The First 365 days of Being An Adult

“I don’t wanna grow up, I wanna be a Toys-r-us kid”

Man should I have taken that jingle seriously years ago, too late now! I’ve graduated college, accepted a job thousands of miles from my family and gained more than a mouth full of responsibility. Now I understand why my mom said life was easy as kid. Here’s to ten lessons I’ve learned after 365 of being an adult.

10. College life is officially over. Those last minute preps for presentations will no longer cut it in the workplace. (Even though I sneak one in here and there) naps no longer exist, and you’ve officially given up 40 hours a week that you’ll never get back.

9. Happy Hour is necessary. Now that you’re working happy hour is probably the best thing since sliced bread, but slow down slush I’m not just talking about drinking. Happy hour will teach you the ends and outs of your company and those around you. It’s the perfect time to network, share experiences, and grow relationships with your colleagues.

8. Life/Work balance is learned. This term is thrown around so often in the workplace. It’s the most desired yet the hardest to maintain. While in school it was simple to be social, work your part- time gig and still get your homework done at the crack of dawn. Who knew having a life would take so much work WHEN YOU’RE WORKING! Make a to do list, plan ahead, close the lap top and just breathe. You’ll thank me later on that one.

7. Constructive criticism will save your life. And your career! This is the time of you’re life where change is welcomed. Whether it is in the workplace or outside, a little critiquing can go a long way. Just remember to find the positive in all, even if they meant it for your bad it can still work for your good.

6. Going back to school won’t kill you. “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”, couldn’t have said it better myself. I swore I’d never go back to school, thinking “eh I’ll learn it on the job”, couldn’t have been more wrong. Once you are a full-time employee you are competition. You will rub elbows with some of the best in your company and you want to intelligently stand your ground. As millennials we tend to assume we are the most advanced generation of our time. With respect to our generation that may reign true in some aspects but the most humbling experience is learning that you don’t know everything! There’s always room to improve and if you love your craft you’ll always desire to.

5. You are still in your 20s. You’re not supposed to have life figured out and contrary to all the wedding invites you’ve received you’re not behind. These are your years to be selfish, to take time and fall in love and develop self. If you fall dust yourself off and tell life that it hits like a sissy (for lack of a better phrase).

4. Family is a necessity. These are the times when calling your grandma just to hear her voice isn’t so bad. In fact, it will keep you from going insane! Now that you are out in the world meeting different people and learning how to interact, a healthy dose of family will go a long way.

3. Budgets aren’t the devil. “Blowing money fast” should remain one of Rick Ross’ hottest songs but not become a habit in your household. Being cheap isn’t fun but being a crazy spender is foolish. There’s nothing exciting about working “six jobs”, it’s actually illogical when you have the means to make due with one. Budgets are a pain to stick with but picking up and going to Cabo with your friends because you skipped a few shoe releases makes it all worth it.

2. You may feel a heartquake. If you thought Billy taking his sticker back from you was a heart break you have no idea! High School sweet hearts are cool, but college love will have your nose “wide open”. Soon after graduation you start receiving invites to weddings and baby showers thinking you may be next, until that horrible day comes. You realize your hubby to be isn’t the one for you after all. Don’t let it kill you, read #5 again, you have time!

1. It is far more important to please God than man. Well I could go on about this one but I’m sure you already know. College brought me to me knees 100 times and God picked me up 101. I’ve learned that growing spiritually makes life that much easier. We’re not perfect, we’ll make mistakes but we have one God to answer to. If you’re going to impress someone, make sure that someone is him.

Live long, serve your community, travel the world, hug your family, eat good food and love God, best 365 days of my life!

-It's not fact nor fiction, just my opinion- Kandi