The Subtle Art of Adulting 2.0: Navigating the Chaos with Panache and a Dash of Sarcasm

Peter Stefanyszyn
4 min readSep 11, 2023

Ah, adulting. That nebulous stage of life where you’re expected to be responsible, but you still can’t figure out how to fold a fitted sheet. It’s like being handed the keys to a car, but no one’s told you how to drive, and the GPS is stuck on “recalculating.” But don’t fret, my wayward friend. I’m here to guide you through this maze of existential confusion with the elegance of a ballet dancer and the humor of a late-night talk show host who’s just discovered memes.

Tip #1: The “Faux-dulting” Technique, Redux

Let’s revisit the basics, shall we? Adulting is a long game, like Monopoly, but with more tears and fewer get-out-of-jail-free cards. You’re going to need to master the art of “Faux-dulting,” which is essentially adulting’s stunt double.

Imagine you’re at a dinner party, and someone starts talking about the stock market or the geopolitical implications of climate change. You nod, you smile, and you throw in a “Hmm, interesting” for good measure. Inside, you’re frantically trying to remember what a 401(k) is and whether you should be concerned about it. That, my friend, is Faux-dulting.

Invest in some adult-ish props: a leather-bound notebook, a fancy pen, and perhaps a wristwatch that you’ll use only to check the time, even though your phone is right there. It’s all about the optics.

Tip #2: “Strategic Procrastination” Reimagined

Procrastination is the Voldemort of productivity — something so feared we dare not speak its name. But what if we could use it for good? Enter “Strategic Procrastination.”

The concept is deceptively simple: Use your procrastination time to accomplish something less daunting than the task you’re avoiding. It’s like a productivity loophole. Need to write a report? Clean your room instead. Need to clean your room? Organize your emails. By the end of the day, you’ve unwittingly become a productivity ninja, all while skillfully avoiding what you were supposed to do. It’s a win-win, really.

Tip #3: The “YOLO” Philosophy, But Make It Fashion

YOLO is not just a relic of the early 2010s; it’s a philosophy that can guide your adulting journey. The key is to YOLO responsibly. Want to quit your job and travel? Maybe start with a weekend getaway before you sell all your belongings and become a digital nomad. Craving that five-star dining experience? Opt for the lunch menu; it’s cheaper but still Instagram-worthy.

Life is about balance. It’s about knowing when to splurge and when to save, when to be reckless and when to be cautious. It’s like being a trapeze artist, but the safety net is made of spreadsheets and meal plans.

Food for Thought:

  1. What’s the one thing you’re avoiding that could significantly improve your life?
  2. If you could write a letter to your future self, what would you say, and would you be brave enough to read it later?

Now, if you’ve made it this far, you’re either genuinely committed to mastering the art of adulting, or you’re procrastinating so hard you’ve reached the end of the internet. Either way, I’ve got a little treat for you.

If you’re looking to add a dash of whimsy to your adult life or perhaps gift someone a slice of happiness, why not check out Momento Momet on Etsy? This isn’t just a shameless plug; it’s a lifestyle recommendation. Because nothing screams “I’m successfully adulting” like buying adorable clothes that make you feel like you’re starring in your own rom-com, or heartwarming teacher appreciation gifts that make you the teacher’s pet by proxy.

Adorable baby onesies in various designs and colors, perfect for naps, drooling, and irresistibly cute Instagram photos

Momento Momet offers that perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary joy, like listening to a ’90s playlist while sipping on a craft cocktail you’ve just learned to make because, hey, you’re an adult now. It’s the little things that make adulting bearable, and Momento Momet specializes in those little things.

So go ahead, take the plunge into the tumultuous waters of adulting. And remember, it’s not about avoiding the waves; it’s about learning to surf.

Ah, the modern trifecta of digital affection: like, follow, and share. If you found this guide to adulting as enlightening as a Zen master’s TED Talk or as entertaining as a cat video marathon, then do the social media equivalent of a standing ovation — like, follow, and share.

Why? Because in this chaotic journey we call adulting, we could all use a little more wisdom, a little more humor, and a lot more community. Plus, let’s be honest, if you’ve laughed, cried, or had an existential crisis while reading this, then chances are someone else will too. And what’s adulting if not collectively navigating the maze of life while occasionally bumping into walls?

So go ahead, hit those buttons like you’re playing a game of Whac-A-Mole. And for more tips, tricks, and emotional rollercoasters, keep an eye out for my next piece. Until then, may your adulting be as smooth as a freshly ironed shirt and as enjoyable as a shopping spree at Momento Momet.

Disclaimer: Liking, following, and sharing this article may not solve all your adulting problems, but it will bring you one step closer to becoming the social media influencer of responsible life choices that you were always meant to be.

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Peter Stefanyszyn
Peter Stefanyszyn

Written by Peter Stefanyszyn

Welcome to Gibberish & Gold—where words get broken down, flipped around, and served up with a side of wit.

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