Why are people in such a rush to grow up?

I'll be completely honest, ok - I am a Peter Pan. I've NEVER wanted to get older. People around me have always been pushing to be 16, pushing to be 18, pushing to be 21... something I just don't understand. I like to take each stage of life exactly the way it is - each stage has its blessings and its struggles. And I'm in no freaking rush to ask for more work. ;-)

I think people want the "cool" things that come with age but fail to see the responsibilities that come with them. And I think it's just a means for escape. People in high school can't wait for college so that they can get out of cliquey situations. People in college can't wait to get out into the workforce so that they can have free evenings and no homework. And some people in the workforce can't wait to retire.

Ok, so you're 16 and you can drive now. Guess what? Chances are you'll be driving for another 60 years. (Are you still going to think having a license is cool when you're 45?) Oh, so you're 21 and are now legally allowed to consume alcohol. Yeah, you are definitely cool - you can go to clubs, take in as much ethanol as your liver will hold, and taunt people who are 20 by talking about drinks all the time. Woohoo! Alright! Keep it up until you're 40 - and you'll be a loser. No one's going to want to hang out with you.

There is nothing wrong with having a drink. But is it really that exciting or glamorous? If you think it is, I feel sorry for you.

Being out here on my own has forced me to grow up. In six weeks, I've had enough in terms of crises, from illness to severe weather to leaky ceilings (yes, I'm on the middle floor too... long story). And that's not including what happens at work!!! I never wanted to be on my own - no friends to consult, no parents close by to console me when things go wrong, no one to take responsibility for my own actions - but it had to come. It's a good thing I was never in a rush to grow up, because I wouldn't have been able to handle being on my own at a younger age. It has taught me patience - because some things are just out of your control. College folks have it better than they think they do - yes, you have your school pressures, but it's nothing like the pressure you will face at work. Guess what? It's not all about the grades out here. If you're proud of your test taking skills, go on to professional test-taking school or stay in academia or something. Because no one out here gives a flying leap about your score on the 2nd midterm in mutant biochemistry or ancient animal literature or whatever. Yes, grades are important in getting you a job, but the most important thing about school is that you actually learn what you're studying. If you think that your GPA and your class rank and your test scores are the only important things in life - you're in for a shock and you DEFINITELY should not be in a rush to leave school anytime soon.

I'm not saying we shouldn't be ambitious. Ambition and the will to strive for the best is different from simply being anxious to be older. Hey, I'm an incredibly ambitious person - I always want to do more than I'm already doing. But I'm in no rush to go and get my senior citizen discount or my Oil of Olay Anti-Aging cream. I know I always joke around about having a baby-face, but I'm in no hurry to lose it!

Each stage of life is precious for its own reasons. Don't go chasing the next one before it comes.