When a new generation enters their 20s a handful of life advice and knowledge are thrown at them. This time is a breath of fresh air, you are entering true adulthood. You are finding yourself, finding others and finding a career. It’s a lot all at once and sets the foundation for the rest of your life.
Once you enter your 20s you find that everyone is sending life advice and how-tos your way. It can all be very overwhelming as you continue your college career, or perhaps, you are choosing another road (and people can have opinion after opinion on that as well!) Some pieces of life advice given to you may be ‘of the time’ or simply timeless. I have scoured the internet and spoken to people of different generations to fine-tune the best pieces of advice to start you off on this fun, scary, exhilarating, and really fast decade!
1. There Is No Deadline
You may have set up a timeline in your mind of how your 20s should go. It is fine to have goals, but putting yourself on a dead-set timeline will only hurt you in the end. Life is unpredictable. Not only do situations not end up how you would like them to, but your mind changes. A lot. You are still finding yourself. You can still reinvent yourself in every decade of your life. Do not put so much pressure on yourself during this time. Enjoy this era, make mistakes – because it is the easiest time to make mistakes.
2. Never Stop Learning
It seems like a stupid thing to say, but it is true. Don’t just go to school, or train in a certain profession. Learn what you like, and what you don’t like. Figure out your hobbies and passions, and study them. Practice them. That is where you will find joy. It could also help you figure out exactly what you want to do for a career. It could even generate some side hustle ideas!
3. Money Is A Skill To Be Learned
Make a budget as soon as you can. Figure out how to do your taxes, how high-yield savings works, learn about investing properly and how much you need for a down payment for a home or car. Trust me, it will help you later in life. But… do not forget to splurge on those moments that will be great memories or that super cute bag – everyone deserves a treat. After all, you only get to live your 20s once!
4. Friends Come and Go
In this new decade, you will be bringing in friends from when you were growing up. Those friends could end up being ‘lifers,’ but don’t be devastated if you go your separate ways from them. This is the decade where you and your friends will change the most, and hopefully you do too! Some people grow together and some people grow apart. Friends can be for a reason and season. That is okay! Don’t be afraid to meet new people either. Once you hone in on your hobbies you may meet others with similar interests and goals. New friends can also lead to a better network for future work and romantic relationships.
5. Social Media (Is Forever)
Okay, so we all know not all social media is forever – technically. Gen Z and Millennials have seen the fall of many social websites and apps over the past two decades. That being said, be careful what you post and associate with. While the apps could leave (TikTok), people can still record and screenshot. Digital footprint is very real. Be yourself and have fun, but be conscious of what you post, like and follow. It could help or hinder in the future!
6. Be Safe in Love & Sex
Your love life in this era is definitely a tricky one. You’re finding your type, probably dating a lot (as you should!) and being heartbroken. You may find love at school or you may be lucky enough to find a connection on apps like Tinder. Regardless of where attraction may find you, trust your gut. Be safe, look out for red flags.
Don’t lose yourself in relationships either. As it has been said, this is a growth period for you and your partner (assuming they’re in their 20s too). Allow yourself to be an individual in the midst of love and fun.
If you find yourself having sex remember to use a form of birth control (consult your doctor) if you aren’t planning to have children yet, and stay up to date with STD/STI testing. One night of fun – or a few – should not equal a lifetime of some disease or a baby disrupting your plans.
7. Self-Care Really Is Everything
It’s making sure you’re keeping up with doctor and dentist appointments. It’s making sure your lifestyle is active. It’s also making sure your diet is balanced and tailored to what your body needs.
Self-care is a term that is trending everywhere these days. It isn’t just a clean girl aesthetic or romanticizing your evenings. Although, it can be!
Make sure you’re showing up to those therapy appointments, because mental care is just as important as physical care. Working through your issues will help you later in life. If therapy isn’t your thing, journaling and reading can also help, or trying new approaches of art therapy. If religion is more suited for you, utilize it and let it help you bring yourself some peace. Life is hard, and we need to take the time to work through the difficult issues.
