I am turning 27 this weekend, and much like the growing majority of adults in their late 20s: I am single, childfree and contemplating another degree.

I am saying the path where I am in a relationship and/or with children and probably decorated with more degrees (and hopefully financial success), doesn’t exist for me right now. Come back to me in my mid 30s and I’ll update you where the path is for me.

I break into sweat at the thought of one of my peers having a child - because to me this economy, geopolitical and planetary state is not worth putting myself through pregnancy and childbirth. So, I do feel concerned for those who do it, by choice. Because, why? Obviously, it’s their choice and that’s that, they do not owe me an explanation. But:

So, we are entering a new year of Rue, but really it’s just going to be the same as the last 5 (since I officially started adulting). So, if you are feeling behind in life or like you’re just not living up to what you expected to be at this point in time, here are some questions to ask yourself:

The first question is to make sure you know exactly what life you have built for yourself so far, and acknowledge the parts you are grateful to have at this point. Gratitude for what we have each day, no matter how small, just helps reduce that sinking feeling of being behind, even a little.

The other 2 questions are to put into perspective whether or not your views have changed. The thing about adulting is that change is constantly happening and we can’t avoid it. It’s affected by what we are exposed to and introduced to. So, whatever has happened in your life, that has changed the trajectory of where you want to go next, may not be the wrong turn that you think it is, it might be your correct turn based on the information you got in the last 5 years, that your previous self had 0 idea about.

I like to ask if that version is disappointed in your current self, because normally they will be. Have you ever seen a parent deal with a child’s tantrum, and it’s clear the child is throwing a tantrum because they don’t understand what the adult know?. And it just seems irrational. Yes, you from 5 years ago may still have been an adult, but you were an adult with different experiences from you now. So, it’s ok if they are disappointed, it does not mean it’s the wrong path or that you are falling behind. You have more information to base your next decision on - because lets be honest, did you from 5 years ago predict anything that has happened on 2026?

Disappointing my younger self has meant that I have achieved new strengths and achievements, that I would have limited myself from ever reaching because I didn’t have the knowledge and experience that I have as an adult.

Have a lovely weekend,😊😊

Rue

Adulting For Life