Your Guide to Adulting: Navigating Life's Transitions with Rumbidzayi Munyaradzi

In an era where young adults face overwhelming choices and pressures as they transition into adulthood, author Rumbidzayi Munyaradzi offers a refreshing perspective with her book "Your Guide to Adulting." This thoughtful guide provides practical wisdom for creating a roadmap beyond education, addressing everything from career choices to relationships.

Rumbi's approach to adulting stems from her own upbringing, where her parents encouraged curiosity and exploration. This freedom allowed her to discover her interests naturally, eventually leading her from studying various subjects to focusing on finance and technology. However, she recognizes that many young people struggle with this freedom of choice, often ending up in careers they don't truly want.

"Life is not this carefree experience," Rumbi explains. "You can have fun, but be able to think through the consequences of your actions and words. Setting the right intention for how you behave helps you make good choices so that what you do reflects where you want to go."

One of the most compelling aspects of Rumbi's perspective is how she frames setbacks as learning opportunities. She shares her own experience of being expelled from boarding school, which taught her valuable lessons about accountability and resilience.

"When these things happen, it seems larger than life, and it seems that you can be stuck," she says. "What I'm here to do with a book like this is to give people perspective that this moment in time, though impactful, is part of a much bigger journey."

Whether dealing with academic disappointment, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, or mental health challenges, Rumbi emphasizes that young people can equip themselves with tools to move forward rather than remain stuck.

In today's social media driven world, many young adults feel overwhelmed by comparison, either becoming paralyzed by indecision or making choices that aren't true to themselves. Rumbi's book encourages readers to develop a personal vision rather than just drifting through life.

"I believe everyone has a God given purpose to positively impact this world," she shares. "And that contribution doesn't mean we must all be presidents and CEOs and founders of businesses."

"Your Guide to Adulting" isn't just for young adults, it's also a tool for parents to better understand their children's aspirations. Rumbi encourages families to read the book together, using it as a framework for difficult but necessary conversations.

"When our family and friends advise us on certain things, they need to understand what our desires are," she explains. "Oftentimes, we advise people based on our limitations, and I want parents to also liberate themselves from the pressure of having to know everything."

She suggests that parents introduce their children to professionals in various fields, helping them explore options while addressing parental concerns about unconventional career paths.

When asked about challenging topics in her book, Rumbi mentions the chapter on difficult parental situations, which addresses how young adults can navigate relationships with parents who may have disappointed them or are struggling with their own issues.

"How do you still give that parent grace, forgiveness, and respect?" she asks. "That's a very hard thing to do because the reality is so many bad situations have happened, things that are always very bespoke and sometimes secretive in families."

Rumbi's parting advice? "Don't wait to be right in order to be confident. Experiment, be self-aware, and keep reviewing your decisions so you can make better ones."

She views adulting as becoming "an elite decision maker" who's content with their choices. "Whether it's financial relationships or otherwise, we have to build the futures we want," she concludes. "And that's why I summarize it around just being able to reflect on who you are and where you're going and not being ashamed to ask for help."

"Your Guide to Adulting" is available at all Exclusive Books stores throughout South Africa, online at www.RumbiMunyaradzi.com, and through Takealot. You can connect with Rumbi on Instagram (@Rumbi_Munyaradzi) and LinkedIn.

Presenter: Jasnine Roberts

Producer: Lydia M