When the novelty of 'being an adult' wears off, and reality kicks in
By Amj Reyes
@Soobinah (211)
November 6, 2025 7:23pm CST
When I was young, whenever December approached, I would get excited because that's the month we'd go to Manila to visit our relatives. I was super happy whenever we'd go to Manila because all I could think about was that we'd go out, shop for toys and clothes with my siblings. There were times I'd beg my parents to just live in Manila, I felt like life was so sweet when we were in Manila.
Now that my wish has been granted, I'm living in Manila to work, but there's something in my heart that's not happy because, for one, I'm all alone, since my family is still in the province. Last month, we were given a 10-day paid leave, I was super happy, but when it was time to go back to work, I suddenly felt sad and wondered if I could really handle being alone in Manila? I was packing and suddenly tears fell, but I quickly wiped them away so my parents wouldn't see. I want to show them I'm strong, that I can do it, because I don't want them to worry about me.
So there are times I think about looking for a job back in the province and quitting my job here, even though I have kind colleagues and a boss, or staying here. It's hard being an adult.
4 people like this
4 responses
@DaddyEvil (163152)
• United States
7 Nov
I agree, sometimes it's hard being an adult.
You know you can always look for a job back in the province and see what you find. If the job pays the bills and you can be near your family, then you could do that. After all, you are an adult so can choose what you really want. Just remember, your siblings won't be young forever and some of them may choose to move to Manila, just like you did.
What you do is always up to you.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (163152)
• United States
7 Nov
@Soobinah Have you made any friends since you started working? Having friends in Manila can help you feel less homesick.
It's always a hard choice between family and keeping a job you like.
1 person likes this
@Soobinah (211)
•
7 Nov
@DaddyEvil,Yes, I have new friends here in the office. We go for walks after office hours to unwind, relax, and get some exercise. They've really helped me a lot with homesickness. But when Friday comes, they all go home, and I'm left alone in our room, waiting for Monday for them to come back.
1 person likes this
@Soobinah (211)
•
7 Nov
I've been away from home for only four months. It was really hard looking for a job in the province. I've been looking for a job in the government for 4 years. Until last year, I decided to apply for work here in Manila, and fortunately, I got one. My office mates and boss were all nice. But there is something in my heart that is missing. I know it's my family. Maybe I need to try to hold on to my job here for experience and start looking for a job in the province again.
1 person likes this
@Soobinah (211)
•
7 Nov
@AmbiePam yes, I can't decide on something important when I'm too emotional. Whenever I get overwhelmed with emotions, I pause a bit and unwind so I can think more clearly. That's why yesterday, even though I was tired from just getting back to work from vacation, I took a walk to think and clear things out. And that's what I decided - to hang in there a bit longer for the experience, so I don't have a bad record, and look for a job back in our province again.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (40525)
• Philippines
10 Nov
I guess reality hits hard on us many times as an adult who is struggling to make a living no matter how good our jobs provide us there will always be home sweet home that beckons us to look forward coming back again. I think l will be stuck where l am right now because both my parents are now gone back home and there’s no one l am looking to back home.
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