SophieJ Life Experiences

I just have to say it out loud: being an adult is tough! Who signed me up for this? Where do I go to opt out? From where I’m standing, this whole “independent, self-sufficient, thriving adult” thing feels like a scam.

On the outside, I may have it all together. My skin is moisturized, my calendar is color-coded, and I respond to emails with “Kind regards,” just as a grown woman should. But don’t let the illusion fool you; I’m exhausted. Not just “I-need-a-nap” tired; I mean bone-deep, emotionally, spiritually, and existentially drained.

I’m tired of being responsible for my well-being, my bank account, my career path, my mental health, and, most importantly….deciding what to eat three times a day, every single day. Like why does dinner always sneak up on me? Every day? Again? Didn’t I just feed myself yesterday?

It feels like life waiting for me to hit adulthood just to hand me the steering wheel of a barely functioning car on fire and say, “Good luck out there.” Wow, thanks!

Rent? Too high. Groceries? Astronomical. Car maintenance? Laughable. Therapy? Necessary, but who has the copay? And don’t get me started on how enjoyment now feels like a luxury. God forbid I take one weekend to breathe, relax, and enjoy life because Monday always comes around like, “You had fun? That’s cute. Here’s your punishment: emails, overdrafts, and six missed deadlines. Oh, and you’re out of eggs.”

I’ve seriously considered getting a second job. But let’s be honest, I’m barely surviving with the first one. My body is like, “Ma’am, we are at capacity. Please sit down.” Meanwhile, capitalism is shouting, “Grind harder!”

But how, friends? How are we supposed to survive in this economy? With wages that don’t match inflation, rent that could be a mortgage, and dreams that feel increasingly out of reach? The math isn’t adding up, and the peace? It’s non-existent.

Some days, I fantasize about being a well-kept houseplant, watered once a week, placed by a window, with no emails, no bills, and no decision fatigue. Just vibes and photosynthesis.

But alas, I am here. Fully grown, barely functioning, yet still showing up. Somehow, we keep pushing. We laugh through the chaos. We romanticize iced coffee and solo grocery trips as a way to feel alive. We text each other “same” when the group chat turns into a therapy circle. We survive.

So, to all my fellow tired, overworked, emotionally drained adults out there: I see you. You’re not alone. And maybe we’re doing better than we think.

But still… being an adult is so tough, man.

Drop a comment if you’ve ever looked around and thought, “This can’t be what grown-ups signed up for.” What’s the most frustrating part of adulthood for you? Let’s laugh, cry, and commiserate together because misery might love company, but it thrives even better with memes and mutual venting. 💸🫠