Staff Writer Livie Hall talks about what it’s like to be an adult and have a budget
By: LIVIE HALL
Staff Writer
Probably the worst part of being an adult is paying bills. Unfortunately, if you want to survive, you have to do it.
Some college kids are lucky enough to have their parents pay for everything they have, without ever having a job or working at all. If we are being honest, no one really likes those people.
For the rest of us who work as much as we study and more than we see our friends, life is a bit more difficult.
My parents let me know ata very young age that I was on my own. I got a job when I got a car and everything went straight into my name when I moved out. My first thought was “yay, I am grown up!” That excitement left quickly when work became my life.
Even though my parents threw the adult hat on me so quick, it all came from a place of love. I used to be envious of the kids who had new cars as birthday presents and perfect hair all the time.
For me, new clothes were from the clearance rack.
My first car was almost as old as I was and my weekends were spent at work, rather than with my friends. At 16, I thought I was being mistreated. Almost five years later, I know my parents did me the biggest favor.
If you are on your own, soak it up. Do not fully resent those who get everything handed to them. The best feeling to have is when you are taking care of yourself. Being the grown up that you always wanted to be is hard. But it is so worth it.
It gets easier to manage your bills as time goes on. Setting alarms on your phone, buying large white boards and post it notes are going to be your best friends.
Managing your own life means you are fully in charge. It means you do not ask for permission and you do not check in with anyone. Your parents become your friends and you each live your separate lives. That teenage mentality of “I want to do what I want” is finally achieved.
As for the ones who still milk mom and dad’s bank account, enjoy it while it lasts.
