We grow with a plan. But life comes with surprises - Anonymous, or maybe I'm just smoking at 2 in the morning.
I thought being 25 was about getting a cool job, living in an aesthetic apartment, hanging out every weekend in a cafe while updating stories using black and white filters and philosophical captions. I thought I would feel like an "adult" who understood life, had direction, had savings, and had a consistent skincare routine.
But it turns out... being 25 is more like walking in the middle of the night, dimly lit, alone, while asking yourself: Is this really my way? People say, this is the most productive age. But why is my head filled with overthinking, anxiety, and questions that never get answers?
I'm not writing this because I already understand life. Precisely because I'm in the middle of crashing here and there, learning through pain, and laughing in between failures so I don't go crazy. These are 10 realities of being 25 that I never predicted. And maybe... you're feeling the same way.
1. Never Enough Money, Even Though You Don't Buy Hot Wheels Anymore
When I was little, I thought, It'll be easy when I grow up, work and have my own money.
Plot twist: salary comes in → pay for boarding house, pay for electricity, help parents, pay installments, pay for Netflix subscription that I don't have time to watch.
In the end, it's like life is just passing through an ATM.
2. Friends Become Rare (and Expensive) Items
When I was in school, I had lots of friends. We hung out every day. Now?
The ones who are busy getting married. The ones who are busy working. The rest... just reply "wkwk" on IG Story. You will understand the difference between friends and friends when you need a loan. Trust me, the ones who really care can be counted on your middle finger.
3. Not Everyone Will Be Proud of Your Achievements
Do you think you'll get a standing ovation when you get your first job?
Another plot twist: there are even those who are sarcastic, Why is your salary only that much? It turns out that validation is expensive. And sometimes, the only thing you need to be proud of is... yourself.
4. Tiredness is no longer about physical, but mental
Before, tiredness was after playing soccer. Now? Tiredness is waking up. Burnout is not a myth. Sometimes just waking up in the morning is like: Whose life am I living? Being 25 is not about stamina. But about thinking, Will I still be strong tomorrow?
5. Passion is a luxury, surviving is realistic
Ambition to be an animator? Traveler? Writer?
But reality says: work in an office first, so you can eat.
Not everyone can live directly from passion. Sometimes, work first so you can have the opportunity to pursue it later.
Now you understand why many "work to live", not "live to work".
6. Self-Healing Requires Money (And Sometimes, It's Really Expensive)
Vacation? Spa? Having a beautiful coffee? That's healing for Instagram, not mental. The real thing sometimes just needs enough sleep and someone who will listen without judging. Unfortunately, that's also rare. Even real therapy costs money. Ironic, huh?
7. You Can Feel Lonely, Even When Surrounded by Many People
Coffee is crowded. Music is loud. Friends are laughing. But the heart is empty. And you think, Why do I feel alone? Being 25 taught me one thing: loneliness is not about how many people are around. But how deep the connection you have.
8. Parents Can Also Get Tired, Make Mistakes, and Are Human
I used to think they were superheroes. Now I see them starting to get tired easily. And it's heartbreaking. They're not always right. But they always try. Sometimes you have to learn to be an adult, because they also want to rest.
9. Life Has No Sure Path - Everyone Is Trial & Error
You see friends who are successful, married young, have businesses. You feel left behind. Even though they are also just messing around, trial and error every day. Nobody really understands this life. Everyone just pretends to be calm on the surface.
10. Success isn't sexy if you're not happy
What's the use of a high position, a new car, a high balance... if you feel empty? Success is not the finish line. But how do you live your life while still feeling whole. And sometimes, happiness is as simple as being able to eat with your family on Saturday night.
We are all just children who grew up too quickly, forced to understand life before we understand ourselves.
If this article kicks you in the heart, or at least makes you smile sadly and say, anjir, really relate...
Give me an upvote.
Not to get rich. But make proof that honesty and human stories still have a place in this increasingly superficial world.
Cheers,
Your friend who is also exploring life.