Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
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.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
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. .
RELATED:
#2
Idk if this counts as one but I’ve realized as I’ve gotten older I can’t stand loud noises.
#3
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….
#4
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.
#5
Doctors being the same age as you.
When you're young, doctors are kind, wise authority figures.
When you're an adult, they're just some dude that thinks you make s**t decisions.
#7
Coming to terms with childhood trauma and the realization your parent was emotionally abusive.
keyboardtek 3 months ago
Or eventually realizing nobody else is to blame for my mental state. It is just my own over active imagination generating the negative thoughts. Like Mark Twain said I have mentally experienced many bad things in my life, most of which never happened.
#8
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.
#9
The never ending grind. After a couple of decades, I'm left wondering how the hell I'm going to keep going like this.
#10
How much constant work it is to take care of yourself. Exercise, add weight training as you age to keep bones strong, healthy eating, which means meal planning, grocer shopping, cooking and cleaning if you don't want to spend your entire check on meals out. Then washing up, stretching, tooth care, flossing, skin care, doc visits, house fixes, car fixes, car shopping. It doesn't f*****g end.
keyboardtek 3 months ago
At least when you are young all that work and exercise pays off in increased energy and strength and stamina. After age 60 all that work is required just to be able to get out of bed in the morning.
#11
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.
Child of the Stars 3 months ago
I hate to break it to you, but while being honest and hardworking are good qualities in and of themselves, they're not inherently leadership qualities. They say nothing about your ability to lead and inspire others--which ARE leadership qualities.
#12
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.
Sue Denham 3 months ago
True. This is why you have to care about yourself. You're worth it. Look after you.
#13
Aches and pains but your not sure why or how you got them.
#14
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.
#15
That the worst part of being an adult is both having a job and not having a job.
SkippityBoppityBoo 3 months ago (edited)
😭 sometimes! I swear I'm busier now than before I became disabled and was working!!! The booking various appointments for specialists and doctors plus the physiotherapy hospital to get my crutches, adapted shoes, calipers etc fixed, making sure repeat prescriptions are collected, booking a slot for a monthly food delivery, clothes to replace certain clothes, food shopping online, etc etc etc!!!... I think I need a PA... 😄
#16
“There is always a fire to put out “ so to say … that feeling of suspicion when things are too good for a little while.
#17
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.
keyboardtek 3 months ago
And then I eventually learned that over sleeping made me feel like garbage on Saturday.
#18
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.
#20
How many chores there are. I did a lot as a kid but wow are there so many now.
Child of the Stars 3 months ago
Another one painted as a negative that I find wonderfully soothing. Not only does having a clean and organized home feel good, but the monotony of folding laundry or doing dishes is basically like a vacation for my brain. It's such a great coping skill for anxiety.
#21
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.
#22
There's something wrong with me (emotionally/mentally). It might be depression but I'm not 100% sure. .
keyboardtek 3 months ago
Attributed to maybe Freud: before diagnosing yourself as having depression, first make sure you are not surrounded by a******s.
#23
Aging parents that need more and more help.
Free_Bingo:
And how expensive elder care is. It is absolutely outrageous.
#25
Going over health insurance options.
keyboardtek 3 months ago (edited)
Then you retire. Go to an insurance salesperson who tells you the new Medicare Advantage programs cover almost everything and cover the d**g doughnut hole that basic medicare does not cover. Then you find out all the new medicines are not even covered. When they eventually get covered they have a $500 monthly copay.
#26
Understanding taxes and the endless paperwork that comes with them.
Another Panda 3 months ago
Pretty much just another dysfunctional US issue. Other countries make taxes easy to figure out (refilling) and submit online. Short, simple forms. And no surprises when purchasing items - tax is uniform all around the country, and included in the price.
#27
Realizing I’ve always felt entitled to challenge rules and that’s not how the real world works.
Joseph Miller 3 months ago
Please do not stop questioning the rules! Rules and laws change if they need to change!
#28
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.
ENSJ 3 months ago
Oh it sunk in a while ago. But my jobs don't pay me enough to adequately save so I can follow the courses I need for the job I want. Also, the job I want is only feasible if you're born in the trade or are rich. I know farming is really hard work, but I'd definitely prefer it (have been volunteering when I find the time and energy) over the customer facing roles I've had all my life.
#30
Infertility.
Also our dishwasher is broken, which sucks too.
What do you think ?
You May Like “To This Day It Still Gives Me Chills”: 30 Bizarre Experiences People Still Can’t Make Sense Of 30 Life Hacks People Have Used Since They Discovered Them Because They Actually Work People Who Have Worked In Hollywood Reveal 30 Dark Secrets About The Entertainment Industry
Ieva Pečiulytė
Ilona Baliūnaitė
Ieva Pečiulytė
Related on Bored Panda
