How To Be An Adult: A Guide of the Most Important Things to Focus On

How many times have you crawled into bed after a long day and thought, Am I doing this right?  It’s incredibly easy to feel overwhelmed as a budding adult in today’s world, especially when it feels like you’re expected to just know how life works from the start. There’s so many aspects of growing up that just aren’t intuitive enough, aren’t explained enough, and aren’t simple enough to be figured out easily! One example of something like this in my own life was calling a medical office for the first time—they say to press a specific number for a certain department, but do I press it now? Do I wait until the phone robot has read me all the numbers I can push? What if my problem fits into the category of more than one number? What if it doesn’t fit the category of any number? What if I forget the number? What if I forget my problem?! And on and on.

There’s a lot to worry about once childhood runs away from you, suddenly, with no warning, clutching all your hopes, dreams, and comforts to its chest as it turns around just long enough to grin maniacally and yell “So long, sucker!” as it whisks around a bend, never to be seen again. (Exaggeration? I think not.) The truth is, there’s no “right way” to be an adult—but there are a couple of things that may be helpful to focus on when you’re not sure where to start. Here’s a list of those things, as well as how the Get Adulting app can help you navigate each one with a little more ease. 

1. Get a real job.

Don’t worry, I’m kidding. All jobs are “real” jobs—but the trouble for young people often lies not in the job itself, but in finding one in the first place. In 2024, the website Resume Genius surveyed active US job seekers, finding that 72% of respondents reported that job hunting has negatively impacted their mental health. While work is often paramount in helping young people grow, learn, and gain important skills, what happens if you can’t land a job in the first place? Here are a few steps that can help.

• Use your experience to your advantage.

A common concern among young people who either haven’t started working yet, or have only had one or two jobs, is that they’re afraid their lack of experience will hinder their success in the job search. However, different kinds of experience still counts—even experience that isn’t directly related to working a paying job. Rather than handing employers a nearly blank résumé, think back to experiences you had in college or high school.

• Were you involved in a team, club or group that required teamwork or leadership, such as marching band or a sports team?

• Did you get a certificate from any classes?

• Do you have volunteer experience, babysitting experience, or even pet-sitting experience?

• Were you a summer camp counselor or a swim coach for little kids?

There’s more to résumés than just work experience, especially if you’re just starting out in the 9-5 world. Don’t be afraid to add these things to your first résumé, and if you’re not totally sure if it fits, reach out to an adult you trust and have them look over it.

Pro tip: high school guidance counselors are great at this, and most colleges have a career center where you can take your résumé to be looked over, too!

• Tailor your résumé to the job you’re applying for.

One tried-and-true method of helping you get noticed in an employer’s stack of applications is by tailoring your résumé to the job you want. This doesn’t mean rewriting it; it just means doing a little reorganizing to help your application stand out. You can do this in multiple ways. One is by repeating keywords and phrases from the job listing on your résumé. Don’t litter the page with keywords—just weave them in naturally, where your experience in that realm is already there and a keyword won’t be out of place, but relevant. You can also reorganize your résumé so that what the employer is most looking for will be right at the forefront. For example, you can list skills they’re clearly pining for at the top of your “Skills” section where it will be seen, and relist bullet points with the most relevant ones at the top.

Finally, you can do a little bit of rewriting if your skills and experience match the job listing—this doesn’t mean lying about skills you don’t have, but instead putting extra focus on whatever is relevant in your own work experience that fits the job you want. Highlight information that is most related and customize what’s already there to ensure your résumé is matched to the desired job. You can use their phrasing instead of yours, and feel free to rephrase areas that may seem less than relevant to the job but may just need a touch of rewording.

• Get educated.

Before interviewing for a job (or even applying for it in some cases), do some research on what you’d be getting yourself into if you were hired. What’s the company all about? What are their goals and their beliefs? Do their employees seem to be people like you, and can you envision yourself fitting into their company? Do employees actually like working there? If you’re feeling brave, you can even spend some time talking to employees or spending time at the job site to see what things are really like. People can be surprisingly honest! If the in-person approach isn’t your style, you can also look up the company’s ratings on Indeed or see what employees say on Reddit. Doing this kind of homework helps in several ways—firstly, because you know what you’re getting yourself into before applying, and secondly, because knowing about the company you’re applying to work for can actually help you during the interview stage. Many employers will ask questions about how your goals align with the company’s, or what drew you to their company in the first place.

Pro tip: “I needed a job” or “I just need to pay rent” are generally frowned upon as answers!

• How can Get Adulting help?

