As children, we all wanted to fast-track our childhood and become adults. We assumed adults had infinite money, could stay out or up as late as they wanted to, or never had to ask for permission for anything. They had freedom, autonomy, and fun. We couldn't wait to be a part of it. However, now that I have entered my 20s, the rose-tinted glasses have come off. As we unfortunately step onto the throes of adulthood and grasp how taxing it truly is (pun intended), life is a series of concurring thoughts, constantly screaming: "No, this is not what I asked for! Give me a refund."

As an adult, you're constantly exhausted. You have no idea where your money goes. You're not sure if you even want to know. After a certain point, your whole body hurts, all the time. You discover the value of a proper sleep schedule. You have to fight against all odds to have an emblem of a social life while also ensuring your social battery does not get depleted. And the list goes on.

Thus, as an ode to the chaotic ordeal which is adulthood, below are some moments that have shocked or will shock all new adults at some point with the realisation: 'Oh, I'm an adult now'.

Watching your friends get married

Watching your dear friends, with whom you hold the fondest memories of being dumb, embarrassing, and chaotic together, getting married is a surreal experience. These are people we used to play with, shared our tiffins with, and always found just a call away. We were kids together. And now they're starting a family, following different threads in life. Of course, it is a joy to witness. But the reality of it, of how far we have come, and how farther life is yet to take us, is always hard to accept.

Filing taxes for the first time

We were never really taught how to navigate the intricate web of taxation. While we all clearly remember that 'the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell', we are rarely given a clue about what entails the process of filing taxes in school.

As we grow up, we gradually get a glimpse of what taxes are, only to learn it is something the rich avoid to preserve their wealth while the rest are left to scramble. Hence, finally getting a proper look at the bureaucratic nightmare of taxes – with its vague eligibility criteria and rules, endless forms and errands – can be disconcerting.

Beginning to pay rent

The concept of home as a kid was unmarred - cosy and free of obligations. As you grow older and finally reach the age where you have to pay rent, you realise just how expensive it is to have a place just to rest and belong; that home actually has a price tag. Sure, it also instills a more solid sense of belonging and assurance, but the amount it takes away from your income each month also leaves you in a cold sweat which refuses to fully dry up.

Shopping for groceries and keeping inventory

As kids, core memories in grocery shops consisted of us whining to our mothers to get us a snack, only to get a reluctant "Fine" as a response. But as adults, a trip down the grocery aisle is organised and stressful. You almost always opt for the necessities, only going for a few occasional treats, but even then, the resulting bill results in hair loss. To make matters worse, realising that each grocery haul lasts only a handful of days just feels like a never-ending cruel joke.

Finding out that there is no room for excuses

The biggest thing about reaching adulthood is realising there's no space to make excuses anymore, no space to stumble and learn. Adulthood does not offer the safety net that childhood did. Gone are the days of trial and error. You are always expected to keep it together. To have a plan, to be responsible.

You cannot act on a whim. You are always expected to keep your cool, especially with your parents because they are old now and so are you, somehow. You cannot do a single thing, such as missing out on sleep or eating too much junk food, without experiencing the consequences.

The world demands you know better, and you are expected to deliver.

Anica Bushra Rahmaan is ankle-deep in adulthood and already hates it. Reach her at [email protected]