Adulting Is Overrated — and That’s Okay

The Struggle of “Being an Adult”

Bills. Deadlines. Laundry piles that seem taller than you. For many Gen Zers stepping into adulthood, the word adulting feels less like independence and more like a never-ending list of chores. And let’s be real — the hype we were sold (“freedom, fun, success”) doesn’t always match reality.

But here’s the thing: adulting being overrated is okay. In fact, admitting it can be freeing.

At SamCreates, we believe it’s the little cozy moments, not perfection, that make adulthood meaningful.

The Myth of Adulting

Problem: “When I Grow Up, Everything Will Make Sense”

We grew up hearing that adulthood = stability. A house, a career, maybe even that dream coffee machine.

Agitate: Reality Check

Instead, adulthood often feels like:

Solve: Admitting It’s Overrated

The cultural expectation of being “perfect adults” sets us up for burnout. Saying adulting is overrated is not giving up — it’s refusing to measure yourself by outdated rules.

Why Gen Z Sees Adulting Differently

1. Identity Comes First

Unlike older generations, Gen Z prioritizes mental health, authenticity, and vibes over status symbols.
Adulting doesn’t mean pretending to be someone you’re not.

2. Redefining Success

Success isn’t just career ladders — it’s having time to create, to rest, to game, to enjoy fandoms.
Micro-joys > milestones.

3. Community over Independence

Adulthood doesn’t mean “do it all alone.”
Gen Z thrives on shared struggles: group chats, meme therapy, communal gaming nights.

The Mental Health Side of Adulting Pressure

Constant comparison on social media intensifies “I’m behind in life” feelings.
Studies show Gen Z reports higher stress around financial security and careers than older groups.
Yet, humor and self-awareness (like poking fun at adulting struggles) are proven coping mechanisms.

Laughing at “adulting fails” actually reduces stress and builds resilience.

How to Reframe Adulting

Instead of chasing a Pinterest-perfect version of adulthood, try:

1. Micro-Rituals

Cozy tea breaks between tasks.
Journaling for 5 minutes before bed.
Adding affirmations to your workspace.

2. Celebrate “Small Wins”

Did laundry? That counts.
Cooked instead of ordering? Celebrate it.
Paid bills on time? You deserve a gold star.

3. Let Go of the Myth

Adulthood isn’t a one-size-fits-all script.
Your life can be unconventional and still valid.

Adulting Memes as Therapy

Why do memes like “me staring at my bills hoping they pay themselves” hit so hard? Because they:

Normalize shared struggles.
Make you laugh at the weight of it all.
Build community: “Oh, you too?”

Gen Z doesn’t just survive adulthood — we remix it with humor and identity.

Finding Your Why in Everyday Life

Here’s the secret: your why doesn’t have to be a huge calling. It can be small and cozy:

To bring comfort into your routine.
To share joy with your community.
To live authentically, even if it looks messy.

Being okay with adulting being “overrated” is actually about embracing a life that feels yours.

A Thought To Leave You With

Adulting may be overrated, but that doesn’t mean your life is. It means you’re free to write your own version — one built on cozy rituals, memes, fandoms, and micro-joys.

Ready to add more cozy reminders to your day? [Download free affirmation printables here →]

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