The Infamous "20's"
I went back and forth about the first topic that I wanted to discuss, but landed on the infamous 20’s. Meaning being 20-29 years old. I’m 25, soon to be 26, and I constantly hear, read, and see people’s ideas and perceptions about being in your 20’s. While I agree with a lot of what people say, I wanted to share my own thoughts about being in your 20’s. But, one thing I want to make clear is that I’m only halfway through. I’m no expert. And everyone, literally everyone, experiences their 20’s differently. Don’t compare your 20’s to someone else’s 20’s. Don’t compare your accomplishments, situation, or status to others. That’s for everyone. But, here we go:
Your 20’s are hard, but is that any different than any other age of life? For sure you’re figuring your life out in your 20’s, but I know plenty of people in their 30’s, 40’s and even older who are still figuring their life out. Do we ever really figure it out? There’s such a pressure in our 20’s to “figure it all out.” People tell us in a kind way that “Oh don’t worry your 20’s is when you figure it all out,” but does anything really happen when we turn 30 that requires we have gotten everything figured out? My opinion is that every year of life is a discovery phase. You’re constantly growing and evolving, so don’t feel pressure in your 20’s to have it all figured out, lined up and settled by the time you turn 30. Also, let me say “figured out” one more time…
Money is a pain in the ass in your 20’s. You receive so many mixed messages about money during these years. Make sure you’re saving a ton so you’re set up for retirement. Make sure you’re enjoying life in your 20’s, that’s your time to do what you want. Uh, excuse me. I can’t backpack through Europe every year while simultaneously being set up for retirement. I know money is a pain in the ass most of the time, but I feel like only in your 20’s are you expected to do such extremes with your money. So, my opinion, do what you want with your money. Retirement is great, I have a 401k, but also life experiences are great, I lived in an Airstream for 10 months. Find a balance. And don’t feel shamed by people who are older if they don’t agree with your decisions.
Your 20’s cram the most transitions into a single decade. You are in college, you graduate from college, you start a career, a lot of people get married, and some even have kids, ALL DURING THEIR 20’s. Name another span of 10 years when you go through that many transitions. There isn’t one. So consider that when you feel overwhelmed with the amount of growing pains you encounter or the amount of times you feel like you’re being forced to make decisions. It’s because you are going through the biggest transition phase of your life. And you’re not an exception, you’re the norm! So don’t feel isolated.
I think the long story made short here is the fact that your 20’s are overwhelming. But, they’re overwhelming for everyone. I can only speak from personal experience, but I’ve quit jobs, made moves, lost touch with friends, dealt with family, picked a career path, gone on life changing trips, saved some money, spent some money and been unsure about basically all of those things. Only to get to the other side and realize I’m still totally fine. Big decisions seem exactly like that, big and heavy and hard, but when you make the decision, you usually get to the other side only to forget you ever had that stress. So, be smart, be intentional, but be confident in your abilities to do what’s best for you. And have fun. Because one cliche I do agree with, you’re only in your 20’s once, and you’re only as young as you are right now, right now.
Like I said, this is my own personal journal, and I’m mostly writing this to remind myself of these things in a few months or a year when I’m feeling overwhelmed and unsure. But, I also want to reflect on how much has already changed and happened in the last 5 years. The best way I know how to do that, creep myself on Instagram.
Done with college
And heavily used IG filters…
Went on a trip w/ Chad
First time for that!
Got a big girl job!
And my own apartment!
Celebrated birthdays
This one was 23! Cheers!
Cheered on Chad
He was in college 2 1/2 years longer than me. Thanks football and Masters degree.
Moved into a place w/ Chad in Fayetteville
First time living in the same town for 5 years!
Got a new job and travelled a lot for work
Took advantage of the travel for sure!
Bought and renovated an Airstream
Moved it all around and ended up in Nashville!
Saw all over the country
And really embraced change
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Officially moved to Nashville!
After 10 months of living in the Airstream!
Obviously there was so much more in between, but it’s pretty crazy to look back on how much you’ve done, accomplished, and dealt with over the course of a few years. When I say that my 20’s have been a half decade of change, I mean it whole heartedly. My location has changed. My mindset has changed. My priorities have changed. You just change so much during this period, and you just have to embrace it! It’ll be hard. You might cry. You’ll definitely laugh. You’ll probably be frustrated. But you’ll always be okay.
Are you in your 20’s?