Generation

‘Who is this diva?’: Gen Zs adulting

by RepublicAsia

PUBLISHED ON November 6, 2024

REGULAR night outs, studying, free time, meet-ups, and enjoying their youth were typical routines for Generation Z just a few years ago. Now, faced with work-related pressures, missed events, and countless responsibilities, no one prepared Gen Zs on how to navigate this new phase of their lives.

As Gen Zs enter their mid-20s, the vibrant lifestyle they once enjoyed has taken a sudden turn. The activities they used to joke about—such as gardening, shopping for household appliances, choosing less-sugary foods, dealing with back pain, and engaging in other “grown-up activities” are now things they find themselves genuinely enjoying.

Ironically, these are the same activities they once teased Millennials for.

Furthermore, they are beginning to carve out their own paths, adapting to new responsibilities, preferences, and a fresh perspective on life.

The new me

The transition into adulthood has also brought noticeable changes in Gen Z’s physical and mental attributes, habits, and social lives.

“I’m craving for rest instead of going out during weekends,” said Mark Joseph Manlapaz, 27, a customer service representative at Pag-Ibig Fund.

He added that he used to feel bored accompanying his mother while she bought household appliances and kitchen utensils, but now he finds himself browsing these items in online shops.

Regarding food preferences, Manlapaz mentioned that he used to like certain foods with lots of flavor or seasoning, but he is now leaning toward healthier options.

Solimvian Limbaga, 25, noted that as she has aged, she has started to overlook her physical health due to the demands of responsibilities and priorities. She shared that her enjoyment of dancing and sports has decreased as she transitioned into adulthood.

On the other hand, Ranz*, 26, who works as an IT Quality Analyst and client success leader for a U.S. company, reflected on how he once found reading boring. Yet, he has recently begun to appreciate them.

He shared: “I was diagnosed with Dyslexia when I was 7 years old and I was diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) at 8 years old. So, any activities related to intellect just aren’t for me. But recently, I feel the need to utilize my time, and I have a strong desire to improve [myself] that I started reading.”

Additionally, he also now enjoys making art, writing, and creating things, which he missed during his teens when he was too busy with parties, basketball, and e-sports.

For Gen Zs, adulting means letting go of past habits and reshaping their preferences as they discover a newfound love for “grown-up” activities.

The truth about adulting

When they were a child, Gen Zs would often think that adulthood is a smooth-sailing journey to freedom and success. However, upon turning mid-20s, they encounter the challenges of adulthood, such as finding a job, earning an income, and making compromises.

“Akala ko noon kapag naka-graduate na, madali na ang buhay dahil may trabaho na at sariling pera. Pero mali lahat— sobrang daming mabigat na responsibilities ang mabibigay sayo— pagsubok, problema, at stress,” said Limbaga.

However, she also acknowledges that transitioning into adulthood has taught her to find her own path in life, learn how to take care of herself, and determine what truly matters to her.

Meanwhile, Ranz recollects how his expectations of adulthood have changed as he grew older. “I used to have a dream of being an engineer and a lawyer but none of those ever come close to what my career is now. I also remember when I was a child that I would have my own family at the age of 25. Well, that didn’t happen either,” he admits.

Manlapaz shares that he once believed growing older would be pleasant because he wouldn’t have to complete school assignments and would have more free time at home. However, this perspective shifted when he became the provider for his family.

“Looking into it, mapapagod ka and you’ll be unhappy, but on top of that you have to go through kasi part siya of wanting to have a better life,” he expressed.

He also emphasizes that navigating adulthood is primarily your own responsibility. While parents may offer support and guidance, ultimately, it is your effort and passion that will help you succeed.

Similarly, Ranz shares that transitioning into adulthood made him realize that, in the end, you can only rely on yourself.

“I was extremely toxic before I became an adult— mix that with alcohol, bad people, and smoking, [and] then you are just a ticking time bomb that is waiting to explode. When that moment came, I finally lost all of my friends and my ex-girlfriend ghosted me and left me. I had no one,” he recounts.

While growing up involves personal advancement, having independence, and taking control of your journey, it can also feel restrictive due to the responsibilities, challenges, and priorities that may arise along the way.

Navigating the journey

The transition into adulthood is filled with uncertainties, yet it also presents opportunities for personal growth.

While experiencing fear and doubt, these Gen Zs have discovered ways to manage the pressures that come with increased responsibilities and demands of adult life.

“There are moments of setbacks, wrong decisions, and failure but the important thing that you can [do] is to not allow those things define you and stop you from striving towards having a better life,” Mark advises.

Solimvian emphasizes the importance of embracing happiness while maintaining a sense of responsibility.

She states, “You only live once, kaya maging masaya ka— mag-enjoy kasama ang mahal sa buhay, bigyan ng oras ang pamilya, dahil baka sa adulting [phase] hindi mo na magawa pa ‘yung mga ganyang bagay at pagsisihan [mo] pa.”

“I know there will be a lot of hardships and things that are bound to happen but you don’t really have to look towards harm but rather talk to the people you are close to and get their perspective and opinion on the matter [you’re concerned about]. That is going to be a great eye-opener, and [it] helped me a ton towards my improvement,” Ranz explains.

He also claims that adulthood isn’t as intimidating as it seems, comparing it to being a student with extra tasks and assignments each day, but now you’re getting paid.

Since young adults in their mid-20s are more in control of their own lives and choices, they tend to feel a profound sense of accomplishment during this transition.

“The quote ‘malayo pa, pero malapit na’ resonates with me since comparing the life we have before, I can say that there are changes that happen for the better,” Mark shares as he takes pride in supporting his family.

Meanwhile, Ranz reflects on his personal triumphs, saying, “[As an adult, I’m particularly proud of] being sober, landing a job that I enjoy and pays high, hitting my goals and milestones, my never-ending determination to improve every day. I [have] finally finished building my boundaries, and most importantly, loving myself when I used to hate myself every single day.”

This reflection highlights the idea that adulthood is not solely about personal freedoms but also about being accountable for the decisions they make.