As we change and evolve throughout the various stages of our lives, so do our roles and responsibilities. As a child, the most worrisome thing was trying to fall asleep during nap time. Adults must constantly worry about paying the bills while still being able to provide for themselves and their families. Now, as teenagers, not only do we worry about our exam grades or university decisions, but also the transition into becoming those very adults that have been taking care of us since Day 1.

But don’t fret! As long as you learn some of these life skills, it’ll be smooth sailing on the way to adulthood.  

1. Taking Public Transport 

Unlike calling a Didi every time you need to go somewhere, public transportation is an equally convenient and financially sustainable way for you to get around. All you need is a navigation app like Apple, Google, or Baidu Maps to help you find the right buses or subways to take. Plus, as you get more familiarized with your usual routes, you won’t need to rely on your navigation apps as much.  

2. Cooking Basic Dishes 

It may be tempting to order delivery or takeout for a quick bite, but it can be enriching for yourself and your taste buds if you start to learn how to cook some simple meals, some of which don’t even require you to cook! Some examples are salads, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese quesadillas, cup noodles, and microwaved eggs (which is my go-to, by the way.)  Cooking may seem hard and time-consuming, but you don’t have to be a professional chef to feed yourself. 

3. Doing Laundry 

If you haven’t the slightest idea how to do laundry, here are some basic tips: always separate the whites from the colors and clean your filter often. It’s also suggested to put your undergarments in a tiny laundry bag, so they won’t get ruined when you throw them in there.  Also, don’t forget to read the labels on your clothing, as they have specific instructions on how to wash them. 

4. Making a Resume/CV 

Creating a resume or CV is essential if you want to get employed in the future. Every professional job you desire will require a resume, so this is a chance to show your future employers what you’ve accomplished so far and more. Plus, it is a way to keep track of how far you’ve come. Your future employers will also get an idea of what you’re like before they know you.  

5. Taking Care of Yourself 

We’re not babies anymore! From now on, there won’t be anyone constantly looking after us or telling us what to do, which is why it’s up to us to look after ourselves. Taking care of yourself consists of maintaining your personal hygiene, eating balanced meals, drinking lots of water, being physically active, and replenishing your energy with enough sleep. It’s also important to take care of your mental health by doing what you love and unwinding from all the stresses in your life every once in a while.  

6. Managing Your Money 

Now that you’re about to go out into the world as another independent adult, it is essential to know how to manage and spend your own money. It’s always a good idea to ask for advice from people you look up to. For example, how much to save every time you receive your paycheck, creating a budget plan, and saving to ensure your future. Try your best not to end up drowning in debt for the rest of your life! 

It’s quite bittersweet to say goodbye to your childhood and not have a care in the world, but it’s all a part of growing up. We still have our whole lives ahead of us! There’s a lot to look forward to and a lot of “life” to experience, and you can be sure that having these life skills will start your adult life off right.  

Images: Courtesy of Emily Ranquist, Gunlock, RF._.studio, RODNAE Productions, Andrea Piacquadio, Ron Lach, maitree rimthong, Pexels