It is true that adulting starts the moment you leave home for the university, polytechnic, or any tertiary institution. But if you think about it, the school shields you from the not-very-fun-bits of adulting. That ends the second you graduate.

Let’s dive in.

1. When you’re a student: The party never stops.

When you have a job: The longing for extra hours of sleep doesn’t stop.

2. When you are a student: No one (except maybe your parents) cares if you get any work done.

When you have a job: A lot of people care about what you do and expect you to show up all the time.

3. When you are a student: You can stab classes all you want and get away with it.

When you have a job: You are in trouble if you miss a day of work for no reason.

4. When you are a student: You start important things at the last minute.

When you have a job: Deadlines are deadlines and everything has a timeline you must follow.

5. When you are a student: You complain about time, yet you manage to hang out with friends.

When you have a job: A few calls here and there to check-in on your friends, and that’s it.

6. When you’re a student: A call to your parents will likely make you richer.

When you have a job: A call to your parents will likely make you poorer (cries in black tax).

7. When you are a student: You have the time to live your best life, but you have no money to sponsor it.

When you have a job: There is no time. Or money. Just pure vibes. 

8. When you’re a student: You fantasize a lot about working and earning money.

When you have a job: You fantasize a lot about retirement.