Generation Z popularly known as Gen Z are people born between 1997 to 2012 and adulting for Gen Zs has proven to be a struggle. While I know that It would be impossible for anyone to tell you how to be an adult, we will try. First off, you have to know that there is a right and wrong way to be an adult. Ideally, one needs to find a balance between their own values, desires and society’s expectations of them as adults. Which brings me to the first question…

What exactly is Adulthood?

In short, adulthood is a term that defines the metamorphosis of one from boyhood to manhood or girlhood to womanhood. A person reaches full physical and intellectual maturity during the period of adulthood in their lifespan. It encompasses all the processes that contribute to the development of youth and beyond. Adulthood is commonly believed to begin around the age of 20 or 21 which is the Generation Z phase. 

Adulting is an urban slang that has gained popularity over the past decade. It describes the struggles, changes, and realities that come with the transition into adulthood. Adulting speaks of all that goes into one’s response to the ordinary tasks required of a responsible adult. This phenomenon cuts across all facets of a person’s life as they begin to think, change, and behave in a certain way, often in the direction that’s socially acceptable and termed “a positive adult,” and on some occasions towards the more frowned upon “bad adult.” 

What are the common signs of Adulthood?

An individual undergoes several changes during adulthood. Some of these changes are gender- and individual-specific, while others are generic. Some of these changes include:

• Physical changes are characterized by an increase in muscle mass until the mid-20s, after which it slowly decreases. Up until approximately age 30, skeletal mass rises, and throughout adulthood, cholesterol levels accumulate in the arteries. Hormone production diminishes with age, and heart muscle weakens over time without detectable disease.

• Intellectual changes are characterized by a decreased processing speed in older adults and slower response times in intellect and physical tasks due to changes in the central nervous system. 

• For learning and memory, young adults are generally known to have superior learning capacity, while older adults excel at retaining general information and cultural knowledge.

However, it is important to note that the presentation of these changes is gradual and different, and individual experiences may vary irrespective of whether they are all Gen Zs or even millennials 

In addition to these physiological and intellectual changes, adulthood also brings with it some subtle changes. For the most part, adulthood encompasses a rich and diverse phase marked by personal growth, responsibilities, and continued learning. It is a complex and diverse phenomenon characterized by some less imposing challenges like:

• Balancing work responsibilities, career growth, and financial stability can lead to career and financial pressures. Managing expenses, saving, and planning for retirement have become crucial and demanding. Most Gen Zs find managing their finances difficult. Striving for career and financial stability causes one to develop a sense of responsibility as they become more thoughtful in their decision-making and focus more on long-term consequences. 

• Navigating romantic relationships and family becomes more of a struggle because marriage and parenting can be complex. Adulting for Gen Zs will mean that your relationships undergo a shift from focusing on peer groups to a greater emphasis on family, romantic partnerships, and professional networks. This change also marks the need to develop a sense of belonging and community. Adults often seek to define their place within larger social structures such as professional organizations, communities, and religious institutions. This can lead to deeper and more meaningful connections, but it also challenges the balance of various social roles. Therefore, it becomes even more pressing that one does not burn out while trying to find and maintain balance.

• Health and wellness for adults go beyond taking care not to fall sick, as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing stress become more crucial. A big part of being healthy as an adult is taking special care of your mental health, as one becomes more susceptible to mental health challenges like anxiety or depression. Having a firm understanding of yourself, your values, and your beliefs can lead to an improved ability to manage and understand one’s emotions, resulting in more stable relationships and better coping strategies for stress and adversity.

• Identity and self-discovery are key parts of adulthood, as understanding one’s purpose, values, and personal growth is an ongoing process that defines the person. Having the right cognitive abilities is a key indicator of this. The enhanced ability to think critically and analyze complex situations gives rise to better decision-making in personal and professional contexts, as well as increased creativity in problem-solving that shapes and refines your perspective. The shift from immediate gratification to long-term planning and goal-setting is also a function of the journey to identity and self-discovery. Thinking more strategically about career, finances, and personal development leads to a greater capacity for abstract thought and the ability to see the bigger picture. This can influence philosophical and existential considerations, such as the meaning of one’s life and place in the world. The refinement of morals built on altruistic foundations is indicative of the growing need to approach moral and ethical beliefs with a better understanding of one’s life experiences. The result of this is increased altruism. There is a growing tendency to consider others’ well-being and engage in volunteer work, charitable activities, and community service.

• Finally, ageing and problems centred on mortality can be emotionally challenging, as dealing with situations like the loss and grief of loved ones, health, or abilities becomes a major part of the journey, and so the success of one’s navigation of these very complex and vast phenomena (adulthood) is based on everyone’s response to their unique experience.

Even though these challenges vary with individuality, seeking support, self-reflection, and adaptability are essential during this phase of life. 

Adulting For Gen Zs made effortless with these 10 Essentials

Frankly speaking, all Gen Zs want to do is go through life with so much vibe and ‘steeze’ that often life presents situations that require the adult approach that tend to struggle. Well, we can’t blame them because they just crossed the teenage bracket and are beginning to experience the different sides of life. 

Now, let’s break down all the jargon with a quick and simple rundown of the key things you need to know about adulting for Gen Zs and surviving adulthood. Here are some quick essentials to help you navigate adulthood effectively and responsibly:

1. Adulting for Gen Zs begins with taking responsibility for your actions and decisions. Accept the consequences of your behaviour and learn from past mistakes.

2. Manage your money, save, and invest wisely, but don’t forget to spend on yourself, as economic self-love is critical. So, plan for your future, retirement, and emergencies while leaving room for enjoyment in the present. 

3. Take regular walks and eat a balanced diet. Imbibe the culture of hospital check-ups and address health issues promptly.

4. Mental health is as important as all other aspects of well-being. Practice self-care and meditation in your daily life, and don’t forget to seek help if you’re struggling with mental health issues. 

5. Always be open to personal development alongside the professional. Continue to educate yourself through formal and informal means, remaining curious and open to new knowledge and experiences. 

6. By sharpening your communication skills, you can develop excellent social skills. Learn to listen more than you speak, but always make your voice heard. This helps you to build and maintain relationships, network, and collaborate effectively with others, both in personal and professional settings.

7. Develop ethics and values that you will take pride in. Be punctual, respectful, and dedicated in all parts of your life, not just your career. Strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance by scheduling time for hobbies, relaxation, and family.

8. Time management, problem-solving adaptability, and self-sufficiency are important life skills that should be developed in adulting for Gen Zs, as they help you create some sort of order in the chaos. 

9. On your way to adulthood, do not discount faith and religion, because they go a long way in reminding you of who you are and should strive to be.

Contribute to the community. Be environmentally conscious and socially responsible in life, as it is a key part of building a better world for posterity. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, adulting for Gen Zs is about continuously growing and striving to be the best version of yourself. By focusing on personal development, cultivating strong social skills, advancing professionally, and maintaining ethical standards, you can navigate adulthood successfully and positively impact those around you.