Is 4 Years a Long Time to Become an Adult? A Perspective on Personal Growth and Development

Whether four years feels like a long time can depend on your perspective and experiences. At 14, four years might seem significant because it's a substantial part of your teenage years, a time filled with change and growth. However, as you get older, you might perceive four years as a shorter span, especially when looking back on it later in life.

Adolescence and Personal Development

During these four years, you may be finishing high school, gaining more independence, and starting to make important life decisions. While it might feel long now, it is also a time that can go by quickly. In terms of personal development, these four years can be transformative, laying down the groundwork for your future.

As you reach your mid-teens, you may start to consider what adult means to you. Many people reach adult status around the age of 18, when they achieve legal rights and responsibilities. However, the age of adulthood can vary depending on cultural, legal, and societal norms.

Age of Adulthood Overview

14: The youngest age you can get a legitimate job; youth work permit (only half of US states; other half is 16).

16: The youngest age you could pass as an adult with effort and mature behavior (more typically around 15 for girls and 16.5 for boys). It's also the age of sexual consent in half of the states in the USA. Additionally, you can get early adult status via the courts in the USA only if you have parental consent without hearings and lawyers in Louisiana.

18: The legal age of adulthood in the USA and the most common age of adulthood in other countries. It is the age of sexual consent in many states and countries.

20: The biblical age of adulthood.

20.5: The average age of full physical maturity.

21: The pre-WW1 age of adulthood and today's drinking, gambling, and handgun age. It is the highest common age of adulthood in other countries in the world.

25: The age which a Levitical priest enters priestly service.

25-26: The age you are no longer regarded as a 'young adult' and prone to doing young and stupid things; this is reflected in car insurance rates. Additionally, you may lose age-related leniency from criminal court judges.

As someone who is now an adult at 20, I can say that being a grown man or woman comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. It's important to embrace the journey of personal growth and development, no matter how long it may seem.

Enjoy Your Adolescence

Despite the challenges, it is also a time to enjoy and appreciate. Enjoy being a youngster, and make the most of the remaining years of adolescence. Four years is what you make of it, and you can use this time to explore new interests, learn new skills, and challenge yourself in various ways.

As you transition into adulthood, remember that every step forward is an opportunity to grow and develop into the person you aspire to be. Whether four years feels long or short, focus on the growth and experiences that shape your life during this critical period of transition.

Conclusion

Overall, the four years between 14 and 18 can be a transformative period of growth and development. While it may feel like a long time during that period, it is also a time that can go by quickly. Embrace this time and make the most of it, as it will set the foundation for your future.