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I think both Joan and Joanie are lovely (though I'm more partial to Joni as a spelling of the latter). Either would be perfectly suitable for an adult, so I think it's really just a matter of what you'd feel more comfortable as.

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I like Joan better in general, but it's up to you.

I'd say, if you weren't really attached to the name Joanie, that it's not really an "adult" name. I've heard of some adult women who went by Joanie or Joni, but I never thought it looked that good ona grown-up. Kind of like Katie or Missy might work ona little girl, but when she grows up she probably should switch to Katherine/Kate or Melissa.

It's kind of strange. I have two sisters who are named Patricia and Pamela. When they were children, they went by Patty and Pammy. As they got older, Pammy became just Pam but Patty stayed Patty. Having her named shortened to Pam wasn't something that Pam insisted upon, it was just something that naturally happened. Patty seems fine for an adult woman, but Pammy doesn't. But why, exactly? I can't really say. It just IS that way.
Anyway, my older sister's best friend as a teenager was named Joni. Her name was actually Joan, but that's how she spelled Joanie. She always continued to be called that and never shortened it to Joan. Maybe that's why I think Joanie is perfectly suitable for an adult.

I think Joanie is fine....any how, your family is going to call you Joanie no matter what. Introduce yourself to new people as Joan to sound more grown up.

It's entirely up to you, but I'd be inclined to save Joanie for family and close friends. If prefer Joanie to Joan, what you could do is introduce you to new people as Joan and, if you become closer to them tell them to call you Joanie enventually.

I personally prefer Joan, but there is nothing wrong with Joanie. I think maybe once you get to business and work, go by Joan, and with friends and family go by Joanie. :)

Well, I agree with others, it depends on your comfort level.

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It will be difficult to have people who have known you all your life to call you something else. And it is their affection that is being expressed in the nn. I'd find it strange to tell someone, "Stop showing affection for me." But for work and new people you meet it shouldn't be too difficult.

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And I wouldn't worry if you have two sets of people that call you two different names. I know a women who goes by her birth name Janet professionally. But her family still calls her Midge (short for midget).

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May I just say that I love your name(s)? Joan is so regal and refreshingly strong. Joanie is an adorable nn. Heads you win, tails you win. :-)

I love Joan and Joanie is okay, personally I would prefer Joan as an adult, but I don't see Joanie as being a problem.