Venturing into adulthood can be equal parts exciting and terrifying. Sure, the future can be what you make it, however expectations from your family and society, access to money and how to go about pursuing a career, other responsibilities like a job or child, and the unknown can stifle your motivation.
Adulting seems like climbing another mountain
after you just scaled the high school mountain.
We counselors often hear from young adult clients:
- “I just don’t know what I want to do.”
- “My parents want me to _________, I just don’t know if that’s what I want.”
- “I’d like to go to college, but I have to take a gap year to save up.”
- “I’m not ready in the ways I need to be ready.”
The later years of adolescence can be an opportunity for transition, but there can be things that stop that from happening. Parents might not know how to slowly hand over responsibilities to their teens and these teens are then either –
a) handed all of the responsibility on the 18th birthday. *insert party hats, noisemakers, and “Oh yeah by the way you need to call the mechanic, car insurance, and your doctor for appointments. Good luck pumpkin, we are done!
b) parents continue doing things for their now-adult child that should be slowly passed on. Instead of teaching, the parents remain needed by just keeping these responsibilities. “I just love my baby so much, I’ll keep doing these little things for them.” Sure, it’s nice to not have to adult, but what happens when it IS time?
The counselors at Room for Change understand the unique experiences of being a young adult. We know what it’s like to want the comfort of family while also trying to break away. We also know how freeing it can be to begin exploring a life you can feel proud, motivated, and excited about. Anxiety and confusion have no place in your life plans.
Allow us to help you navigate your young adulthood. And if you are a parent of a young adult, allow us to help you navigate your role as a parent of a young adult. Give us a call.