What are the three ages that get a ton of publicity as you reach adulthood? 16, 18, and 21 could come to your mind first. There are a lot of big things that come with those three birthdays. Age 16 is when you get to drive a car and get your license in most states. When you’re 18, you graduate high school. You can legally drink alcohol for the first time when you’re 21.
Nobody talks as much about the important things that happen between these ages, though. The amount of development during the ages of 19 and 20 can be staggering. There is a lot to learn during these ages, and if taken seriously, teens should be able to fully understand how to become an adult during these years.
We’ll talk about some of the ways young adults can transition successfully during these ages, including getting cheap car insurance for new drivers under 21. We’ll also talk about how young adults can receive emotional and mental health support because going from 18 to 21 is one of the most confusing and stressful times in life.
#1 – Don’t Think You Have to Attend College
So many adults put pressure on every high school graduate to attend college the following year. Traditional school is not for everyone, though. If you have a specific job in which a degree is required, you should go to college. If you want to go to a liberal arts college and explore your interests, that’s fine too.
Just remember, attending more schooling just for the sake of education is a very expensive thing to do. Have strong ideas about your purpose behind attending college.
Trade school and community college are great ways to feel out the post-secondary education experience and decide whether you want to go to a university. If a year at one of these schools feels like a waste of time, don’t put more effort into college.
Jobs Before College
Enter the job market with the skills you have and perhaps go back to school when you are more mature and have the funds to do so. Seeing how your 20s treat you can tell you a lot about your interests. Maybe you are a part-time cleaner in a nursing home, and it creates your interest in medicine.
If you have always liked school and know what job college would help with right after high school, then there are many ways to embrace the college journey. Try to make friends with other classmates on campus. Stay in touch with family and friends back home. See if there are any clubs to join during your time in college.
#2 – Look for Discounts and Savings
Being between the ages of 18 and 21 can be a very expensive time in life. The college discussion is always centered around finances, and even people who don’t go to college are going to struggle with money in other ways.
One of the biggest things for a young person is figuring out how to afford a car. See if the used car market has anything decent to start out. If nothing looks reliable, see if your parents will help you rent or lease a new car. Young people need to get creative when looking for ways to buy vehicles.
Car Insurance for Young Drivers
Car insurance is another struggle for young drivers. Insurance companies view 18- to 21-year-olds as incredibly high-risk drivers. They are shown to get into more accidents than older adults.
This age group needs to prove to insurance companies they are safer than the average teen driver on the road.
Many insurance companies will offer discounts to students who have a good grade point average in college. The discounts might even extend to after graduation if their grades are good for several years.
Students can also try to keep their driving to a minimum and walk or bicycle as alternative methods of transportation.
Young people should ask their parents if they will help with expenses like car insurance if the premiums are just too much to overcome. Many parents will be very happy to contribute in some way, or at least look for another way to make your life easier. Asking for help is one of the most vital parts of maintaining your well-being between 18 and 21.
#3 – Lean on Loved Ones During Emotional Distress
Being between the ages of 18 and 21 can be stressful. These years see a tremendous increase in responsibilities and a lot less hand-holding from the older adults around you. If you are struggling with the newness of being a young adult, don’t be afraid to share these feelings with your loved ones.
Mental Health Is Vital
Let loved ones know something is bothering you, and decide whether more mental health help is needed. Talking to a therapist is no longer stigmatized in society. Young adults often feel overwhelmed.
Some people ages 18 through 21 compare their situation in life to classmates and other young people. It can lead to severe anxiety if young adults don’t feel they are measuring up to their peers.
The best way to avoid depression over your progress at this age is to use social media in moderation. Don’t compare yourself to your high school classmates so much.
It’s important to keep friends, but you don’t need to keep tabs on every action someone from high school takes. This will lead to nitpicking about what’s happening in your life.
Be Positive
Focus on the present. If you are in a better position at age 19 than the previous year, that’s the only thing that matters. Being young is about making mistakes and learning from them. It’s not about comparing yourself to other people.
If you can remember how important it is to keep your mental and emotional health strong during young adulthood, you can really take advantage of the fun and excitement of this age.
You should be in great physical health, and you will have the opportunity to play sports, go on vacations in the summer if you are in college, and enjoy life as a new adult.
Shawn Laib writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, CarInsurance101.com. He wants to help young people manage their transition into adulthood a little easier with car insurance tips and advice.