Get Adulting has an entire section dedicated to helping you stay calm when it comes to work! Using its “My Work” section, you can import your résumé and work documents so you know exactly where to find them, and you can also keep track of any interviews you’ve landed in the “Upcoming Interviews” section.  Additionally, add your job history, references, skills, education, and volunteer work right in the app, so you never forget it again! Finally, Get Adulting has a plethora of answers to work-related questions in this section, so you can gain some extra knowledge both before and after you land a job. Learn how to write a resume, how to rock an interview, how to deal with annoying coworkers (I’m looking at you, Chris!), when to go to HR, how to ask for a raise, and a whole lot more.

2. Don’t go broke.

I know, I know—easier said than done. It’s generally recommended to save or invest 20% of every paycheck, because as the saying goes: living ain’t cheap. Still, it often seems impossible to save that much, especially with rising costs of living and the persuasiveness of the marketing industry, which is basically breathing down our necks at every moment convincing us that we really, really need that one random thing we’ll never use. So... what’s the strategy? 

• Keep a budget (yes, really).

Keeping track of your money is one of the most common bits of financial wisdom. It’s annoying to hear all the time, but it’s definitely something to consider! Experts recommend keeping track of what goes in and out of your wallet in order to first become aware of spending habits, and then to be able to change them. The easiest way to do this is by keeping a budget. With a budget, you’ll calculate all of the money you earn in a set period, then divide that amount into separate spending categories. Then, you’ll aim to stay within those bounds during that period—usually a month. There’s a vast amount of budgeting information out there, but there is a general rule of thumb: the 50/30/20 rule. In this budgeting guideline, you spend 50% of each paycheck on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% goes to savings or to repaying debts. There are other budgeting methods out there, though, so find what works for you! This is also true for how you keep your budget—try it the old-fashioned way on paper, or use a budgeting notebook or planner. If that’s not your style, there are tons of budgeting apps to choose from online! If you have questions about starting a budget or what your budget should look like, you can set up a meeting with a financial advisor or an employee from your bank to determine the best course of action.

• Invest early.

There’s a lot of people out there who think saving for retirement is a waste of money, but here’s a hint: it isn’t. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recommend that people start investing money into a retirement fund “as early as possible,” which is usually translated to mean anywhere from 18 to early twenties—or as soon as you get your first paycheck. Humans are living longer now than they ever have, with a global average life expectancy of 74 years, which means it’s critical to save for retirement while you’re still able to work. Most employers offer retirement plans for employees, and many even offer a match for employees’ retirement accounts—this means that every time you put money from your paycheck into your retirement account, your employer will too. (How much money they invest depends on the type of match they offer.) There are different types of retirement accounts, and all employers have different requirements both for creating an account and for employer matching, with common rules set around when the retirement account can be opened (frequently after a year of working for the company) and how high the match will go (usually  around 3 to 6 percent, though this differs based on whether the company offers a full or partial match). Why waste free money? Don’t be shy, and invest as soon as you can.

• Buy used. 

Thrift shopping has become increasingly popular in recent years, in thanks especially to the internet. Influencers and other social media users love to post “hauls” of special thrifted finds, and others make videos where they DIY a thrifted piece from start to finish, turning something mediocre into something stunning in 20-minute timelapses. But thrifting isn’t just a fun activity to do with your friends, and it isn’t just for clothes. Buying used can actually be a serious money-saving strategy! Communities often have large numbers of secondhand shops in every category of item. Thrifted clothes shops are common, but there’s also discount furniture/appliance stores, secondhand bookstores, refurbished tech stores, antique and consignment shops, vintage music stores, and more. There’s also flea markets, yard sales, auctions, estate sales, and whatever’s in your local newspaper’s classifieds that week! For online thrift shopping, you can use sites like Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, and Craigslist for a little bit of everything, Back Market or Swappa for refurbished tech, and sites like ThredUp, Poshmark, and Mercari for clothes. Your wallet (and the planet) will thank you!

Pro tip: Pre-owned not your thing, but still looking to save a buck? You can also visit liquidation stores, discount grocery stores (yes, these exist!) and outlet stores for in-person shopping, and sites like Mac.bid for online shopping.

• How can Get Adulting help?

Look no further than the home screen of the Get Adulting app to find a section dedicated to keeping a budget. Add all types of expenses, group them into categories with the date and a repeat option, and then add a reminder so you don’t forget to pay if it’s a bill. Also add your paychecks with all the same options available! Still confused about the budgeting thing? Find the “Create a Budget” FAQ in the “Life Guides” section of Adulting 101. Also, keep track of your debt and debt payments in the My Budget section! Track the type, balance, interest, and minimum monthly payment all in one place. If you’re hungry for more, don’t worry—Get Adulting also has basic summaries and how-to’s for retirement accounts, creating an emergency fund, disputing debt, managing student loans, and even filing your taxes in Life Guides.

