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Making Ends Meet

The Adult Struggle

By Samantha ReidPublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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I think we all long for the days in our childhood when we had no concept of what money was. We didn't understand how much food costs. We didn't understand how much hydro and heating and water cost. We didn't know that gas prices would one day be the bane of our existence.

Childhood was such a nice time and it is no surprise that people long for it. We long for the simpler times, the less stressful times in our lives. But the truth is, we can't go back. We only get to trudge forward, slowly but surely.

Adulthood isn't easy, but no one ever said that it was going to be. Adulthood is filled with highs and lows, responsibility and heartache. It is really a terrible time, but it is a necessary part of life. Growing up is a necessary part of life, so don't rush it too quickly.

Money will forever be your struggle in life. There will be times when you have it and times when you don't. There will be times when things are finally going smoothly, and then bad luck will hit you again. It is always a cycle.

We will always envy the people who have money. We will always envy the people who do not have to worry about bills. But that doesn't mean they are happy. Always remember that. Money doesn't buy happiness, and some of the richest people in the world are also some of the loneliest.

I would never have believed that I'd be living paycheck to paycheck. It's not a lifestyle that anyone wishes for, but life has a way of throwing you curveballs. And when things are going smoothly that doesn't always mean they will continue on that way. You have to always be prepared for the curveballs in life.

For some, this is a moment to rely heavily on friends and family for assistance. Never be too proud to ask for help when you need it. Others have partners or spouses that can assist them when times are rough. And some have their own financial stability beyond a steady income.

Still, there are those who are on their own in all of this. There are many who have nothing to rely on outside of their own wits and ability to earn an income. And for these individuals, change in life can be extremely disruptive. The curveballs in life can mean the difference between eating that week or not.

Making ends meet in life is always a struggle. It seems that just when you think you are getting ahead, something that you didn't anticipate knocks you back down. Perhaps it was a bill payment that snuck up on you. Perhaps you had to renew a license or sticker or membership. Perhaps you need to make payments on a credit card that slipped your mind.

Suddenly that little bit of extra money you thought you had is gone. And you are back to nothing.

This process can be discouraging. It can make everyone want to hit their head off of a wall and simply give up. But living with debt and making ends meet (or trying) seems to be just part of how adult life goes.

I always thought that I would have it all figured out when I hit adulthood. I always thought that I would have a steady job, I wouldn't struggle with money, and that I could enjoy things without worrying about how much they cost. But I don't think that is a reality for many people.

Adult life means accepting your financial situation and living within it. It means doing things you love, still, and accepting the responsibility of paying for them. It means cutting coupons and finding sales and making money however you can.

Adult life is a struggle, for many people, but you are not in it alone. We are all struggling with something in regards to adulthood. It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from. Being an adult isn't easy. Growing up isn't easy. Life isn't easy.

But keep your head up and keep smiling. You will get through this.

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About the Creator

Samantha Reid

I have been a creative writer for over 10 years, an academic for 7 years, and a blogger for 3 years. Writing is my passion and it's what I love.

Follow me on Instagram @samreid2992

Find me on Twitter @SgReid211

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