Graduating isn’t when reality hits you; it isn’t even on your first day of work. The reality of “adulting” usually sets in when back-to-school season comes and you, well, aren’t going back-to-school.
For at least a good 18 years, you’ve measured your life by back-to-school seasons. Summer break ends, a new school year begins. School year ends; summer begins and the cycle continues on and on and on…until it doesn’t. So now what?
First, put down your phone. Nothing good will come from scrolling through your Instagram feed and liking and commenting “FOMO” on all your younger friends’ photos. Take comfort in the fact that there are plenty of people (like a few billion or so) who have successfully survived their first BTS season as an adult.
The best way to do this is to celebrate the perks of adulting—like having a paycheck and never having to do a group project ever again. And in case you need a few more reminders, here are several realities that will help you overcome the FOMO of back-to-school season.
Revel in the fact that you can wear heels during the day without being considered a “weirdo” by your non-fashion friends. (Photo via @kaycaden)
Upgrade your four-year-old, beat-up tote that your hauled your books in for a professional bag. (Photo via @threadedco)
Read for pleasure (something you haven’t done in four years). (Photo via @lauriseirl)
Enjoy the views of your new “campus” during your commute. (Photo via @kirameetsworld)
Homework? What homework? Spend your evenings binge-watching Netflix without the slightest bit of guilt/sense of procrastination. (Photo via @alysegoody)
New life stage = new wardrobe. (Photo via @andrew.paulson)
Drink coffee for pleasure not for necessity of making it through an all-nighter. (Photo via @laurenhundt)
See ya, library stacks! Your weekends now involve strictly waffle stacks. (Photo via @hellogabrielle)
Turn those apartment goals into reality by tackling those DIY projects you have been pinning for years. (Photo via @mariarcola)
