Is 'Adulting' a Real Word?
Short answer
Yes, "adulting" is a real word, widely used to describe the process of taking on everyday responsibilities typical of an adult, such as paying bills, managing a budget, or scheduling appointments. While informal and relatively new, it effectively captures the learning and practice of essential life skills that help people become independent.
What is "adulting" in plain words?
"Adulting" is the informal term for doing the practical things that adults often need to do to take care of themselves and live independently. This includes handling money, cooking meals, maintaining a home, going to work, and managing appointments or paperwork. Unlike "adulthood," which is a legal or biological stage based on age, adulting focuses on the skills and actions involved in functioning as a responsible adult. For many people, especially young adults, adulting feels like a set of new challenges because it involves learning how to handle tasks that might have been done by parents or guardians before. Because of this, the word is often used when someone successfully completes these tasks or when they find them unexpectedly difficult. For example, someone might say, "I finally did my taxes—today I really felt like I was adulting!" This word has become popular because it acknowledges that being an adult requires continual effort and learning.
How does adulting work? Can you give a clear example?
Adulting involves gradually taking responsibility for everyday tasks that keep your life running smoothly. For example, imagine a young adult who just started their first job earning $400 a month. To practice adulting, they might create a budget that looks like this:
| Expense | Amount ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | 150 | Shared apartment |
| Groceries | 100 | Basic meals and snacks |
| Transportation | 50 | Bus pass or gas |
| Phone Bill | 40 | Cell phone monthly plan |
| Savings | 30 | For emergencies or future |
| Entertainment | 30 | Movies, outings |
This simple budget helps the person prioritize spending and avoid running out of money. Adulting also means learning to call utility companies to set up accounts, scheduling doctor visits, or preparing meals instead of relying on takeout. Each new task builds confidence and independence. For instance, writing an email to request a pay stub or setting reminders for bill payments are part of adulting. Over time, these responsibilities become habits that support a stable and self-sufficient life.
Why does adulting matter for everyone?
Adulting matters because it helps people manage their lives independently and with confidence. If you don’t learn how to handle bills, time management, or basic cooking, you might face avoidable problems such as late fees, unhealthy eating, or missed appointments. Adulting improves decision-making, reduces stress, and helps people prepare for major life goals like buying a home, advancing a career, or starting a family. For example, knowing how to budget can prevent credit card debt, which is a common issue for many new adults. Practicing adulting also builds life skills like problem-solving, communication, and responsibility, which are valuable in both personal and professional settings. Even if you already feel independent, adulting is a lifelong process of adapting to new challenges, like managing taxes or learning to maintain a car. For these reasons, adulting is relevant for all adults—not just those recently out of high school or college.
What terms are often confused with adulting, and how are they different?
Several terms get mixed up with adulting, so understanding the differences helps set clear expectations:
| Term | Meaning | How It Differs from Adulting |
|---|---|---|
| Adulthood | The stage of life when someone is legally or biologically an adult | Focuses on age or status, not specific tasks or skills |
| Maturity | Emotional and mental development | About mindset and emotional control, not practical skills |
| Independence | Being self-reliant financially or emotionally | Can be partial; you might be independent but still rely on family for some adult tasks |
| Responsibility | Being accountable for one’s actions | Broader concept; adulting includes responsibilities but focuses on daily life tasks |
Understanding this helps avoid confusion. For example, you could be an adult by age but still learning to adult. Or you might be mature emotionally but struggle with budgeting or housework. Adulting specifically refers to taking on and managing the practical, everyday tasks of adult life.
What practical steps can you take to start adulting today?
Starting adulting can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks makes it easier. Here are practical steps anyone can take:
- Create a simple budget: List your income and all monthly expenses. Use a notebook or free apps from reliable sources like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
- Learn to cook a few basic meals: Start with easy recipes such as pasta, scrambled eggs, or stir-fry. Cooking saves money and improves nutrition.
