This is an excellent question that many people wonder about. The simple answer is that the number 19 comes after 18. However, there are some more interesting things to explore about what comes next after reaching the age of 18.
The Significance of the Age 18
The age of 18 holds special significance in many cultures around the world. This is often considered the age when a child legally becomes an adult. At 18, people gain many new rights and responsibilities:
- They can vote in elections in most countries
- They can consent to medical treatment
- They can get married without parental permission
- They can join the military
- They are tried as adults in the criminal justice system
So 18 is often seen as a major milestone and the gateway to adulthood. But what comes after this transitional age? Let’s explore some of the possibilities.
Graduating High School
If someone turns 18 while still in high school, their next major event is usually high school graduation. The end of high school marks the conclusion of their primary and secondary education. Graduation from high school is a major accomplishment and cause for celebration.
After graduating high school, the next step for many 18-year-olds is pursuing higher education at a college, university, or vocational school. Others may choose to directly enter the workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around two-thirds of high school graduates enroll in college the following fall. The remaining third immediately enter the job market.
Entering the Workforce
18-year-olds who decide not to pursue higher education often enter the full-time workforce. They may start a career path in an entry-level job or apprenticeship in their chosen field. Starting a full-time job is a major transition from high school. It provides new financial independence and responsibilities.
Some popular careers chosen by 18-year-olds include:
- Retail jobs
- Food service and hospitality
- Trades like construction, plumbing, electrical work
- Military service
- Administrative or clerical work
- Childcare and education
Entering any new career requires on-the-job training and gaining experience. It’s normal to switch jobs or career fields several times in your 20s as you find the best professional fit.
Starting College or University
For those who choose to continue their education, the next step is typically starting at a college or university. This opens up new opportunities to gain knowledge, learn valuable skills, earn a degree, and prepare for a career.
Some things to expect when starting college at 18:
- Take general education classes in a variety of subjects
- Declare a major field of study
- Join student clubs and organizations
- Build time management and independent living skills
- Form new social connections
- Explore career options
College is a time of great personal growth and discovery. 18-year-olds get exposed to new ideas and worldviews. They gain greater perspective through these expanded horizons. Many undergraduates live on campus in a new environment away from home for the first time.
Alternatives to Traditional College
While four-year university is a common choice, there are other options too. Some alternatives 18-year-olds may consider include:
- Vocational or technical training programs
- Starting at a community college for an associate degree or to transfer to a four-year program later
- Taking a gap year to travel, volunteer, work, or research interests
- Apprenticeship, internship, or co-op programs to gain practical experience
- Bootcamps focused on skills like coding or data science
- Going straight to graduate school for certain fields like law or medicine
There are many paths available that don’t necessarily require a traditional four-year degree. Applied skills training can prepare someone for in-demand careers. Taking a gap year provides maturity before starting school. Practical experience in a career field of interest is invaluable as well.
Entering Adulthood
However an 18-year-old chooses to move forward, they are entering the adult world. With this come greater freedom and responsibility. Turning 18 starts the process of forming an independent identity and life path. Adulthood is full of nearly limitless possibilities!
Some hallmarks of entering adulthood at 18 include:
- Getting an apartment with friends or roommates
- Opening your first bank account and getting a credit card
- Learning to manage expenses, pay bills, file taxes
- Paying rent and buying groceries
- Scheduling your own doctor appointments
- Finding new communities and social connections
Of course, becoming an independent adult doesn’t happen all at once. It’s an ongoing process and transition that occurs over many years. Each new experience and milestone along the way brings more life wisdom.
New Freedoms and Experiences
Several new freedoms open up at 18 as well. These new experiences help shape personal identity and values:
- Moving away from home for the first time
- Travelling solo or with friends
- Engaging in politics – voting, campaigning, civic participation
- Establishing spiritual and religious beliefs separate from family or origin
- Developing relationships, sexuality, and identity
- Trying new things in culture, arts, music, fashion
- Joining causes or activism about social/political issues
Again, the young adult years are all about exploration. While exciting, this requires taking on greater responsibility for yourself. Learning to balance independence with healthy choices and relationships is a key task.
Brain Development in Young Adulthood
Recent neuroscience research has found the brain keeps developing into a person’s 20s. The frontal lobe governing reasoning, planning, and decision-making matures later. This explains some behavioral tendencies of 18-21 year olds as they learn to navigate the adult world.
For example, typical attributes of this age group include:
- Increased risk-taking and sensation seeking
- Difficulty regulating emotion and impulses
- Acting on immediate reward versus long term goals
- Higher sensitivity to peer influence
- Intense but unstable romantic relationships and attractions
There are major individual differences, however. Many young people successfully balance thrill-seeking with reasonable caution. In the right environment, an 18-year-old may excel at independent living.
But in general, the brain still needs practice to master adult decision-making. Parents and mentors continue providing guidance during this transitional time. Young adult brains don’t reach full maturity until the mid-20s.
Pulling it All Together
While individual experiences will vary, here are some key takeaways on what to expect after 18:
- It is a time of immense growth and exploration
- Major milestones include higher education, starting a career, financial independence
- New responsibilities of adulthood include self-care, bills, apartment living
- 18-21 involves increased rights alongside continued brain development
- Young adults begin navigating the world on their own terms
- Identity formation and life direction gain focus during this phase
Becoming an adult is a process, not a single event. There are still ups and downs, wins and losses. But the late teens and early 20s provide great opportunities to discover passions and build strengths. With the right support, 18-year-olds gain the confidence to handle whatever comes next on their adventure called life!
