The Sobering Realization...

...that I can now be classified as a twenty-something. I was speaking with Neil on the phone the other night, and of course he was giving me a hard time about my recent birthday. Ugh, I'm 24. For some reason, birthdays have become more depressing. Maybe it's because there are few milestone birthdays left. Basically, next year when I turn 25 that will be ok, because I will no longer be charged an extra fee when I rent a car. Then, that's about it until 50 when I'll join AARP (for the hotel discounts and the magazine). Back to the twenty-something thing, though.

Although wikipedia would define a twenty-something as a person between the ages of 20-29, I think that there is a distinction between those who are still undergraduates and those who have entered "the real world." Neil and I determined that by 24 most people have achieved this, even if they are on the five or six year plan for undergrad. People who have left undergrad are the true twenty-somethings, because as an undergrad most of us still have a sort of tension between whether or not we're still a part of our childhood home or whether we're striking it out on our own. For most of us, within a year of leaving undergrad that tension is resolved one way or another. Lots of grads either move back home while trying to get on their feet or they finally make a break. Most also have to make the decision on what comes after the bachelor's degree. Many may look to getting their first grown-up job while others stay in school. The latter decision is especially important for those who majored in things that don't scream "I have employable skills." I know first hand; I majored in history.

During this time, I made the break and although I still get some help from my parents, I live on my own and I am in charge of my own finances, schedule, and for the most part, my well-being. The freedom of being pseudo-adult is liberating but frightening, and I think that I will be spending the rest of my twenties getting used to this freedom, learning what choices benefit me the most, and eventually achieving complete financial freedom from my family. I am also trying to embrace this time in my life as a chance to move out of my comfort zone and eventually take risks like moving to a new city or studying abroad. This could be the only time I have before I'm tied down by property, a job, or relationships.