#1
#2
I don't have a Girlfriend, haven't had one for 7 years.
I am not Married. No kids.
The amount of Side Eyes and Comments I get is scary. Even from people my age or slightly Younger, not just the old "traditional" ones.
Everyone assumes I should have " reached the Social Goal" of Married with 2.5 kids by now. Its like I am Green with a tail, from Neptune.
I have a Cat, who is my Best friend, I am quite happy, and it doesn't bother me as much as it seems to bother everyone else.
Social standards have not evolved for the modern times.
#3
In terms of actual skills that you need as a grown-up, you can focus on everything and anything that increases your self-sufficiency. It’s important to be self-sufficient to the point that you can take care of (most) of your needs. That means learning how to cook, clean, do your taxes, apply for jobs, vote, do basic budgeting, etc.
However, when it comes to your ambitions, they are often very personal. While it’s useful to get other people’s input on your aspirations, their personal goals might not sync up with yours. Furthermore, reaching your goals can take vastly different amounts of time depending on your strategy, efforts, and even luck. One person’s timeline doesn’t mean everyone’s timeline.
#4
#5
It's not overrated to those who want them, but I don't get the obsession with pushing it on others.
#6
Finding the right balance between independence and conformity can be a messy challenge sometimes.
On the one hand, it’s great to be self-sufficient. You’re more proactive, able to help others, and you can rely on yourself when things get tough. But being hyper-independent to the point of pushing other people away just isn’t productive. Human beings need strong social connections to thrive, not just survive. Besides, we all need help from time to time, even though we don’t always want to admit it.
On the other hand, we’re hardwired for sociability, empathy, and living in a group. And that requires a significant amount of conformity. It would be exhausting if you constantly clashed with the other members of your social circle over everything. That being said, you’ll end up feeling frustrated and empty if you set your personality and uniqueness aside and only ever focus on the activities and goals that others convince you are important.
#7
#8
- Retirement at 60/65 - working until X age and then suddenly stopping is arbitrary. The traditional retirement script doesn’t fit everyone.
We’d like to hear your thoughts in the comments, dear Pandas. What do you think are some popular grown-up goals that you believe are a complete waste of time? Why do you think that is?
What are some must-have skills for any adult to have? How do you find a good balance between independence and social conformity?
Tell us all about it!
#10
#12
Unless you are already rich and is able to just pay other people to do all the work, starting and owning your own business means you spend every waking hour working to keep your business afloat.
#13
#14
#15
#16
#17
#18
What’s cool about being an adult is getting to choose for yourself what success looks like. It doesn’t have to involve tons of money, or a prestigious career, or being surrounded by the most popular and beautiful people. .
#19
I like people. I like my coworkers, I get on well with most folks I meet. I don’t mind a chat or even having a weird bond.
But I don’t want to hang out with people like that, anymore. I have very few slots open in my precious little downtime and they are for groceries and naps.
#20
They are a box with wheels that get you from A to B - it should be as cheap and practical as possible.