The 'Real World'

Used as a tool in which parents use to instill fear and responsibility in their kids, this phrase can often be heard in our society, most likely being delivered by those who are considered by themselves only an esteemed and responsible elder. I have often been confused as to the exact meaning of the phrase, but thank god it was recently, and very scientifically summed up for me by a 40-something: “when you reach working age lol!! Xx.”

Thank god we have these elders to guide us, with their “lol’s” and their quick puns, otherwise we might actually be in trouble of out-achieving them. And god knows what would happen if our generation transformed the “real world” into something that presents opportunity and fun. Ironically, I always hear the phrase said by a woman of post-30ish years.

But before this ‘real world’ constricts our lives and plugs us in, let us not forgot what has come of this apparent and so apprehensive “real world.” For instance, did you know that some people’s job - their actual JOB, which they get paid to do, and are respected for, - is to jump off cliffs in a winged suit and land safely on the ground. But I guess most wouldn’t consider that the real world. Wouldn‘t it be cool if there could be a job where all you have to do is generate from scratch a world of magic spells and silly teenage romances and get paid to plot it on paper. Oh wait, that’s been done. And that brand is worth £7 Billion. And I can bet you an entire year of her earning's that she doesn't tell her kids to "wait till they get to the real world".

Let’s make it more relative though shall we? Not everyone creates Harry Potter or jumps off a cliff every day. You could do it though, if you didn’t barricade yourself in your esteemed ‘real world’ where you stress about every little bill and laugh out your jealousy at those who you warn will quickly be knocking on the cold wooden doors of the ‘real world.’ Instead of doing that, you could be pursuing something you love, and wake up with a smile for. Whether it be taking photographs or landing that hand-modelling job you’ve always wanted.

This new, modern ‘real world’ which is so readily accepted by resigned citizens and depressed housewives could actually change its meaning and become: “wait till you get into the real world, it just gets better.” Now there's a phrase I have yet to hear.

So for all you bored housewives in a mid-paying job, you go off and enjoy your ‘real world’ which you seem to so readily patronise us with, and we’ll go off into our new ‘real world’ and actually make something of it.