You know that moment when you basically start taking on more responsibilities and making decisions for yourself as a grown-up, when it feels like you're leveling up in life, yes, that particular moment is what we call "Adulthood." This is a stage in life that comes with its own ups-and-downs. A stage where individual expectations vs reality are quite different. What do I mean by this? Let's take for example: An individual expectation might be to have everything figured out and be super successful, but the reality is that it's okay to still be figuring things out and facing challenges along the way. 

This "reality" example is why many find it challenging to navigate adulthood. Mostly because no one prepared them for what lies ahead, and they had to do most things themselves. Now, If you know that you find adulthood quite challenging, this blog post is just for you. Follow me as I explain better: 

For many, adulthood is challenging because: 

1. You have to support yourself (and in most cases, your family): The responsibility that comes with taking care of oneself and as well as family atimes can be overwhelming especially with the way Naira keeps depreciating. So, this reality makes it challenging to navigate adulthood sometimes. 

2. You have bills to pay: Paying bills in adulthood can be challenging because it involves taking on financial responsibilities. As adults, we have to manage expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, and other bills. This requires budgeting, planning, and ensuring that we have enough income to cover these expenses. It can be stressful to stay on top of bills and make sure everything is paid on time, especially when unexpected expenses arise. 

3. You have to be your own alarm clock: Why? Because no one will wake you up to go to work or do your tasks. Unlike when you were a kid and you get woken up and dressed up for school.

4. There is almost never a free time: Most busy becomes your second name and even most times when you get a little free time, you start feeling guilty for not doing anything. 

5. You have to save up: Even when the amount you're earning isn't enough, you have to save because If you don't save, no help during rainy days.

6. Peer pressure: The feeling to always want to measure up with your peers. You want to succeed and keep up with everyone around you.

7. The buying never stops!: You need food to survive, a bed to sleep on, a fan so you won't die of heat, an apartment so you won't sleep outside, and many more. 

8. The quest for a partner: Societal pressure to have someone you call your own at a particular age, get married and have kids can be draining. 

9. Landing a better job: No one will tell you how difficult this is especially with the country's economy. You will go for various interviews, get various rejection mails, and you will still have to keep searching till you land a good job that might be paying well or might not! It's the harsh reality of a young Nigerian. 

10. The depression: When things aren't going the way we want, too much thinking sets in which can lead to depression. It's worse when you don't have people who can encourage you and give you advice that will help you get through the process. 

I can go on and on about why adulthood is challenging especially to a young Nigerian because this is something I'm currently going through and still trying to navigate. However let's stop here and pick up in the next Adulthood series "ADULTHOOD II: HOW TO NAVIGATE ADULTHOOD (CHECKS AND BALANCES)"  

Thank you for reading, dear reader. If you find this insightful, do well to like, comment and share with someone who might need this ❤️.