3. Don’t let your car blow up.

Just because cars are machines doesn’t mean they don’t need cared for! All vehicles need regular maintenance and attention, and that’s a lot more than filling your gas tank. Some vehicles are more finicky and others more heavy-duty, but no car will continue running if it isn’t serviced and tended to at least semi-regularly. You’ll also want to make sure you’ve got all your papers in order so you’re legal on the road. So what does all that entail, exactly? Here’s a couple pointers. 

• Give your car a little TLC.

There are a few basics of car care that, if done regularly, will keep your vehicle in generally good condition. Once a month, you should check your tire pressure, which you can do yourself at a gas station for free. Every 3-6 months, try to change your oil and do a basic fluids check. After 6-12 months, get your tires rotated, replace windshield wiper blades, and replace air filters. Every 1-2 years, flush and replace brake fluid and have your battery checked. This is a very basic list, and of course, over time, lots more will need to be done to keep any car in good condition, but this is a good place to start! (You may also want to use your car’s mileage as the marker of when to complete these things instead of using the time that’s passed, since some maintenance requirements are more mileage-based, but this can depend on how often you drive and the manufacturer’s instructions).

Pro tip: Your car’s manual will have information on when it’s best to complete these maintenance tasks, and has lots more helpful info besides, so don’t hesitate to use it as a resource! The best part about a vehicle’s manual is that it was written specifically for your car, so you can be sure you have exactly the right information, instructions, and timelines.

• Documents, documents, documents!

It’s very important to make sure that all of your papers are up to date when driving, and that they’re available to you (whether in your vehicle or on your phone) in case you get pulled over. Make sure to always have a copy of your driver’s license, proof of vehicle registration, and proof of insurance at the ready, and don’t forget to keep these up to date! Generally, licenses need renewed every 4 to 8 years, vehicle registration expires every 1 or 2 years, and insurance policies expire every 6 to 12 months. When these need renewed will vary depending on state and policy, so it’s important to keep an eye on these documents so you aren’t caught with expired information and charged a fine. Additionally, you may need to pass regular safety and/or emissions testing for your vehicle, but this is also dependent on which state you live in, and you may not need to do it at all. Learn the rules of your state by visiting this site, or find out at your local DMV either in person or online.

• Practice safe driving, always.

Being safe on the road means a lot of different things. Yes, it means wearing a seat belt, checking your blind spot, and being courteous and aware of other drivers. But it also means being a focused driver, and this is something drivers of every age can overlook. Eating and drinking, applying makeup, rubbernecking or being too focused on scenery, adjusting music, and especially texting or using your phone while driving can all be extremely dangerous. Most drivers do some, if not all, of these things, but taking your eyes off the road—even for a second—can have deadly consequences. In 2024, more than 3,000 people were killed in car crashes due to distracted drivers. Don’t be part of the problem. It’s also important to be aware that if you cause an accident, your insurance premium (the amount you pay for car insurance every month) will go up—a lot. The amount varies based on a multitude of factors, but it’s safe to expect a 30 to 50% increase after an auto accident, as well as whatever fees you incur for damages, towing, citations or court fines, etc. Like Smoky Bear said: only you can prevent car accidents (or something like that, anyway).

• How can Get Adulting help?

Use the “My Garage” section of Get Adulting to keep all of your information in one place, from your license plate number to your insurance policy, with a spot reserved specifically for pictures of your car’s documents. Take advantage of its sections regarding oil changes, tires, brake inspection, and more, so you can figure out what these things are, how to take care of them, and track when you last did them. Determine what each warning light on your dashboard means, learn what to do in case of roadside emergency, keep notes of what to remember about your car or its care, and find loads of answers to common car topics. (Learning to navigate My Garage is a lot easier than learning to drive, that’s for sure.)

4. Try not to die from dysentery.

Okay, dysentery may be a bit outdated, but you get the point. It’s generally advisable to not die from preventable illnesses, which means your healthcare professionals are your friends. Going to the doctor, the dentist, the optometrist, and so on, are necessary evils in order to lead a happy and healthy adulthood for as long as possible. Doctors of all types can be daunting, though, and sometimes, scheduling appointments is even more daunting than talking to them. Fear not—here’s a few tips.

• Get your checkups!