- Set up important accounts: Open a checking and savings account if you don’t have them. Learn how to use online banking securely.
- Schedule appointments: Practice booking your own medical, dental, or vehicle maintenance appointments.
- Manage bills: Set reminders on your phone or calendar for bill due dates. Pay early if possible to avoid late fees.
- Practice communication: Write emails or make phone calls to service providers or employers. Use polite and clear language.
Taking these steps builds skills and confidence. For instance, if you cook one meal per week and pay your phone bill on time, you’re actively adulting. Over time, you can add more responsibilities like filing taxes or learning to drive. Remember, adulting is a skill developed over time, not an overnight change.
How can improving adulting skills benefit your long-term future?
Mastering adulting skills prepares you for a stable and successful future. Here’s how:
- Financial security: Managing money well helps avoid debt, build savings, and plan for major purchases like a car or home.
- Career growth: Being reliable, organized, and responsible makes a positive impression on employers.
- Health and wellness: Scheduling regular medical checkups and preparing nutritious meals supports long-term health.
- Relationships: Adulting teaches communication and responsibility, which strengthen personal and professional relationships.
- Stress reduction: Knowing how to handle daily tasks reduces anxiety and gives you control over your life.
For example, someone who budgets carefully might save enough to afford a professional certification course, improving job prospects. Or someone who manages time well might balance work and family life more smoothly. Each adulting skill is a building block toward achieving bigger life goals.
How is adulting connected to personal growth and independence?
Adulting is a key part of personal growth because it forces you to take control and develop new skills. When you successfully complete adult tasks, you gain confidence and a sense of achievement. This strengthens your ability to face future challenges. Adulting also fosters independence by reducing reliance on others for basic needs. For instance, paying your own rent and grocery bills means you no longer depend on a parent or guardian for housing or food. Facing unexpected problems, like a car breakdown or a job interview, pushes you to develop problem-solving skills and resilience. Over time, these experiences shape your identity as a capable and mature individual able to manage your own life.
Where can you find more help to improve your adulting skills?
If you want to get better at adulting, many resources are available:
- Community workshops: Libraries and community centers often offer free or low-cost classes on budgeting, cooking, or job skills.
- Online resources: Websites from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and U.S. Department of Labor provide guides on managing money and employment.
- Books and podcasts: There are many practical guides on life skills for young adults and beginners.
- Mentors and trusted adults: Family members, teachers, or counselors can offer advice and support.
- Apps and tools: Budgeting apps, meal planners, and calendar reminders help automate and simplify adult tasks.
For example, if you want to learn budgeting, visit the CFPB’s website for step-by-step worksheets. Or, if cooking feels intimidating, try a YouTube series on easy meals for beginners. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek help—adulting is a learning process, and these resources can guide you along the way.
Frequently asked questions
Is "adulting" an official word recognized by dictionaries?
Yes, many dictionaries now include "adulting" as an informal term. It is defined as performing tasks associated with being a responsible adult, though it remains casual and mostly used in everyday conversation rather than formal writing.
Can adulting feel stressful or overwhelming?
Yes. Learning new responsibilities can cause stress, and that’s normal. Breaking tasks into smaller steps, seeking advice, and allowing yourself time to learn can make adulting more manageable.
How do I know if I am good at adulting?
Adulting is a skill, not a test. If you are regularly managing key tasks like paying bills, cooking, and scheduling appointments, you are successfully adulting. Everyone improves over time.
Is adulting just for young people?
No. While often used by younger adults, adulting applies to anyone learning or handling new responsibilities related to independent living, regardless of age.
How can parents help their children with adulting?
Parents can encourage independence by teaching practical skills, allowing children to complete tasks on their own, and offering guidance without taking over. This helps build confidence and competence.
What if I make mistakes while adulting?
Mistakes are part of learning. Use them as opportunities to improve. If setbacks cause serious problems, seek advice from trusted adults or professionals.