Becoming an Adult and Prior Generation interactions
Is adulthood defined by turning 18? By getting an ID or a driver’s license? By paying bills or accumulating debt? To me, none of these capture the essence of being an adult. Adulthood often feels like giving up the joys and games of childhood to embrace the monotonous grind of responsibilities. It’s about waking up early, working long hours for insufficient pay, and struggling to cover even basic expenses in today’s economy—let alone affording the luxuries or hobbies we once dreamed of. For those who pursue higher education, the challenges don’t disappear. Unless you’re extremely wealthy or underprivileged enough to qualify for full financial aid, you’re likely to incur significant student debt. This debt can either force you to drop out or burden you so heavily after graduation that the degree itself feels meaningless. Meanwhile, society often judges us as failures, ignoring the vastly different economic and social landscapes we face compared to previous generations. Older generations...