When I was little, adulthood looked like a dream. I imagined grown-ups were always confident, calm, and knew exactly what to do in every situation. They got to eat whatever they wanted, go wherever they pleased, and didn’t have anyone telling them “no.” In my eyes, adults had made it. Life looked simple, exciting, and most importantly: easy.

Now I’ve just turned 30, and let me tell you something: I feel like I’ve been lied to. 😂

Adulthood is nothing like what I imagined. It’s not easy, and it’s certainly not as glamorous or straightforward as I thought it would be. Instead, it feels like one long group project where nobody knows what they’re doing, there’s no clear deadline, and you’re expected to be the leader, the mediator, the caretaker, and the cleanup crew… all at once.

We’re out here juggling so many roles: daughter or son, sibling, friend, partner, parent, coworker, boss, neighbor, community member… and the list goes on. We’re constantly switching hats, often within the same hour. One minute you’re helping your child with a school project, the next you’re answering an email from your boss, and before you can take a breath, you’re mediating a conflict in your family group chat or trying to show up for a friend who’s going through something.

And it’s not just the people we have to manage, it’s the emotional weight of it all. We’re dealing with loss, burnout, insecurity, pressure to succeed, financial stress, and a quiet (or not-so-quiet) voice in our heads that sometimes wonders: Am I doing this right?

On top of the personal challenges, we face the harsh realities of the world around us. Racism. Discrimination. Inequality. These aren’t just headlines; they’re things we witness, experience, and sometimes carry silently every day. The world doesn’t pause to give us time to figure ourselves out. It keeps spinning, fast, and we’re left to find our balance within the chaos.

Adulthood is dynamic, but not in the “fun rollercoaster” kind of way. More like a wild terrain full of sharp turns, unexpected weather, and moments where you question whether you brought the right shoes for the journey. The people I once thought had it all figured out were probably just doing their best with what they had, just like I am now.

Adulthood isn’t easy. But it’s real. It’s raw. And strangely enough, that makes it beautiful in its own right. It’s not the fantasy I dreamed about as a kid, but it’s the life I’m learning to live, one honest, chaotic, courageous day at a time.

What did you think about adulthood growing up?