Honestly, how close it was to my high expectations as I child. I was one of those kids who always envied adults, hated school, and couldn't wait to grow-up. But I kept hearing warnings about how it would be the best time of my life, and how much the added responsibilities of adulthood were so burdensome. I thought I was living an illusion.

Honestly, the freedom that comes in exchange for being willing the handle the extra responsibilities is well worth the trade. Not to mention the life skills you learn. Things like just making a friend used to feel like huge mountain to climb for me.

I think I was lucky to be raised middle class by a very frugal parent who also knew when to spend a little to make life more pleasant. As a result I have been able to live without debts bigger than I can manage, save, and even have some leftover travel once in a while or buy some unnecessary gadget that brings me joy.

Even traveling through the existential torture tunnel that is the PhD process was way better than being a kid.