spending and on what exactly. I definitely had to cut back on some things like splurging on coffees every day, buying clothes, and my driving across God’s creation. Rent is a huge part of my paycheck since I am an intern currently, so budgeting has been one skill that I have improved!
9. Family is there for you no matter how far. I am so happy my mom and sister were both able to take a mini vacation and visit my new apartment, but as for the rest of the summer, I have to rely on family group chats, facetimes, and phone calls. I know no matter what, they’ll always be there.
8. Cooking and groceries. You’d be surprised by how much you actually need to spend on groceries–at least I was! I quickly learned to plan out exactly what I need ahead of time for the meals I need for the week, that way I am not endlessly browsing and buying more than I need. I also started shopping mainly at Trader Joe’s because their food is So affordable and is great quality.
7. Time management. Homework assignments are sorta like prep for real deadlines with work. It still stresses me out thinking about a deadline at my internship doesn’t just affect my grades, but a COMPANY. You could say my distracted self has gotten a little more whipped into shape.
6. It ain’t easy. I am not going to lie. I miss my bed, home, friends, family, dog, and hometown. But I am so proud for not letting my homesickness stop me from my goals, independence, and falling in love for new places.
5. Side hustles are a good idea. If I weren’t working full time, I would try to find a second job. But, that still isn’t stopping me from trying to make money in other ways such as selling things, blogging, etc. It is always good to keep planning on ways to get a secondary source of income.
4. I learned more about who I am. I think I found a career path to follow. I am really enjoying advertising. I have discovered how much I love harnessing my creative energy through copy writing and art directing. I also feel so much more mature since I have started doing work that is real.
3. I need a lot more sleep. On weekdays, I get up at 6:00 to workout, go to work until five, maybe go skate, and then cook. By the time I have to cook and clean everything up, its literally time to go to bed. I am still trying to figure out how to do it all, but one thing for sure is that I need to make sure I stay on top of my sleep, because my body will decide to turn my alarms off in the morning while I am still asleep if otherwise. 🙂
2. I need meditation and relaxation more than ever. I am always someone who is thinking about what to do next. It is just the way that my brain functions naturally. It is what makes me get into so many fun hobbies, but is also what causes me to get run down so fast. I have really started taking advantage of one of my days off to completely chill out, read, maybe lay out on the beach, and meditate.
1. Staying motivated. There is so much more shit on your plate when you are adjusting to living on your own. It can be exhausting and not what you expected at first. Even though you have more “freedom” from family rules or dorm rules, you have a lot more responsibility. If I am not on top of my shit, I’ll slowly start slipping. First it’ll be the dishes, then my bedroom, then it’ll be my energy when I have to get up for work in the morning. It happens. But you just need to find what motivates you. I recommend writing down your motivations on why to keep going and looking at daily!
