Q&A with Haley Cavanagh
What inspired you to write a book about Adulting?
I initially wrote Adulting: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for my daughters, and it started on a post-it note when I was pregnant with my first child! I wanted to pass on pearls of wisdom I’d learned being on my own and things I’d learned in the Army. Over the years, I added things as they came up, and it built until I realized, wow, this could help so many people! So, I turned it into a book, and I hope it does.
What are some of the most common challenges young adults face when trying to Adult?
- Financial instability. Many young adults are burdened with student loan debt, and living costs are rising faster than wages. This can make it difficult to save for a down payment on a house, pay for retirement, or even cover basic living expenses.
- Uncertainty about the future. The job market is constantly changing, and knowing what career path to pursue can be hard. Young adults may also feel pressure to find a “perfect” partner and start a family, which can add to the stress of figuring out what they want to do with their lives.
- Mental health challenges. Stress, anxiety, and depression are all common among young adults. These challenges can make it difficult to focus on school or work, and they can also lead to relationship problems and substance abuse.
- Lack of support. Many young adults feel like they don’t have enough support from their families or friends. This can make it difficult to cope with the challenges of adulthood.
What are your top tips for young adults who are struggling to Adult?
- Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone is on their journey, and it’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to adult. What works for one person may not work for another. So, don’t compare yourself to your friends, family, or social media influencers. Just focus on your own goals and what’s best for you.
- Ask for help when you need it. There’s no shame in asking for help when you’re struggling. It’s just the opposite, a sign of strength. Many people are willing to help you, including your parents, friends, teachers, counselors, and other professionals. So don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.
- Be patient with yourself. Adulting is a process, and it takes time to figure things out. Don’t expect to have everything figured out overnight. Take things one step at a time, and be patient with yourself as you learn and grow.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about Adulting?
- Adults have it all figured out. Ha ha, NO. Not at all. Adults are still figuring things out as they go along. They make mistakes, try to learn from them and move on. Rinse and repeat.
- Adulting is boring. Adulthood can be full of fun and excitement! It’s all about finding what you’re passionate about and pursuing it.
- Adulting is all about work. While work is an important part of adulthood, it’s not the only thing. There’s plenty of time for fun, relaxation, and spending time with loved ones.
- Adulting is lonely. Adulthood can be lonely if you don’t have a strong support system. Stay connected with your friends and family, and seek help when needed.
Here are some tips for dealing with the misconceptions of Adulting:
- Remember that you’re not alone. Everyone feels like they don’t have it all figured out. Talk to your friends, family, or a therapist about your feelings.
- Find what makes you happy. Adulthood is all about finding what you’re passionate about and pursuing it. Make time for the things that make you happy, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
- Build a strong support system. A strong support system is essential for dealing with the challenges of adulthood. Stay connected with your friends and family, and don’t be afraid to seek help when needed.
- Adulthood can be a challenging time, but it can also be a rewarding one. Remember to be patient with yourself, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and find what makes you happy.
What is the most important thing that young adults should know about Adulting?
The most important thing young adults should know about adulting is that it is a process. There is no right or wrong way to do things; everyone is on their own journey. The most important thing is to be patient with yourself, learn from your mistakes, and enjoy the ride. Here are a few other things that young adults should know about adulting:
- Don’t compare yourself to others. What works for one person may not work for another. So, don’t compare yourself to your friends, family, or social media influencers. Just focus on your own goals and what’s best for you.
- Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. Your physical and mental health will help you cope with adulthood’s challenges.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them and move on.
- Enjoy the journey. Adulthood can be a lot of fun. So don’t be afraid to enjoy yourself along the way.
Here are some tips for young adults who are struggling to Adult:
- Set realistic goals. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Set small, achievable goals for yourself and celebrate your successes.
- Find a mentor. A mentor can be a valuable resource for advice and guidance. Look for someone successful in the area you want to pursue and willing to share their knowledge and experience.
- Find a community. There are many communities for young adults, such as Meetup groups, online forums, and religious organizations. Find a community you feel comfortable in that can support you.
- Reach out for help when you need it.
Discover Adulting: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet today!
