Remember how cool you thought it would be to finally be an adult when you were growing up? Well, now that you're older you probably realized it's a lot different than you imagined, both in good and bad ways.
When Redditor u/WOT247 asked "Adults of Reddit, what is something every teenager should know about 'the real world'?" people had some pretty insightful things to say. Here are some of the most noteworthy responses:
1. "Nobody really knows what they're doing."
2. "Everything is expensive when you move out."
3. "Being popular in high school means absolutely NOTHING in the real world! So don't worry about it."
4. "Friendships take maintenance."
5. "During high school, learning how to learn is more important than anything you're actually learning."
6. "Don't worry about not having the respect of people you don't respect."
7. "Sometimes you'll only have yourself to rely on."
8. "Your job sees you as replaceable. Look out for yourself and your family. Your job is not everything, but it will feel like it is. Make sure that if you don't like where you are that you change it. Don't be miserable at a job because it pays well."
9. "Don't take criticism from people you wouldn't ask for advice."
10. "Comparison is the thief of joy."
11. "People lie. Just because they're an adult doesn't mean they always tell the truth."
12. "Life never 'settles down.' If something is important to you then you should get to it ASAP."
13. "You don't become an adult just because you stopped being a teenager."
14. "Whatever it is that you want, you have to work very very hard to get it. There is no easy way. AND save every single penny you get, you WILL have an emergency when you WILL need it."
15. "You can work hard and do all the right things and it doesn't guarantee success. You can be the kindest, best person for others and they can still betray you, but that doesn't mean you should not be kind and work hard."
16. "For better or for worse, confidence opens as many doors as competence."
17. "There is a huge chance the people you call your closest friends now, won't be in your life in the upcoming years."
18. "The ones that'll hurt you most are those closest to you."
19. "Learn how to manage money. Too many young people get deep into debt because they don't know how to save or how credit cards actually work. Remember that there is an order of where your money goes: Rent and bills must come first and foremost, then everything else."
20. "You are not entitled to anything. Nobody owes you anything! Work hard, save, make smart decisions, and surround yourself with like-minded people."
21. "It's OK to make mistakes but learn from your mistakes and move on."
22. "People matter more than things."
23. "Don't be in a hurry to grow up. Being an adult sucks."
What else do you wish you knew as a teen before becoming an adult? Share it with us in the comments!
Note: some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.