Your mom may not be scheduling your doctor’s appointments anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go. A good timeline might look something like this: dental check-up every 6 months, primary care doctor every year, and eye exams every 1 to 2 years. It’s okay to miss a check-up every now and then, but a lot can change in six months or a year, which means it’s still important to go regularly. Consistent appointments also mean that doctors can detect issues early, which is critical for long-term health. Not to spoil anything, either, but you’ll likely have to get a few more consistent checks as you get older, with regular screenings for diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure becoming important around 35 or 40. People with vaginas are also recommended to get a pap smear every three years starting at age 21—but at least you’ve been warned in advance, right? Check out this site for a more comprehensive list of health screenings by age.

Pro tip: it’s never a bad idea to get checked for STD’s, either, and most colleges (and even some cities) offer free, discreet testing. Keep in mind that many STD’s are asymptomatic, meaning you can’t tell you have them, and some can even be spread without actually having sex. If you’re interested in getting tested, talk to your doctor, your school’s health department, or a local sexual health clinic such as Planned Parenthood.

• Don’t forget your needle pokes, either.

The CDC tells us that about 4 million deaths worldwide are prevented by childhood vaccinations every year—but the need for vaccines doesn’t stop just because you’re over 18. It’s still recommended for adults to get a yearly flu shot, and it’s also recommended that adults get or stay vaccinated against Hepatitis B, COVID, and tetanus, as well as some others depending on your age, health history, and childhood vaccination record. Some colleges won’t even provide admittance for students without proof of the Meningococcal vaccines, as well as other mandatory childhood vaccines. There are several shots required specifically for children and teens, but if you’re not sure if you received them when you should have, ask your doctor. If it turns out you missed some, it’s okay—you can “catch up” as an adult.

Pro tip: Some countries require you to get certain vaccines before you’re allowed to travel there. If you plan on vacationing, studying abroad, or traveling for work in other countries, make sure to check the vaccine rules ahead of time. If you do need vaccines, plan to get vaccinated 4 to 6 weeks before leaving for your trip, and don’t forget to receive proof of vaccination. 

• Do your part.

A lot of people think that staying healthy is a matter of luck. While this can be accurate for some things, health is frequently the result of a person’s actions, whether intentional or unintentional, active or passive. As adults, we don’t hear about the importance of going outside, staying active, or eating healthfully the same way that kids do. Smoking, drinking, and doing drugs also aren’t treated the way they were when we were kids, because after all, we are adults, capable and willing to make our own poor choices. However, the eye-roll-worthy talks of our health teachers in middle and high school are no less true now than they were back then, and it can be helpful to recall the tenets of their lectures. They told us to:

• spend 60 minutes every day exercising

• go outside daily

• stretch upon waking and before strenuous tasks

• eat whole grains and protein

• maintain a balanced diet

• stay hydrated

• lift with the legs instead of the back

• get 8 hours of sleep

How many of us can actually say we do those things? With whatever exceptions are true for you, remember that your health is in your hands. Try to go back to these rules from childhood—if not for your sake, then for your eighth grade health teacher, who would probably feel very proud if she finally saw you drink 8 cups of water in one day.

• How can Get Adulting help?

Never forget your appointments or health info again by using the “My Health” section of the Get Adulting app. Track your latest check-ups and set reminders for new ones, write down personal health notes, read all about regular screening recommendations, and keep track of your prescriptions, allergies, blood type, and doctors’ info all in one spot. But that’s not all! You can also learn everything you ever wondered about women’s health (fun, right?), track your menstrual cycle, discover the ins and outs of health insurance, learn basic first aid and wound care, read about general health guidelines, log family history so you never forget again when doctors ask, and a whole lot more. 

Read all that, and still confused?

It’s okay—adulting is HARD. If you have a hard time adulting on the whole, the Get Adulting app can help. Maybe you’re more concerned about learning to cook, remembering when to clean, or keeping track of the never-ending list of things you have to do. Maybe you want a general overview of everything, like how to forward your mail when moving, how to do taxes, or how to recycle. Maybe you’re concerned about how to handle emergency situations or how to survive if you’re stranded in the wild, LOST-style. Or maybe, all this adulting crap is stressing you out, and you just need some space to journal, breathe, and focus on one thing at a time.

Get Adulting has features for all these things (plus a Magic 8 Ball, Solitaire, and astronaut-themed Flappy Bird!). Care to give it a whirl? Try the Get Adulting app today for $2.99/year or $14.99 lifetime!

Get Adulting App shown on Android

Download Get Adulting on iOS here: apps.apple.com/us/app/get-adulting/id6744375132

Download via Google Play Store here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.getadulting.app&hl=en_US