Ten things to do before turning 18
By: Amanda Jordan
Tags: Turning 18, Teenagers, Teens, Adulthood

Turning 18 is an exciting and scary time for everyone. It is scary for parents who have to let their babies go after 18 years. However, it is scarier for the person turning 18.

Turning 18 can mean so many exciting changes in your life. You are finally on your own and away from your parents and their rules. You are ready to start your adult life and make adult decisions, unfortunately, you are only 18 and still have a lot to learn. That is the first lesson to learn as an adult. You will never know everything and you will continue to learn new things for the rest of your life. Here are ten things you should do and know about before you are out on your own.

1. Take a family vacation

Yes, go on vacation with your family. This will mean the world to them and even though it may seem lame to you, someday you will be glad you did because getting everyone together for a family vacation once you are grown-up is really hard.

2. Have a diploma

Don’t go out in the world without some kind of diploma. Yes, finishing high school is the best start you could do for yourself, but if you are one of those people where things didn’t go exactly as planned then go the next best route and get your GED or some kind of High School equivalency diploma. Even if you think you don’t want to go to college, someday you may change your mind, and it will be better to have this out of the way. Also, employers will look at this as an accomplishment that will help you find work, and you have to work.

3 Do something crazy

Have some crazy fun with friends before you are all too busy for each other with adult responsibilities. Take a weekend and go to a rock concert. Get something pierced while it’s still cool to have it pierced. Have fun and be adventurous.

4. Learn about Credit

No, this does not mean credit cards. In fact, getting a credit card when you're 18 is a bad idea and will most likely ruin your credit. There are tons of quick and easy lessons online to learn the dos and don't of credit. You can even sit down with your parents and ask them about credit and the mistakes they made. You might not think this is important now but someday you will want to buy a house and a car and you will need this.

5. Explore things you are interested in

This is the best time of your life where you can explore the things you are interested in and not be shamed for it. If you love art, writing, or anything creative then explore that now. Start painting and have fun with it. If you find what your creative passion is now then you can continue to use that throughout your life and really enjoy it. You might make a career out of this or at least a fun hobby.

6. Make Goals and List

This is a great way to start out your adult life. Sit down and write down all the goals you want to accomplish over the next five years. Think of jobs, places to travel, how much money you want to save, and anything you want to accomplish in the next five years. Even if right now you have no idea what kind of career you want to have that is perfectly fine. Use this list for better goals like traveling to Paris or bungee jumping with your best friend.

7. Don’t plan a wedding yet

Yes, this is a don't and not a do but this is for the best. You have your entire life to get married and have kids. There is no rush to this. Even if you have found the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, it does not mean you need to get married right away. Enjoy each other and get to know each other more. Have a long engagement and have fun with it. Travel and see the world together. Then when you both know that you are financially stable you can plan a beautiful wedding.

8. Get a job

Yes, what they say is true, you need a job to make money. This is the perfect time to get at least a part-time job to start saving money or paying some of those bills that your parents have been paying for you. You will get lots of experience and learn new things while you make money.

9. Learn to grocery shop

This is very important as most parents forget how to teach their children to shop. Parents get so busy taking care of their families that they forget the need to teach basic skills. Especially when you are starting out and you don’t have that much money. Food costs a lot and is a huge part of your monthly budget. You need to know how to bargain shop and use coupons or coupon sites like Ibotta.

10. Walk away from drama

This is by far the best advice you will ever get. Learning how to walk away from drama when you are young will help you throughout your life. There are always going to be people who are dramatic and want all the attention. They will crave it and try to drag you down. Learn how to cut yourself off from toxic people. Surround yourself with positive and successful people.

Turning 18 is exciting and scary and something you will never forget.

Amanda Jordan

Author/Coach/Creator