Dear Dish-it,
I'm a young teen, just finishing puberty, but I really want to be an adult. No one will hire someone my age, so I can't get an after school job. My parents buy a lot of junk food; I want to be able to go to the store on my own and pick out a better diet, but I can't do that either. I also want to move out and get my own place. Is there something wrong with me?
13 Going On 30
Dear 13 Going On 30,
Let me start by saying that there’s nothing wrong with you. Lots of people your age feel the desire to grow up and be an adult before it’s time. It’s your desire for freedom that’s causing you to feel this way. It just shows that you’re maturing. But remember, being a kid and a teen can be the best part of your life. You have very few responsibilities and you get to have fun and hang out with your friends on a daily basis. Most adults don’t have that luxury.
With Adulthood Comes Responsibilies
What you’re desiring are the good things about being an adult: choosing what you eat, living on your own, making your own money. But you’re forgetting about all the responsibilities that come along with that. With a job, you’ll have to pay taxes and lose your free time to spend with friends. Buying your own food seems like a nice idea, but the costs can be astronomical. And of course, having your own place would cost you a fortune in time and money. You’d have to maintain a yard if you have one, clean your entire house, and cook your own meals. Plus you need to pay rent along with other expenses like your cable, internet and hydro.
Enjoy Life’s Journey
Don’t rush your life. I did the same thing when I was your age. But my mom always told me, “it’s the journey that defines you, not the destination.” This always seemed so preachy until I really thought about it. The journey is what defines us. It’s good to dream, but if we focus too hard on the things we want rather than the things we have, we won’t enjoy life’s ride. Not only that, but we also won’t appreciate the things we achieve if they come too quickly or easily. So please, enjoy being a teen. It’ll only last for a few years and once it’s over, you’ll be wishing you had that time back.
Make Money
If you're really interested in making your own money, there is a way. There's a company called Kidworth that's dedicated to helping teen entrepreneurs start their own businesses. Check out our Kidworth article and see if it's right for you!
Have Your Say
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