Meet the Authors

We’re real people, sharing real experiences about figuring out life, study, work, and everything in between.

How to Adult: Study. Work. Life. Decoded. is an open, supportive space built by people who’ve been there – and who want to help others navigate the messy middle of growing up.

✨ Contributors

Waner

Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Program Manager | Career Realist | PhD Candidate

Waner is the founder and primary voice behind How to Adult: Study. Work. Life. Decoded. She writes with clarity and honesty about the realities of finding your path – from navigating university systems and early work experiences to handling rejection, workplace dynamics, and building a meaningful career on your own terms.

With a background spanning medicine and health, business, project management, coaching, and consulting, Waner brings over a decade of experience that blends academic insight with real-world perspective. She has worked across healthcare, secondary and tertiary education, retail and entertainment, and the for-purpose sector, and currently leads national community programs while completing her PhD at the University of Sydney.

She’s passionate about empowering others through practical tools, thoughtful reflection, and a healthy dose of “no one really knows what they’re doing – and that’s okay.”

When she’s not writing or working, you’ll find her supporting students, managing people-centred projects, sharing the kind of career advice she wishes she’d received earlier… or simply enjoying her beauty sleep.

LiLei

Contributor
Fiction Writer | Musician

LiLei is a creative contributor at How to Adult, helping shape ideas and refine articles through thoughtful feedback and collaboration. While not a primary author, his behind-the-scenes role is integral to many of the stories that make it onto the site.

He brings a unique cross-cultural lens to the table, drawing from life experiences across Asia and the Pacific. In his downtime, you’ll find him customizing his car, diving into new games, rewatching classic films, or chasing the next unforgettable bowl of spicy food.

💌 Want to Write for Us?

Do you have a story to tell, lessons to share, or tips that might help someone else?

We welcome contributors who are:

• Students or recent grads with life lessons
• Career starters with job hunt advice
• Thoughtful humans with a helpful or funny adulting perspective

Send us your pitch by filling out this form – it’s quick and casual.
You don’t need to be an expert or a professional writer. We’re not looking for perfection — just honesty, insight, and heart.