Emerging Adulthood

 

For several generations, the experiences of young people in their late teens and early twenties have shifted steadily. While most Baby Boomers and Generation X young adults were already taking on adult roles and starting families by their late teens and early twenties, the same cannot be said for young Americans today. For Millennials and Generation Z individuals, this transition from adolescence to adulthood is prolonged, often taking an entire decade to fully embrace adult roles.

​

This period of the lifespan, occurring between the ages of 18-29, is now known as “Emerging Adulthood,” a term coined by author and psychology professor Jeffrey Arnett. In his book titled “Emerging Adulthood: The Winding Road from the Late Teens Through the Twenties,” Arnett describes the characteristics of American emerging adults today, explaining that they often experience prolonged marriage and parenthood, extensive education, and later entry into the workforce. This extended period of emerging adulthood has transformed the way that emerging adults today experience their 20s, with technological advancements changing the dynamic of friendships and dating, as well as increased value being placed upon earning a college degree and having a successful career.

 

The Project
 

My goal in creating "Lets Talk About Adulting" is to provide emerging adults with a guide for how to make the most out of their emerging adulthood. By sharing real experiences from myself and other emerging adults from the ages of 17-24, readers will be able to gain a comprehensive understanding of this life stage from emerging adults themselves. 

​

I have surveyed almost two dozen emerging adults about their experiences in a dozen categories. When you click through each page under "The Project," you’ll see all of their responses on each topic. I have assigned a pseudonym to each participant using the names of flowers (yes, I am a flower-enthusiast!) and included their ages or any other standout characteristics. This way, you’ll be able to invest in each individuals’ stories without their identity being compromised.

 

In addition to these contributions, I’ve read through the submissions myself and added bits of my own perspective to highlight important points and pull everything together. To find my perspectives on each topic, look for the dialogue bubbles under certain submissions, as well as the stories labeled "my perspective" at the end of each page. 

​

Click on a specific topic tab under "The Project" to start reading! Enjoy.

​