When Do You Really Feel Like an Adult? The Answer May Not Be What You Expect

Legally, adulthood begins at 18 in most places. You can vote, get a full-time job, sign legal documents, and even get married. But let’s be real—how many of us actually feel like fully functioning, responsible adults at that age?

A new survey has revealed that the age at which people across different generations—Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers—actually start to feel like adults is quite different from the legal definition. And the results may surprise you.

For many people, their twenties feel like an extension of their teenage years, filled with self-discovery, financial struggles, and career uncertainty. Some don’t feel truly settled until their thirties, while others admit they still feel lost even in their forties. So, what is it that truly defines adulthood? Let’s take a closer look at what the survey uncovered.

The Evolution of Adulthood: A Generational Perspective

It’s no secret that each generation experiences adulthood differently. Expectations, responsibilities, and financial landscapes have changed drastically over the years. What Baby Boomers considered essential milestones of adulthood—buying a house, getting married, and having children—aren’t always attainable for younger generations today.

A recent survey conducted by Talker Research in collaboration with Life Happens titled “Adulthood Across Generations” aimed to uncover when people truly start feeling like grown-ups. The study polled 2,000 Americans, representing four key generations equally:

Gen Z (Born 1995-2012): Often described as tech-savvy and entrepreneurial, many in this generation face economic uncertainty, rising student debt, and delayed homeownership.
Millennials (Born 1980-1994): The first generation to enter adulthood during a major financial crisis, Millennials have often delayed traditional adulthood milestones due to economic challenges.
Gen X (Born 1965-1979): The bridge between Boomers and Millennials, Gen Xers often balance careers, family life, and financial security.
Baby Boomers (Born 1946-1964): Many Boomers followed a more traditional path of settling down early in life, though today’s economic and social changes have altered the meaning of adulthood for younger generations.

Interestingly, despite these generational differences, the survey pinpointed a surprising age when most people start to feel like an adult.

And the Magic Number Is… 27

Yes, you read that right. According to the survey, the average age when people begin to feel like an adult is 27.

But why 27? What happens at this age that makes adulthood finally click?

What happens if you still don’t feel like an adult when you turn 27 though? (**Getty Stock Images**)

Many respondents indicated that financial independence played a key role. Around this age, people start earning stable incomes, paying off debts, and moving out of their parents’ homes. For some, 27 is when they begin serious long-term financial planning—things like building credit, investing, and even considering retirement savings.

Additionally, career development is another major factor. By 27, many people have moved beyond entry-level positions, started earning higher salaries, or switched jobs to find the right career path. Stability in work often leads to a stronger sense of responsibility and, ultimately, adulthood.

Psychologically, brain development may also play a role. Studies suggest that the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and risk assessment—fully matures in the mid-to-late 20s. This could explain why many people start feeling more confident and responsible at this age.

Still, what happens if you hit 27 and don’t feel like an adult? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with “imposter syndrome” when it comes to adulthood, feeling like they’re just pretending to have it together.

What Makes You Feel Like an Adult?

While age is just a number, the survey found that certain milestones make people feel like they’ve officially stepped into adulthood. Here are some of the most common reasons:

Paying Your Own Bills (56%) – The moment you start covering rent, utilities, and everyday expenses without parental support, reality hits. Suddenly, you realize that skipping a bill has real consequences.
Becoming Financially Independent (45%) – Many respondents said they only truly felt like adults once they no longer had to rely on their parents or other family members for financial help.
Moving Out of Your Parents’ House (46%) – For a lot of people, leaving home marks a significant shift in independence. Living alone or with roommates forces you to take on new responsibilities—cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and more.
Getting Life Insurance (40%) – Surprisingly, a large portion of Gen Z (53%) viewed buying life insurance as a significant adulthood milestone. It’s a sign that you’re planning for the future and taking responsibility for yourself and your loved ones.

Another big factor? Starting a family. While fewer people are rushing into marriage and parenthood today, those who do often cite these experiences as major turning points in their journey to adulthood.

The Struggles of Modern Adulthood

Despite reaching these milestones, adulthood isn’t always easy. The survey highlighted some of the biggest struggles young adults face today:

56% of respondents feel overwhelmed by financial responsibilities. The cost of living is rising, and wages haven’t always kept up, making it harder to afford essentials.
71% believe it’s harder to be an adult today than it was 30 years ago. Many feel that previous generations had more opportunities to build wealth, buy homes, and settle into stable careers.
72% attribute these struggles to the rising cost of living. From rent prices to student loans, financial stress weighs heavily on young adults.

With inflation and economic uncertainty, many people in their 20s and even 30s feel like they’re in a never-ending cycle of catching up. The traditional markers of adulthood—homeownership, marriage, and financial security—often feel out of reach.

What Social Media Says About Adulting

Adulthood isn’t just defined by financial independence or personal milestones—it’s also shaped by how we talk about it online. Social media is full of posts about #AdultingFails, career wins, financial struggles, and the humor of growing up. Here’s what people are saying:

📌 Twitter Post:
“Just realized I’m officially an adult because I got excited about buying a vacuum. 18-year-old me would be ashamed. #AdultingIsHard”
🔗 View on Twitter

📌 Instagram Post:
“Me pretending I have my life together while barely remembering to pay my bills on time. #FakeItTillYouMakeIt”
🔗 Check out #Adulting on Instagram

📌 TikTok Video:
🎥 POV: You thought being an adult meant freedom, but now you just work, pay bills, and try to survive.
🔗 Watch TikToks about Adulting

📌 Reddit Thread:
“At what age did you actually feel like an adult? I’m 30 and still waiting for it to hit…”
🔗 Join the discussion on r/Adulting

Social media proves that no one really knows when they officially become an adult—we’re all just figuring it out as we go. While some people feel “grown-up” after major milestones like buying a house or having kids, others believe adulthood is just a never-ending cycle of making mistakes and learning along the way.

So, What If You Still Don’t Feel Like an Adult?

Here’s the thing: adulthood doesn’t come with a manual. There’s no right or wrong age to “have it all together.”

Many people in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s admit they still don’t feel like they have everything under control. And that’s perfectly normal.

If you’re struggling with adulting, try these steps to ease into the process:

Start Budgeting – Apps like Mint and YNAB can help you track spending.
Work on Your Credit Score – Websites like Credit Karma offer free monitoring.
Learn Essential Life Skills – YouTube channels like Tasty teach cooking, while Khan Academy covers personal finance.
Avoid Comparison – Social media only shows the highlights of people’s lives, not their struggles.

The Takeaway

While 27 seems to be the magic age when people start feeling like adults, adulthood is more about personal growth, responsibility, and life experiences than a specific number.

So, what do you think? At what age did you start feeling like an adult? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on Twitter and Reddit.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images