About 25% Of Americans Reported They Don’t “Feel” Like Adults Until Their Late 20s, Yet Most Admitted To Actually Enjoying The Tasks That Come With “Adulting,” According To A Recent Survey

A hundred years ago, it was common for American women to be married by the age of 21, and men often tied the knot before reaching 25. Fast forward to today, and the mindset around settling down has notably shifted among young Americans.

A recent survey conducted by OnePoll revealed that about 25% of Americans don’t consider themselves adults until their late 20s. This survey, which involved 2,000 adults, also found that 6% didn’t “feel” like grown-ups until their mid-30s.

The surprising findings are somewhat counterintuitive, given that the majority of people actually reported taking pleasure in activities typically associated with adult responsibilities.

About 65% of survey takers claimed to enjoy grocery shopping, while 62% find managing their finances pleasurable. Additionally, 60% enjoy washing dishes, 57% don’t mind doing laundry, and 56% enjoy vacuuming.

The findings also grew increasingly peculiar since a striking 91% confessed they’d be hesitant to tell others that they find “adulting” enjoyable.

Looking at the differences between generations, Gen Z– born from the mid-1990s to early 2010s– is the most reluctant to confess their enjoyment of vacuuming at 62%. For 40% of millennials– born around 1981 to the mid-1990s– their secret delight lies in doing dishes. Meanwhile, 44% of Gen X– born between the mid-1960s and 1980– have a significant fondness for grocery shopping.

The findings also show that the average person engages in these mundane yet enjoyable adulting activities about eight times a week. Interestingly, 67% also feel irked when others perceive their favored tasks as “boring.”

A notable 74% of respondents find cleaning their home to be one pleasurable activity, with 77% even considering it therapeutic. Moreover, 83% expressed a sense of satisfaction upon completing their home cleaning– with 24% of people feeling happy, 23% feeling calm, and 21% enjoying a sense of accomplishment.

As for the most gratifying rooms to clean, the survey indicates that the living room is the top pick, enjoyed by 24% of people. Following the living room is the kitchen at 21% and the dining room at 18%.

“So many people misunderstand ‘adulting’ tasks as ‘boring tasks,'” said Josie Salazar, a spokesperson for LG Electronics, the company that commissioned this survey from OnePoll.

“But we’re finding the opposite is true– people enjoy taking care of the small things in their lives. Even a simple task, like vacuuming, can leave a person feeling a sense of satisfaction and clarity,” Salazar continued.

“The physical feeling of a clean floor can cause people to gain an appreciation for things that make the mundane parts of our routines enjoyable and convenient.”

Furthermore, the survey revealed that Americans actually become excited when purchasing items related to their “mundane” adult responsibilities. For instance, 58% look forward to buying new appliances, while 47% get excited about purchasing silverware. Plus, about 26% of survey respondents reported enjoying shopping for new vacuums.

Slightly more than half of the respondents (51%) also admitted they’re inclined to purchase a practical, “adult” item for themselves during the holiday season this year, even if others might view it as dull.

Lastly, they even revealed what “adult” gifts they would like to receive this season. About 52% of respondents are hoping to get new appliances, 46% would love dishes and silverware, 40% would enjoy stationary as a gift, and 35% would love a new vacuum.

“Having fun with ‘boring’ tasks is a trend we’re seeing gain traction this year. It will be very interesting to see how many will enjoy indulging in their favorite tasks this holiday season and into 2024,” Salazar concluded.