It is special when someone turn 18 year old in many countries of the world, which indicates changing age, transition from childhood to a young adult. 18 years are a special age because the young person becomes an adult and that is why they get new rights and new opportunities together with new responsibilities that they might have. Below is a list of 10 things that one can engage in once he or she turns 18 years:
Table of Contents
1. Vote in Elections
o Opportunity: Local, state and national elections are available to you as an 18 year old, you may vote.
o Significance: Voting is a process through which you are able to elect representatives of your labor, and thus, have a say within the leadership of your state, the community and the country in general.
2. Get a Credit Card
o Opportunity: At 18 year old you can apply for credit card with a cosigner or when you have a definite source of income.
o Significance: It also assists you with other exercises in the future involving finances such as getting apartments, buying vehicles, etc.
3. Open a Bank Account without the Guardian
o Opportunity: It is possible to open checking or saving account individually when you turn 18 year old.
o Significance: In charge of managing your own bank account is one of the first ways towards attaining responsible financial freedom and independence.
4. Sign Legal Contracts
o Opportunity: The young person can enter into legal contracts including house rent agreements, borrowing or taking a job as 18 years is a legal age to contract legally.
o Significance: This means that you can make critical lifetime decisions by your own without even requiring parents’ permission.
5. Join the Military
o Opportunity: There are different types of military that you join.
o Significance: Military career choices, advancement, and training, and a chance for getting a job and serving ones’ country might be of interest.
6. Get Married
o Opportunity: In many countries, individuals have the right to get married without the consent of your parents including those 18 years of age and above.
o Significance: Much like the legal freedom it affords you in decision-making in other aspects of your life, including marriage.
7. Work Full-Time
o Opportunity: Getting full time job becomes possible once you are 18 years old and also getting exposure to a larger variety of jobs.
o Significance: Him working full time gives him the opportunity to be independent financially and also do with his career.
8. Buy Property
Opportunity: You can buy cars and houses at the age of 18 which is your legal age to enjoy these privileges.
Significance: Duties that are associated with property ownership include educating oneself on mortgage contracts as well as insurance coverage.
9. Get a Tattoo or Piercing
Opportunity: You do not require the consent of your parents to get a tattoo or get a piercing done.
Significance: This is one’s personal decision whereby it turns into your decision when you are 18 year old.
10. Serve on a Jury
Opportunity: You may find yourself having to stand a jury.
Significance: Injury and civil duty: jury duty enables somebody to be part of the justice system and make legal decisions.
Number of People Turning 18 Annually by Region (in Millions)
Services US govt. offer when turn 18 year old
Selective Service Registration
Opportunity: Self change – Sign up for the Selective Service System.
Significance: This is needed for federal employment and for student’s loans and grants.
Student Financial Aid
Opportunity: Submit FAFSA so as to receive federal financial aid for college.
Significance: This way we can pay for our education using grants loans and works and studies.
Health Insurance Coverage
Opportunity: Differently, persist on your parents’ health insurance plan until the age of 26 according to the Affordable Care Act or sign for insurance on your own.
Significance: Is kept intact to ensure you do not lose your health coverage as you join the higher classes.
Tax Responsibilities
Opportunity: Pay for and complete your own federal and state income taxes.
Significance: Taxes management is always an important part of the financial planning for individuals and financial autonomy in particular..
Social Security Benefits
- Opportunity: Begin receiving Social Security benefits if eligible.
- Significance: Provides financial support for certain conditions like disability or survivor benefits.
Rights and Opportunities at 18 in Different Countries
| Country | Voting Rights | Legal Contracts | Military Service | Marriage | Drinking Age | Driving Age | Alcohol Purchase | Legal Work Age | Property Purchase |
| United States | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 21 | 16-18 | Yes | 18 | Yes |
| United Kingdom | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 18 | 17 | Yes | 18 | Yes |
| Canada | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 18 (varies by province) | 16 (varies by province) | Yes | 18 | Yes |
| Australia | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 18 | 17 | Yes | 18 | Yes |
| Germany | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 16 (varies by state) | 18 | Yes | 18 | Yes |
| France | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 18 | 18 | Yes | 18 | Yes |
| Japan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 20 | 18 | No | 18 | Yes |
| South Korea | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 19 | 18 | Yes | 18 | Yes |
| India | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 18 | 18 | Yes | 18 | Yes |
| Brazil | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 18 | 18 | Yes | 18 | Yes |
Conclusion
This particular birthday is major one in the life of any person, as it is considered as the threshold between adolescence period and adulthood. This comes with several other avenues of exercise of new rights and duties such as, voting, especially in elections, financial aspects, and contracting as well as exercising autonomy in decision making in critical aspects in life. Every country has its laws and regulations which specify a list of actions that are possible for the 18-year-olds within the limits of corresponding culture. It is therefore imperative that while people embrace new freedoms that come with this milestone, they have to accept the corollary that is responsibility. Make time for reflection that will guide you in the future avenues that are open to you when you walk into adulthood to enhance your future.
