Adulting encompasses a wide range of responsibilities associated with becoming a self-sufficient and independent adult. It can seem daunting, so we have broken it down into manageable chunks. Below are some common elements of adulting, plus book recommendations for each.
1. Household Management
This includes taking care of household chores like cooking, cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping. Additionally, maintaining a living space, whether it's renting or owning a home, involves tasks like repairs, renovations, and managing utilities.
- The Martha Manual
- 100 Things Every Homeowner Must Know
- The Clean Living Handbook
- 1,001 Kitchen Tips & Tricks
- The Laundry Book
2. Time Management and Organization
This involves balancing work, personal life, and other commitments efficiently. Additionally, this includes prioritizing tasks, setting goals, managing schedules and being punctual.
- Martha Stewart’s Organizing
- Happier Hour
- Make Time
- Career Self-care
- Boundaries, Priorities, and Finding Work-life Balance
3. Financial Management
This includes budgeting, paying bills, managing debt, saving for the future, understanding taxes and making informed financial decisions.
- Financial Adulting
- Personal Finances in Your 20s & 30s for Dummies
- Your Best Financial Life
- Get Good with Money
- Feel-good Finance
4. Career and Professional Development
This involves finding and maintaining employment, advancing in your career through skill development and networking, and managing workplace relationships and responsibilities.
- Getting From College to Career
- Resume & LinkedIn Strategies for New College Graduates
- How to Navigate Life
- From Classroom to Career
- Ultimate Job Search
5. Navigating Relationships
This involves building and maintaining healthy relationships with family, friends, romantic partners, and colleagues.
- How to Be an Adult in Relationships
- You Will Find Your People
- This Is Supposed to Be Fun
- The Twentysomething Handbook
- Social Chemistry
Community-specific:
6. Speaking Up
This includes advice on how to advocate for yourself, set boundaries and make yourself seen medically, socially and personally.
7. Mental Health and Wellness
This involves taking care of your mental health and emotions, including managing stress and seeking medical or psychological help when needed.
- Mastering Adulthood
- The Twentysomething Treatment
- 12 Week Mind Workout
- Stress Management
- Flex Your Feelings
8. Physical Health and Wellness
This involves taking care of your physical being through tips on exercise and a balanced diet.
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