Story of My Life: Thoughts on Don’t Worry, It Gets Worse: One Twentysomething’s (Mostly Failed) Attempts at Adulthood

Don’t Worry, It Gets Worse: One Twentysomething’s (Mostly Failed) Attempts at Adulthood (2013)

By Alida Nugent

Sometimes, there are certain books that you should read at certain stages in your life. Don’t Worry, It Gets Worse: One Twentysomething’s (Mostly Failed) Attempts at Adulthood by Alida Nugent is one of those books. It is an “enchanting tale” about the harsh reality of adulthood. Alida Nugent shares her experiences as a young twenty-something trying to navigate her way through adulthood. The topics she covers ranged from significant others, postgraduate life, unemployment, and etc. She faces many bumps on the road, but it doesn’t stop her from living her life to the fullest. 

Alida Nugent has a way of making her readers smile through her wit and sarcasm. For instance, she has funny chapter titles like “If You Want to Keep Your Dignity Intact, Stay Away from Tequila” and “How to Romantically Destroy Yourself.” These chapter titles are quite hilarious and inviting, making you want to read more.

There were some stories that I could relate to easily. One of the chapters, “Adventures in Retail,” talks about her experiences in retail as well as other low-paying, entry-level jobs. Nugent reminds readers that the job market is tough, and we shouldn’t give up easily, but keep pushing forward.

This is not forever, this is only temporary, but, hooker, listen—you need this NOW. You cannot survive without this.

-Alida Nugent, Don’t Worry, It Gets Worse

Throughout her book, Nugent recalls many of her failures as an adult, but with those failures, she became more knowledgeable and wise about the world around her. Thus, she provides some “heartfelt” advice to her readers.

We’re here today because you are the ones who are supposed to be creating and marking this world and changing this world you are about to enter.

-Alida Nugent, Don’t Worry, It Gets Worse

I feel what she talks about is the truth because right now, I’m going through these adulthood experiences and feelings. I think this book is something every postgraduate and twenty-something year-old should read. It gives a young person advice and what to expect after you graduate from college.

5/5