The discourse surrounding adulthood is rife with contradictions, oscillating between the tangible markers of maturity such as employment and parenthood and a more subjective, psychological perspective emphasizing internal development. Recognizing the social dynamics inherent in adulthood is crucial for advancing youth studies. This research delves into the narratives of adulthood and maturity through qualitative analysis of 30 semi-structured interviews with a diverse group of young people in Spain. Furthermore, an exploration of their adult role models sheds light on the origins of these discourses. The findings indicate that, for Spanish youth, the journey to adulthood is marked by a series of challenges demanding individual responses. Maturation, in their eyes, involves confronting life's hurdles without the anticipated support associated with youth. This somewhat pessimistic outlook, termed the 'inevitable reality of adulthood,' reflects a perception of having a “load to bear”. Notably, nearly half of the participants lacked a distinct adult role model, underscoring the theme of individualization, focusing on self-reliance and autonomy in navigating life's trajectory. Moreover, diverse discourses emerged around role models, with an emphasis on a culture of work and effort, intricately tied to the perceived challenging nature of adulthood. This study recognizes these difficulties linked to adulthood and underscores the impact of specific role models, acknowledging the interplay between structural constraints and individual agency in the study of the transitional phase. By probing into these multifaceted perspectives, this research contributes valuable insights to the critical conversations on contemporary youth research.