In 2016, the term ‘adulting’ earned a spot on the Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year Shortlist as more young adults began using it to describe taking on adult responsibilities.
For the parents of today’s young adult children, these tasks were simply a natural part of life. Now, younger generations often talk about adulting as if it’s optional, a phenomenon that might seem baffling or amusing to older generations.
The reality for many young adults is that navigating the transition to adulthood in today’s fast-paced world can feel overwhelming and anxiety-inducing.
The fear of growing up and becoming independent is not laughable—it’s a significant hurdle that prevents many young adults from embracing new experiences and responsibilities after high school, often resulting in increased instances of ‘failure to launch‘. Many face delayed milestones such as moving out, starting a career, or forming long-term relationships.
But why, and why now?
Delayed Milestones in Young Adults
Not everyone develops at the same rate, and it’s natural for individuals to have varying developmental timelines. In recent years, the traditional milestones of adulthood—such as dating, starting families, and owning homes—have been delayed for many young adults.
According to a Time Magazine article, This Is What ‘Adulting’ Means, this generation is navigating life stages at a slower pace compared to previous generations, often extending the period known as ’emerging adulthood,’ which typically spans from ages 18 to 25.
This time of emerging adulthood is when young adults explore their identities and life possibilities. But, when this stage is extended, it can lead to delays in the transition into the next stage of life.
This shift from previous generations raises important questions about the factors contributing to these delays and how parents, communities, and society at large can support young adults in their journey toward independence and responsibility.
Whether consciously or subconsciously, many people who experience these delays can sense that something is off. And this awareness can lead to anxiety.
Adulting Anxiety & The Fear of Responsibility
‘Adulting anxiety’ is a widespread response to the stress and fears stemming from various factors, including the impact of social media and constantly shifting cultural norms.
These factors often create greater uncertainty and pressure for emerging adults, triggering anxiety that serves as a survival mechanism. This generation has been sheltered by spending more time indoors, less time on their own, and more time turning to Google for answers instead of relying on their lived experiences.
Additionally, while it is natural for parents to want to protect their children, shielding young adults from all potential challenges and failures, though well-intentioned, can also contribute to milestone delays. Allowing young adults to face challenges on their own, whether they succeed at first or fail and try again, is crucial for their development into successful and independent adults.
Offering your young adult child the dignity to face life’s obstacles on their own terms—while being a supportive presence on the sidelines—is essential.
As rates of anxiety have skyrocketed, so have rates of risk aversion, leading young adults to expand their list of things outside their comfort zone to include many traditional adult roles and responsibilities.
Tasks that may feel overwhelming or out of reach for young adults include:
- Attending postsecondary education
- Finding a job
- Forming intimate relationships with others outside the family
- Working with others
- Moving out of their parent’s house
- Cooking and cleaning
- Paying bills
To overcome ‘adulting anxiety,’ young adults can take proactive steps to gradually expand their comfort zones. This includes facing new responsibilities incrementally, seeking support when needed, and building resilience through experience. By taking small, manageable steps, they can build confidence in their abilities and reduce anxiety related to adult roles and responsibilities.
To help manage anxiety and responsibilities, young adults can consider the following few tips:
- Focus on time management by only taking on tasks that you can handle and not saying yes to everything. This can significantly reduce unnecessary stress.
- Explore your interests and try new hobbies as a means of relaxation and personal fulfillment. This can help you balance the demands of daily life.
- Recognize that many of your peers share similar experiences, build a support network, and seek professional help if needed.
Coming to Terms with Identity & Self-esteem
Many young adults grapple with the desire to retain aspects of adolescence while seeking independence, a balance that often manifests as wanting the freedom to live independently without fully supporting themselves. This struggle is deeply intertwined with the fear of growing up and the anxiety surrounding new responsibilities.
It’s important to understand that this “fear” doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t want to grow up or be self-sufficient, but rather it may mean they feel unprepared for such a daunting task.
Contrary to popular belief, most high school graduates don’t have their careers or long-term goals figured out. It takes soul-searching and real-life experience to understand what adulthood means personally. This uncertainty makes the future feel intimidating.
The term ‘adulting‘ highlights this struggle. By using it, young adults distance themselves from “real” adults who handle responsibilities effortlessly, reflecting a doubt about ever being fully considered adults. Some argue that adulthood is more about mindset than age.
While your child may aspire to remain “forever young,” learning practical life and relational skills can help them feel more capable of managing responsibilities and achieving personal goals. Forming meaningful new relationships and setting healthy boundaries can help young adults navigate this transition more effectively.
These life skills are best taught through real-world experiences rather than online searches — and this is where Momentum comes in.
Preparing Young Adults To ‘Adult’ with Confidence
At Momentum, we specialize in helping young adults aged 18-25 who might not feel ready for adulthood but who need a change and are ready to seek support. Our program uniquely blends mental health and wellness with experiential life skills training to facilitate active healing in everyday situations.
Students at Momentum reconnect with themselves, others, and the world around them in a nature-based therapeutic setting. Our approach includes:
- Hands-On Life Skills Development: Students engage in practical activities that teach essential skills for independent living.
- Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum: This curriculum fosters emotional intelligence, helping students navigate relationships and self-awareness.
- Routine Development: Students establish routines that incorporate daily exercise or movement, healthy eating habits, and activities that promote mental well-being.
Through these experiences, students practice self-care, develop their identities, and build meaningful relationships. Momentum equips students with the tools and opportunities they need to improve their mental health, gain independence from their parents, and set a course for a healthy, happy, and successful life.
For more information, chat with us on our website, schedule a call, or contact us at 877-296-8711.
