One of the biggest lessons learnt is the transition between the protective bubble I grew up in, and adapting to the real world out there. Here are 26 lessons of entering the real world.

There’s no right or wrong, just experiences of my life during my journey. It’s been nothing but a pleasure, and may the next 25 years be even more meaningful and value-adding.

Of Social Life

Perhaps one of the biggest difference is the change in my social life. Going from people whom you see every day to being selective in choosing the type of people you associate with, I had to learn to delete some people and be open to new ones.

1. Social life changes drastically. People are of different ages at different stages of life. Everyone’s path differs. That is ok.
2. There is no obligation to hang out with people that are not “my type of people”
3. Not everyone is going to like you. It is ok.
4. Don’t trust everyone too easily. (I’m still learning this.)

Of Personal Life

Personally, I’ve also grown a lot. Becoming more mature, seeing the world with different perspectives and challenging my old beliefs. It’s a constant expanding and synthesising of my brains.

1. Stay in your lane and focus on you. Become a better you every day.
2. Never stop learning. Avoid complacency.
3. Trust your gut. It’s always right.
4. If something is too good to be true, it probably is
5. 10min of something everyday > 2h per week
6. Authenticity + humility > everything else in the world
7. More organized = more leisure time
8. Don’t take life too seriously
9. Focus on the 1% improvement everyday.

Of Working Life

1. A long commute is not worth it. Spend a little more and stay a little nearer.
2. Know your rights — landlord/tenancy act, business, law
3. It’s ok to make mistakes. It’s just human. Learn from it. Don’t beat yourself up too much about it. Forgive and move on.
4. Always negotiate before signing a contract
5. You don’t have to know how to do everything. But be willing to learn and know how to learn. Attitude > aptitude

Of Health

1. Mental health and physical health. It’s important to look after both.
2. Look after your teeth. It stays with you for life. And see a dentist annually.

Of Finances

1. Learn to save and budget
2. Have a budget and stick to it
3. Know the difference between wanting and needing
4. “Treat yourself” category in the budget
5. Live below your means, save and invest the difference. (Still experimenting with the investment side)
6. Buying something =/= being able to afford it