The age Brits finally feel in control of their lives — and the signs you’ve reached it

Do you feel like your life is under control? Turns out many don’t (Picture: Getty Images) Feeling like a proper adult doesn’t always happen overnight. You might think having your life sorted means owning a home and holding down a stable job. But for many of us, adulthood still feels like a work in progress — no matter our age. Brains don’t fully develop into adults until age 32, according to a study by Cambridge University in November 2025. So you don’t need to feel pressured into growing up too quickly. And, according to a new survey by British Gas of 2,000 British adults, 30% feel they are nowhere near having their life ‘sorted,’ while 56% believe no one really ever has their life fully under control. The age when Brits feel most in control According to the survey, Brits feel most confident and in control of their lives at the average age of 50. By this stage, many may have reached traditional milestones such as getting married, raising children, buying a home or building a career — yet achieving these goals does not necessarily mean feeling like everything is figured out. Instead, reaching middle age may bring a greater sense of self-assurance, with people feeling more comfortable with their choices, routines and priorities. Apparently, it can take until your 50s to feel properly settled (Picture: Shutterstock / fizkes) Years of experience, from managing finances and responsibilities to navigating relationships and setbacks, could contribute to feeling more capable of handling daily life. Rather than major changes, respondents pointed to smaller routines and personal habits as the real signs of feeling confident in their lives. What are signs you have your life together? Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Organisation When asked what makes you feel like you’ve got it together, 21% agreed with not leaving empty food wrappers lying around in the foot of your car and knowing when bin day is (35%). Other markers include recycling everything and putting clothes away rather than throwing them on a chair (both 30%). The moment you stop relying on the ‘chair-drobe’, you know things are changing. When you find organising your groceries satisfying, you know you’re an adult (Picture: Getty Images) And the ultimate adult achievement? Buying groceries before there’s nothing left except a questionable onion and some forgotten condiments. Having your kitchen cupboards in order was a strong sign of being on top of responsibilities (28%). Always having spare batteries to hand (25%) and unpacking immediately after a trip (23%) also made the list, alongside always washing up after a dinner party (21%), and not leaving it until the next morning. There’s a special kind of satisfaction in returning from holiday and unpacking before the suitcase becomes part of the furniture. Unpacking after a long flight is tiring, but so satisfying (Picture: Shutterstock / Pixel-Shot) Health Booking the dentist before anything hurts is another signal of feeling settled (22%). This comes as a 2024 survey revealed that only 25% of adults in Great Britain visit the dentist less than every two years, and almost a third brush their teeth less than twice a day. Drinking two litres of water a day (28 %) shows you’re maturing. Now you’re reaching for your water bottle, instead of the third iced latte of the day. Remembering to book appointments before they become urgent is the kind of responsibility that deserves a medal (Picture: Shutterstock / RossHelen) Emotional maturity As we grow older and become more confident in ourselves and our lives, alongside this hopefully comes emotional growth, and these were major points in the survey, scoring in second, third, fourth, and eighth place. You have your life under control if you can enjoy your own company, the survey reveals (43%), you can admit when you’re wrong (42%), and can say no to things you don’t want to do (37%). The era of people-pleasing is over; instead, prioritise self-care. Plus, having a strong and healthy friendship group (33%) reflects that you’re maturing as a person. Finances Knowing how much energy your home uses each month (27%) and having eco features like solar panels or a smart meter (32%) are apparently indicators that you are the ultimate adult. Knowing all your outgoings and expenses, and having money to save at the end of the month is a sign you have your life under control (Picture: Shutterstock / Chay_Tee) Additionally, you’re not paying for subscriptions you don’t use (36%), and you’re making regular savings payments (52%). So cancel that once-used Deliveroo Plus membership, and put the extra cash towards your savings account instead. Regular savings was the top sign in the survey, indicating money as being an important trait in having your life under control. At what age did you feel your life started to come together? I still don't feel it has come togetherCheck Ultimately, the survey suggests that feeling like you have your life under control is less about reaching major life milestones and more about staying on top of the everyday details. From keeping track of finances and appointments to maintaining healthy routines and an organised home, it is these small habits that appear to give people the greatest sense of control. While 50 may be the age when many Brits feel most confident in their lives, the findings show that being ‘sorted’ is measured less by where you are in life and more by how well you manage the things that come with it. The full list of the signs you have your life under control 1. You make regular savings – 52 per cent 2. You enjoy your own company – 43 per cent 3. You admit when you’re wrong – 42 per cent 4. You say no to things you don’t want to do – 37 per cent 5. You’re not paying for subscriptions you don’t use – 36 per cent 6. You know exactly when bin day is – 35 per cent 7. You make your bed every day – 34 per cent 8. You have a strong and healthy friendship group – 33 per cent 9. You have eco features (solar panels or a smart meter) – 32 per cent 10. You work the hours you choose – 30 per cent 11. You recycle everything – 30 per cent 12. You put clothes away, rather than throw them on a chair – 30 per cent 13. Your kitchen cupboards are in order – 28 per cent 14. You drink two litres of water a day – 28 per cent 15. You know how much energy your home uses each month – 27 per cent 16. You have spare batteries and know where they are – 25 per cent 17. You unpack immediately after a trip – 23 per cent 18. You book the dentist before anything hurts – 22 per cent 19. You always wash up after a dinner party – 21 per cent 20. Your car doesn’t have empty wrappers on the floor – 21 per cent Do you have a story you’d like to share? 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