8 rewarding life milestones that prove you're a bona fide grown-up
Every student finishing their undergrad will confirm that "the real world" is one of the more terrifying concepts in a twenty-something's life.
The truth is, so-called adulthood is mostly fabricated. It's a scare tactic that we've created ourselves. In fact, studies claim most people reach peak happiness levels not in university, but in their later years; so this whole "grown-up" thing just really isn't that scary, after all.
There's actually a degree of satisfaction that comes with self-sufficiency. There are few things more fulfilling than reaching one of the milestones below and realizing you're conquering the dreaded real world, one tax return at a time.
1. Successfully negotiating salary
Negotiating salary can be an intimidating, nerve-wracking process for recent grads and young adults. Even for seasoned veterans of the job search, it's never fun.
It may seem as if getting an offer letter is the end goal, but it's really just the beginning of the process.
It may seem as if getting an offer letter is the end goal, but it's really just the beginning of the process. Negotiating salary from the get-go is a crucial stepping stone to launching a lucrative career path. Remember that your initial salary will be the foundation for future promotions, raises and employment offers later down the road, so securing a number (and not to mentionbenefits) you feel is representative of your worth as an employee is key.
A few ways to ensure you'll be paid sufficiently include displaying confidence, building a case for why the number you're presenting makes sense, conducting market research on what others in your industry are being paid — and most importantly, not being afraid to ask for what you feel you're worth, regardless of whether or not you think HR will acquiesce.
2. Purchasing quality furniture
There's nothing wrong with a $49 build-it-yourself coffee table, but chances are you'll come across the exact same model in every one of your friends' apartments for the next five years. And generally speaking, one or two moves later, it probably won't be in usable shape.
When you're finally in a financial position to start perusing living room sets from that cute-but-slightly-pricey boutique down the street, it's a major win.
3. Filing taxes for the first time without your parents' help
Doing your taxes isn’t most people’s favourite thing, and chances are, you haven't given them much thought until the first time you're expected to file without any assistance from mom, dad or the family accountant.
Taxes are also one of those "adult" things that are important to get right. For lots of people, your refund will be the biggest cheque you get this year, so squeezing every last penny out of it is especially important at an age when finances are likely still pretty tight.
But you don't have to go it alone. Helpful tools like TurboTax Free, which is perfect for most tax situations, make it easy to get your taxes done right … at zero cost. The four-step design is easy to use and it works on any device, so you can even start preparing your return on your computer and finish it on your phone or tablet. The result? A worry-free return that’s guaranteed to get you your maximum refund.
"You work hard for your money, and TurboTax Free helps you keep more of it," says Terry Yakimchick, TurboTax Canada’s Director of Marketing. "With our 100% accurate calculations and maximum refund guarantees, anyone filing their own taxes for the first time will feel confident knowing they’ll get all the money they deserve, without paying a dime to file them."
4. Going on a real date instead of Netflix and chill
In university, simply "hanging out" at pub night was enough to constitute a romantic evening.
But as an adult, your standards should be a little higher. An amazing date doesn't have to include Dom and a five-star restaurant, but it should definitely involve more than a text message to "come over and watch a movie" at 11:30 p.m. on a Wednesday.
Some fun date ideas that won't break the bank: sporting events, cooking dinner together, wine tasting, ice skating or a scenic drive while swapping Spotify playlists.
5. Signing on the dotted line for your first post-grad apartment (without any co-signers)
We all know the pain of security deposits and haggling with moving companies, but there's no greater sense of freedom than stepping foot in an apartment that's really, truly yours for the first time.
It's a great deal of responsibility — after all, nobody is going to bail you out if you splurge a little too hard on Sunday brunch and can't make rent — but it's also extremely rewarding to have a space of your own that you can paint, decorate and host your first "grown-up" soirées.
Next step: Keeping it clean (and not just when you know mom and dad are popping by for a visit).
6. Flossing regularly
Dental hygiene is important. There's a reason your parents spent a small fortune on orthodontist bills when you were 10. Don't you owe it to them (and to yourself, more importantly) to take care of those precious pearly whites?
Flossing is one of the most important parts of your dental routine, as is going into the dentist for regular cleanings every six months. You should be doing this already, but if you’re not, now is definitely the time.
Hey, nobody said adulthood was fun and rewarding all the time.
7. Making your bed every morning
You've already got the headboard and a fancy canopy bed, per the second milestone on this list, so it's time to take care of the home decor you've worked so hard to afford. Nothing makes a bedroom look unkempt like wrinkled sheets and a balled up duvet.
Plus, there's almost no better feeling in the world than climbing into a crisp, freshly made bed every evening after a hard day on the grind. People who make their beds in the morning tend to be more productive and generally happier — perhaps due to a better night's sleep — so it's really a win-win.
8. Considering your carbon footprint
If you've been paying attention to the headlines lately, you may have noticed our planet isn't in the best shape of its life. Doing small things like recycling, being cognizant of how much time you spend in the shower and re-using grocery bags or produce bags (and actually remembering to bring them on your next shopping excursion) can make an impact on reducing your personal carbon footprint.
Not to mention that turning off lights and unplugging appliances can help you save on another one of those not-so-fun elements of adulthood — utility bills.
So there you have it: Adulthood really isn't that bad after all. In fact, sometimes the little accomplishments that accompany it make this whole "growing up" thing truly rewarding.
Comments
Post a Comment