Are the Teen Years the Best Years of Our Lives

The teen years are the time children grow into distinct individuals that are energetic, thoughtful, and idealistic. An individual 's teen years may be their best years of their lives and it is important he/she takes the time to live them out. Though this does not mean that everything is downhill once adulthood is reached. There are a great number of things teens can enjoy that adults could not one of which is a close friendship upon growth. But there are also many things adults can enjoy that teens cannot such as a personal car, good salary and time. As a teen, a place to live as well as food is not a problem because teens still live with parents. Living conditions are an issue for adults, but they may live with more freedom. With each side having its own advantages and disadvantages, one cannot determine which years are the best. But it is important that everyone takes the time to appreciate all years of life as each day brings anew experience. Upon reaching adolescence, a teenager interacts with a great number of new and old faces that will change the individual as they grow. Just as special memories are made with parents and siblings, more memories are made with those one grows with; namely the high school friends who ultimately shapes a teenager 's personality. As an adult this cannot happen as the individual has all grown up and the personality is carved in stone. Memories made as an adult are less significant but one will never forget the years of growing up since they are the building blocks, which has made the individual. One 's time as a teen is more precious and memorable than that of an adult and it is important that these years are cherished. Time spent with close friends is precious, but would it not be more memorable if one could spend more time growing and travel? An adult is able to travel with the excellent money earned by a university graduate salary as well as a personal car to get around. But the most important advantage is the extra time an adult has compared to a teenager. Money is an important factor to teenagers so this leaves little to no time to be with friends except during school. According to The Daily on Statistics Canada of 2005, 61.7% of high school students were employed during studies leaving little time to be with friends. If teens are in school for an average of 7.3 hours, excluding extra curricular activities, and a student spends at least 2 or 3 hours of study or part-time job all that is left is 14.7 or 13.7 hours remaining. However, as an adult, an abundant amount of spare time is present after work. Of 2005, the average work done per workday is 5.35 hours a day. This still leaves 18.65 hours for an adult to do what he/she pleases. When comparing the results, it is apparent that more free time is allocated to an adult than a high school student. Thus, an adult is able to travel with more luxuries, money and more time than a high school student normally would so it is important that one does not forget such opportunities. An adult is able to obtain more out of life, but this advantage comes with a disadvantage as well. One must look after themselves in terms of food and accommodations, which means spending a large majority of his/her money. Today, these costs have increased and adults are finding it difficult at times to keep up a stable lifestyle. However, as a teenager, these necessities are often taken care of by parents/guardians. The money teenagers earn through part-time jobs can be used however he/she wants without having to worry about food, rent, or tax. With those out of mind, a teenager can spend more freely without worrying about debts or mortgages. The life of a teen is more carefree than that as an adult, thus easier to enjoy what life has to offer. "To an adolescent, there is nothing in the world more embarrassing than a parent." –Dave Barry. Having company over, as a teen, is more difficult to handle when one does not have his/her own place. An adult who lives alone does not have to worry about common teenager issues such as disturbing the parents and time restrictions and is free to use the house however he/she pleases. This is something almost every teen wants when inviting friends over to his/her place. There is more freedom living alone without parents, and this can only be done as an adult since an individual can only legally move out at the age of 17 which is just about the end of teen years. Also, to live alone requires a good income to support oneself, which most teens do not have. More privileges are granted for adults than teens. Overall, there are excellent pros and cons on each side of the spectrum so one must not choose but accept both sides, as all years should be equally important. Teenagers have the opportunity to grow up with those around them, but adults can make it more worthwhile as well as experience new things. Teenagers have the luxury of living life without burdening themselves on necessities and live happier. But, the adult years can provide a life without the many issues that teenagers find quite problematic when it comes to spending time with friends and/or company. The time must be spent to appreciate all years of one 's life as everything that has occurred defines an individual 's proof of living.

Works Cited
1. No Author. Statistics Canada: Students in the Labour Market. No Date. Government of Canada. 23 July 2006 .
2. No Author. Statistics Canada: Paid and Unpaid Work. No Date. Government of Canada. 23 July 2006 .

Cited: 1. No Author. Statistics Canada: Students in the Labour Market. No Date. Government of Canada. 23 July 2006 . 2. No Author. Statistics Canada: Paid and Unpaid Work. No Date. Government of Canada. 23 July 2006 .