Things No One Warns You About Growing Up

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this health and wellness feature where we are delving into
Things No One Warns You About Growing Up.

Becoming an adult is often seen as a destination with a clear set of milestones: you finish your education, find a job, and maybe move into your own place. 

While these are significant steps, they don’t always capture the full picture. You might find that the reality of adult life feels different from what you expected. It’s not just about the big achievements but also about navigating the day-to-day things that no one really prepares you for. 

This can feel overwhelming at times, but understanding these common challenges can help you feel more in control and better equipped to handle them.

Let’s talk about the Things No One Warns You About Growing Up.

Things No One Warns You About Growing Up

Growing up is one of those things you think just happens—like flipping a switch when you hit 18 or 21. But the truth is, adulthood creeps in quietly and hits you hard in the least glamorous ways. No one prepares you for the real stuff: the quiet confusion, the emotional curveballs, the everyday responsibilities that suddenly land on your shoulders.

Here are some eye-opening truths about the Things No One Warns You About Growing Up —plus some insider tips to help you navigate the chaos with a bit more grace and sanity.

1. You’ll still feel like you’re faking it sometimes (and that’s OK)

You might have a responsible job, pay your bills, and even own a few houseplants, but there will likely be moments when you feel like you’re just pretending to be a grown-up. This feeling is often called ‘impostor syndrome’, and it’s surprisingly common. You might worry that you’re not as capable as your colleagues or that your friends have their lives much more figured out than you do.

 

Instead of letting this feeling take over, try to acknowledge it and remind yourself of what you have achieved. It can be helpful to keep a record of your successes, no matter how small they seem. Reviewing these reminders when you feel uncertain can help you see your progress more clearly. 

Insider Tip: Stop comparing your journey to others. Progress isn’t linear. Focus on what brings you fulfillment, not what looks good on paper.

2. Money Management Is a Skill, Not a Talent

No one teaches you how to manage money in school. From budgeting to taxes to emergency funds—it’s a learning curve that can trip up even the smartest people.

Once you start earning a regular salary, it can be tempting to relax your spending habits. However, learning to manage your money effectively is a skill that will benefit you throughout your adult life. 

To get started, track your income and your spending for a month. You can use a simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app to see where your money is going. This will help you identify areas where you could cut back and free up money for something more important to you, like saving for a holiday or paying off a debt.

Insider Tip: Learn the basics of personal finance early. Track your spending, automate your savings, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. A little planning now saves you a lot of stress later.

3. How quickly health becomes a priority

When you’re young, it’s easy to take your health for granted. You might feel invincible, but as you get older, you’ll notice that your body needs more attention. It’s important to establish healthy habits now to prevent problems in the future. While it isn’t limited to, it should include eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and ensuring you get enough sleep.

Looking after your health also means being proactive about checkups. Register with a GP and a dentist and attend regular appointments. It’s also important to take responsibility for your sexual health; this includes having regular check-ups and getting a chlamydia test if you have a new partner or are worried you might be at risk. 

Insider Tip: Take care of your body now. Hydrate, move regularly, sleep well—and take stretching seriously. Your future self will thank you.

4. Friendships Change (and Sometimes Fade)

Nobody tells you how hard it is to maintain friendships as you get older. People move, get married, start families, or become absorbed in demanding careers. It’s not personal—it’s life.

Make peace with the fact that not all friendships are meant to last forever. Cherish the memories, but also make space for new connections that match where you are now.

When school or college is over, it becomes harder to meet people. Making new friends takes more intention, vulnerability, and effort.

Insider Tip: Say yes to social invitations. Join clubs, sports leagues, or volunteer groups. It feels awkward at first, but connection is worth the risk.

5. You’ll Miss Your Parents… Even When You Thought You Wouldn’t

As a teenager, independence feels like the ultimate goal. But once you’re truly out in the world, there will be moments you deeply miss your parents —whether it’s their advice, their presence, or just the safety of home-cooked meals and clean laundry.

Whether it’s calling them for advice, craving the comfort of a hug, or suddenly understanding their sacrifices, your relationship with your parents will shift in profound ways.

Insider Tip: Don’t wait for a special occasion to reach out. Text them, call them, visit if you can. And if they’re no longer here, cherish their memory by carrying their wisdom forward.

6. Careers aren’t always linear

You might have grown up with the idea that you’ll choose a career and stick with it until you retire. For many people, this is no longer the reality. It’s quite normal to change careers, go back to education, or find that your career takes unexpected turns. This is often described as a ‘non-linear’ or ‘squiggly’ career path.

Embracing this can open you up to new opportunities that you might not have considered. If you feel unfulfilled in your job, think about what you enjoy and what skills you have. You might find that your skills are transferable to a completely different industry. 

Insider Tip: Revisit your goals often. It’s healthy to grow out of your old dreams and make space for new ones. Success is deeply personal—make sure your definition still fits you.

7. Lifelong Learning isn’t Optional Anymore

Learning doesn’t end after school—it’s a lifelong process. Whether it’s adapting to new technology, switching careers, or learning how to cook or manage emotions, life will keep handing you things you don’t know how to do yet.

Education is no longer confined to the early years of life. The future rewards those who adapt, relearn and remain intellectually curious. Lifelong learning is becoming a lifestyle powered by micro-learning platforms, mentorship networks, and community knowledge hubs.

Insider Tip: Stay curious. Read, take online courses, ask questions. Growth is empowering, and you’re never “too old” to learn something new.

8. The endless life admin

This includes everything from renewing your car insurance and booking dental appointments to sorting out your council tax and managing your pension. These tasks can feel relentless and can eat into your free time.

To stop life admin from becoming overwhelming, it’s a good idea to get organised. Set aside a specific time each week to tackle these tasks. You could use a calendar to set reminders for important deadlines, like when your MOT is due or when you need to submit a meter reading. Automating tasks where possible, such as setting up direct debits for regular bills, can also save you time and reduce the mental load.

Insider Tip: Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for progress. Learn to laugh at your mistakes and keep going—you’re not behind, you’re learning.

Final words about
Things No One Warns You About Growing Up

Growing up isn’t a moment—it’s a lifelong process of self-discovery, learning, and adapting. Some days you’ll feel invincible; others, you’ll just want to stay in bed. But with each experience, you build resilience, perspective, and strength.

No one hands you a manual for adulthood, but here’s the truth: you’re doing better than you think. Keep going, stay kind to yourself, and remember—growing up isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying open to the journey.

I hope you found this feature about Things No One Warns You About Growing Up helpful and have a look here for more of our health and wellness features.

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