Writer’s Workshop: On Your Own
Tiger girl holding on to a pole
It has been nearly 20 years since I graduated from high school. Back then I was all eager to be set free. I was finally legally an adult and could do whatever I wanted. I did not need to be accountable to the elders for every little thing that I do. I only needed to answer to myself.
I thought it would be great as I didn’t not need to have to worry about other people’s approval and I could do things as and when I liked.
There was no one to nag at you for staying up late or for not doing your chores. You could simply focus on doing what pleased you and don’t even need to do things which you didn’t fancy doing.
I could spend as long as I wanted watching DVDs if there wasn’t a class that day. No one could stop me!!
Little did I know that it was a blessing to get certain things like bills being paid by your parents. Being an adult is really not easy.
All of the sudden I was responsible for the so many things which I never really did have to bother before. It was really overwhelming as I suddenly had so many different things to handle all at once.
Staying abroad during my University years I had to handle everything myself. From getting my own apartment, paying bills and even choosing what to eat everyday. Even though I shared an apartment with fellow Uni mates I had to change my accommodation a few times as it was difficult to find people who you could get along with to stay together.
I had to learn how to budget my finance and make major decisions on my own. If bad decisions were made I had to bear the consequences myself. It was a really growing experience during the 4 years I spent in Australia for my degree.
There is really a vast difference from what one perceives as “freedom” being an adult and what it really is.
How was it for you living on your own?
August 28, 2014 @ 11:21 pm
I got married and moved in with my husband when I was 19 so I never lived on my own until fairly recently. I really love it! I like not being responsible to anyone for where I am or when I come home or what I have for dinner….
August 29, 2014 @ 3:07 am
I’ve always been independent. So, living on my own has been a mixture of fun, hard work, and peaceful solitude. I like going about my business, at this time in my life, footloose and fancy free. Been married, divorced, and widowed. Done with marriage.
Frankly, I love my freedom!
August 29, 2014 @ 5:00 am
I got married and had a baby all by the age of 19. I only had a year out of high school.
August 29, 2014 @ 5:59 am
🙂 Hi Dominique ~~ It’s been a while since I’ve been here. I did my “O” thing today also. I envy you for having four years in Aussie Land for school. I loved it there when we had four days in Sydney for play. I’m with U.F. above. Was married my whole life for thirteen years. But I did “do my own thing for three years” after that until Mrs. Jim ‘snared’ me. It was a great life!!! Been married 41 years now!!
BTW, the pineapple is a robot friend.
(also http://jimmiehov6.blogspot.com)
..
August 29, 2014 @ 8:43 am
I know what you mean! It seems so “glamourous” to be working.. but the reality of BILLS is a huge eye-opener. Especially after marriage – every expense is doubled. LOL! (Let’s not talk about the kids yet…)
August 29, 2014 @ 10:17 am
I always was around someone else, after leaving home. A roommate, a boyfriend, a husband. And here I am, almost 60, and starting all over again, on my own. And much wiser! Wish I knew then what I know now… {:-D
August 29, 2014 @ 1:11 pm
I liked the idea of being on my own until, like you, the harsh reality set in. Being taken care of has lots of advantages.
August 29, 2014 @ 1:51 pm
I started to live on my own when I graduated college, I was carefree and had spent mostly on my wants, but after getting married and had 2 kids, life had change, I wasn’t that free to get anything I want because I have to prioritize my family needs first before anything.
August 30, 2014 @ 12:58 pm
My first years spent away from home were very close to my mom, so I always had that net to fall back on. You were so courageous to go abroad and do it all on your own!
August 31, 2014 @ 3:05 am
I did not leave home until I was nearly 29 years old! I regret that I could not finish college and attended for only two years. Four of our five children have attended college. Two have degrees, one has another year to finish and the last one about three more years. It is tough heading out on your own. Our youngest son is the only one who ventured away from home to attend school! He is enjoying his time with his team, running for a private university and receiving an excellent education! I love your sweet photo here. Have a beautiful weekend. Hugs, Anne
September 1, 2014 @ 9:01 am
I agree with you. Being an adult is not easy as we thought when we were just young, care free and happy go lucky. I got a chance to live on my own when I had my first ever job after college. I was excited and happy to finally have a chance to live my life on my own. But when I was alone inside my room on just the first day I was away from home, everything flashed back and I felt so sad and alone. It took me weeks after I finally realized this is it, this will be my journey alone 🙂
September 1, 2014 @ 2:20 pm
On your own is a HUGE responsibility. Nice when we manage well 🙂
Even i had the same thoughts when I was small. Now I know better!
September 2, 2014 @ 2:15 am
You’re so right. It isn’t as easy as you think!