6 “Life Admin” Tasks I’ve Been Avoiding (& What I’m Doing About Each)

For running a blog called Millennial Life Admin, you’d think I’d have my shit together all the time, right? Nope. And that’s a part of growing up.

It’s easy to think that, as “adults,” we need to have it all together all the time, but that’s neither healthy nor realistic. I used to think my parents (or really, any parent) knew exactly what they were doing and had every aspect of the life responsibilities together, but the truth is, no one does. No one knows what they are doing, and everyone has room to improve.

So, here are six life admin tasks that I’ve been avoiding, and my commitment to you on what I’m doing about it.

1. Understanding My Pension Plan

Now, you know you work for a government organization (at least here in Canada) when the first thing on your list is about your pension. Up until about eight months ago, I didn’t have anything for retirement other than my CPP (Canadian Pension Program), which I’ve been contributing to since I was about 15 and started work (it’s been automatically deducted from every paycheck). However, many financial experts will tell you that the CPP is not enough. You have to have other retirement options as well, and one of the big benefits for working for the government is they offer a very lucrative pension plan. There’s just one small problem — I DON’T FULLY UNDERSTAND IT.

I understand the basics of it, of course. But when I moved from federal to local government, the pension plan changed, and I don’t fully understand the rules, loopholes, and differences. I will say that I feel like I understand a lot by talking to my coworkers. They’ve explained to me how it basically works and to watch out for things like how maternity leave affects the pension plan (for my plan, you are still enrolled but since you are not contributing, you have to “buy back” that time afterward).

A couple of weeks ago, I was mailed my pension plan documents and had a hard time understating it.

So what am I going to do?  Set up a meeting with my retired co-worker.

Now, this might sound strange because I probably should start with HR, but I’m lucky enough to be working with a retired co-worker right now. She actually came back after retirement to help with the office while it’s super busy and will be leaving at the end of the year. Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable, but because she’s retired, she’s actually going through the whole process right now. She is able to give me real details about the process of retirement. She told me exactly how much she had to pay to buy back on pension time when she was on maternity leave, and how her pay structure works now that she works part-time. It’s invaluable to have real numbers and advice from someone who understands and is going through the process. If she is unable to answer all my questions, I will meet with my HR coordinator.

2. Claiming My Prescription Medicine

My company also offers benefits for prescription medicine, but I have not yet taken advantage. And I’m actually losing money from it. The reason I delayed it for so long is that there is a $100 deductible, and because I hadn’t reached it, I didn’t bother looking into the process. Well, guess what? Now I’m over it, and it hurts every time I pay for prescription medicine, because I know I don’t have to. So, guess who’s going to spend her weekend creating a claims account and filling out a lot of prescription meds forms? Me.

3. Getting My Full Driver’s License

In the province I live in, B.C., there are three levels of driving:

• L: Learner’s Permit; Able to drive alone, and with limited passengers
• N: New Driver; Able to drive alone, and with limited passengers
• Class 5: Full License; Able to drive with no restrictions

Without getting too into the details of the driving restrictions on each license, I’ve had my New Driver license for years. I was able to test for my full license years ago, though I failed twice. I have yet to set aside time to actually get my full license. So, I’ve booked my driver’s test, and set specific times to practice. Wish me luck!

4. Booking My Dentist Appointment

I’m so basic — this is the ultimate life admin task that my mom used to do for me. There’s actually nothing stopping me from booking a dentist appointment, other than the fact that, like my first two points, my benefits cover it, but I’m not sure how to claim it. But that’s going to get resolved this weekend, right? Right.

I have a set number of flex days off (since I work a compressed work schedule, I get every second Monday off) and will be making an appointment for the first available Monday. I will say that while I didn’t book my dentist appointment (even though I should have in March), but I did go for my first pap smear and breast examination (to check for signs of breast cancer), which is pretty darn responsible if you ask me.

5. Arrange To Update My Vaccinations

Again, something I’ve avoided for so long without a real reason. Actually, this I do have a reason for – I was out of the country a lot. While I’ve always been up to date with my basic and travel vaccinations, Canada also offers free vaccines for specific situations up until a certain age. I’m 27 which means this is the last year I can have the HPV vaccinations for free.

My problem with this is that it’s a series of vaccines that you need to take every couple of months, and because I was routinely out of the country before, I could never commit to the time. But no more excuses, especially for the past two years — I’ve had a pretty predictable schedule and can definitely look into making the initial appointment. I’ve completed the first step, which is to ask my clinic how I go about registering (because it’s free, but they can’t just give it to me). So, I will call the office and fill out the form. I hate vaccines, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. One thing at a time.

6. Getting A Closet Door

Now, this is very specific to me, and it’s kind of a long story, but I have no doors for my closet. And at first, it wasn’t so bad — but it’s always been that nagging thing in the back of my head. GET DOORS FOR YOUR CLOSET. It’s kind of difficult with my space, so my options are limited, but I’ve been doing some research on some possibilities. If nothing else, I will put up a pole and string a curtain across it. I’ve looked up some examples because it does look super cute and not hard to install. Plus, it’s inexpensive — oh yeah, another thing about #adulting is finding out how expensive things are, like doors. Doors are expensive. Who knew?

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I’ve hoped you’ve enjoyed reading about the life admin tasks I’ve been avoiding and hoped they were helpful! Please let me know yours below! Really, so I don’t feel like I’m the only bad “grown-up” out there.

Happy Adulting!

Kimberly is the writer behind www.millenniallifeadmin.com. MLA is a blog that helps break down the everyday adulthood tasks of growing up; one unavoidable responsibility at a time. You can also find her scrolling through memes and sassy posts on Instagram @millenniallifeadmin.

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