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Article created by: Gabija Saveiskyte

As children, we all looked forward to adulthood and enjoying what appeared to be the perks of being a grown-up. But once we experience the challenges of “adulting,” many realize that the real world isn’t as enticing as previously perceived. 

So when someone on Reddit asked, “What’s an adult problem you were not prepared for?” there was no shortage of responses. Some shared their disdain for the amount of household chores they suddenly had to deal with, while others became aware of the fatigue brought on by making important life decisions

As always, we’ve collected some of the most notable answers. Enjoy reading through them and see which ones you connect with the most. 

#1

Young woman with glasses touching her forehead, appearing stressed, illustrating adult problems people face in life. Decision fatigue. You’re telling me I need to decide what I’m going to eat for every meal myself? Plan ahead and make sure I buy the correct groceries to coincide with those decisions? No way….

cryingwhimsically , Nataliya Vaitkevich / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #2

    Customer using mobile phone for contactless payment at checkout, illustrating common adult problems in daily life. Having to spend money nearly every single day. Groceries, gas, rent, car maintenance, insurance, student loans, utilities, household supplies, subscriptions, medicine, parking fees… it just never ends. Even when you think you’re done spending, something will inevitably break down and you’ll have to shell out $200+ to get it fixed. It’s madness.

    ElegantPen5437 , Jack Sparrow / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #3

    Three friends embracing outdoors under a blue sky, reflecting on adult problems people wish they knew earlier in life. Making friends. As a kid, you're in school, forced to be around a kid if others mostly like-minded. As an adult, you might connect with a coworker or two but generally making friends and strengthening this relationships are nearly a second job.

    dcp3450 , Phil Nguyen / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #4

    Young man sitting alone on a concrete ledge looking down, representing adult problems people wish someone warned them about. The never ending grind. After a couple of decades, I'm left wondering how the hell I'm going to keep going like this.

    JackSchitt-716 , Aviz / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #5

    Woman in a long coat and headscarf browsing books, illustrating common adult problems and challenges faced in life. Mostly the world getting worse.

    I was the type of person that had all his ducks in a row and the world constantly changes to make sure no matter how high I climb, I'll always remain at the same level by keeping up with the cost of everything else.
    The cost of food now is just insane.

    It just baffles me that I live in a country like the USA and millions of full time workers still can't afford basic needs.

    OnlyTheBLars89 , Ahmed ツ / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #6

    Man stressed over adult problems sitting at desk with laptop and financial charts, illustrating common challenges in adulthood. That the worst part of being an adult is both having a job and not having a job.

    samuelson098 , Karolina Kaboompics / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #7

    Person lying in bed facing away, illustrating common adult problems people wish someone warned them about earlier in life. No amount of sleep during the work week is adequate. I have to “waste” a portion of my weekend on sleeping in every week to catch up.

    Chad_Hooper , Ketut Subiyanto / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #8

    Woman lying in bed with a book covering her face, illustrating adult problems people wish they knew earlier in life. Wanting to do stuff but just not having energy. Like, I want to be creative and play video games but I just can't muster any energy to do it. I'm just so freaking tired all the time and I'm freaking tired of doing things. .

    My_Clandestine_Grave , Lina Kivaka / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #9

    Young adult man with tattoos outdoors, appearing stressed and rubbing his temples, illustrating common adult problems. Idk if this counts as one but I’ve realized as I’ve gotten older I can’t stand loud noises.

    milkycoffee8 , RDNE Stock project / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #11

    Young adult covering face with hands, illustrating common adult problems many wish they were warned about earlier. Coming to terms with childhood trauma and the realization your parent was emotionally abusive.

    EssEyeOhFour , Mikhail Nilov / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #12

    Three men in suits shaking hands in a professional setting, representing adult problems people wish someone warned them about. Bad people get promoted at work, often for using their awful qualities in despicable ways. Being honest and hardworking are not considered leadership qualities at many large companies.

    tratratrakx , Pavel Danilyuk / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #13

    Young woman sitting on stairs looking pensive, illustrating common adult problems many wish they were warned about earlier in life. The lack of caring. As a kid people (parents and teachers) cared if I showed up for things. They cared if I did my work. They cared if I got out of bed. Someone cared about what I did. As an adult no one cares about what I do. As a kid someone cared if I ate lunch as an adult no one cares if lunch is 4 martinis.

    WhatWouldTNGPicardDo , Vitaliy Rigalovsky / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #14

    Close-up of a person holding their lower back outdoors, illustrating adult problems related to physical pain and health. Aches and pains but your not sure why or how you got them.

    Common-Sprinkles9328 , Kindel Media / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #15

    Young adult woman wearing a cap peeking from behind a wall, illustrating common adult problems people face in life. “There is always a fire to put out “ so to say … that feeling of suspicion when things are too good for a little while.

    Interesting_Poem_684 , Wayne Fotografias / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #16

    Mature woman reviewing documents at desk, highlighting common adult problems people wish they knew earlier in life. Dealing with finances.
    Did not pay enough attention when young and now at 55 fearing I may never retire as I won't be financially able too.

    Cooter1mb Report

    #17

    Man in a blue suit checking his wristwatch, illustrating common adult problems people wish they knew earlier in life. How fast time has gotten.

    pm_me_coffee_pics , Andrea Natali / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #18

    Person ironing clothes at home, illustrating common adult problems people wish they knew about earlier in life. How many chores there are. I did a lot as a kid but wow are there so many now.

    ArtemisElizabeth1533 , Monstera Production / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #19

    Woman holding notes and discussing adult problems with a man in a home setting near a window with checkered curtains. The discrepancy between pay and how much everything costs.

    Like I look back at the 5 bedroom house I rented in 2018 for $1250 a month and thought that was hefty. That same house is renting for $3000 a month now.

    anon , Ketut Subiyanto / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #20

    Person in black hoodie sitting curled up on a chair, illustrating adult problems people face in life. There's something wrong with me (emotionally/mentally). It might be depression but I'm not 100% sure. .

    aesthetic_kiara , Karolina Kaboompics / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #21

    Elderly couple standing outside a yellow building, representing adult problems people wish they were warned about earlier. Aging parents that need more and more help.

    Free_Bingo:
    And how expensive elder care is. It is absolutely outrageous.

    calstanza09 , tiago tins / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #22

    Young woman outdoors using laptop, reflecting on common adult problems people wish they knew about earlier in life Having a boss that's younger than me.

    johnnybiggles , Tima Miroshnichenko / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #23

    Thick binders filled with paperwork representing adult problems people wish someone warned them about earlier in life. Understanding taxes and the endless paperwork that comes with them.

    BoldTarax , Pixabay / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #24

    Person standing on rocky peak overlooking foggy landscape symbolizing adult problems and challenges in life journey. Realizing I’ve always felt entitled to challenge rules and that’s not how the real world works.

    SatisfactionSea7249 , Suliman Sallehi / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #25

    A young man wearing an apron working behind a counter, representing common adult problems in daily life. Enduring jobs I didn't like solely for the sake of a paycheck.

    It really didn't sink it until the honeymoon phase of my first retail job finally went away. But it was the push I needed to mature faster and start working towards the kind of work I actually wanted to do.

    fortifier22 , Polina Tankilevitch / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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