As someone who just turned 30, I thought I could give some insight into some of the best advice and experiences I received that made a big impact on my happiness.
Focus on Getting Experience, Not Making Money, in Your 20’s
One way to think about this is that anyone willing to pay you a lot of money in your 20’s is doing so likely because it’s a hard job or it’s a dead-end or hard to fill job and they’re using money to lure people in. Why else would they be paying so well? Most people in their early 20’s don’t have enough experience to warrant a big paycheck yet.
Instead of going for the money, think of where you want to be when you’re 30 and try to get the best experience possible for that later job. You may not be making as much money as some of your friends, but that’s not important – getting the job you want and having lifetime happiness is!
Life is About Finding Out What You Don’t Enjoy
If you ask a college freshman what career they want, most have an answer. Looking back at what my friends said they wanted to do in college and seeing what they are doing now, only a few are in the career they thought they would be.
This didn’t happen because they couldn’t have achieved the career they stated they wanted. It’s because they didn’t have the experience to know if they would really enjoy that career.
In short, life is about finding out what you don’t enjoy, and the only way to figure it out, is to go try things. Don’t spend too much time fretting over exactly what you want to be. See something you like, try it, and if it turns out it’s not as enjoyable as you thought, move on. You’re young, and it’s better to make the change now instead of building up experience in a career you’re not happy in.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
In you’re 20’s it’s easy to compare your achievements to your friends and acquaintances. It’s also easy to think you’re behind – everyone has a friend who is overachieving – or at least appears to be. Life isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. To become something amazing, you have to spend time making mistakes.
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Such a great post! I know what you mean about experiences over making money. That’s a big 20’s thing!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
Great tips!
I seriously couldn’t agree more so thanks for this! I’m still in my twenties and learning as I go and finding my way, but I totally agree on focusing more on experiences than money, it’s made me a happier person!
http://www.livelaughlinda.com
Such good advice. I think so many people in their 20s assume that right out of college they’re going to land their dream job, and end up disappointed when they don’t. But just like you said, it takes some experimenting and is so important not to compare to where others are at!
“In short, life is about finding out what you don’t enjoy, and the only way to figure it out, is to go try things. Don’t spend too much time fretting over exactly what you want to be.” Love this!!! Also love the laid back look
Such great tips! #1 is my favorite!
GREAT ADVICE!! You’re so, so right about the job thing… I feel like almost everyone I know ended up somewhere different than they originally imagined. That’s why I’m such a huge believer in internships. The comparison thing is something that I think I’m still even now (in my 30s!) learning. I think social media makes this so hard… everyone’s edited feeds make their lives and work look so perfect and easy. So important to stay in your own lane and not be discouraged by what everyone else is doing. Really great post, Dylan!
Steph
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
This is great advice! I think It’s so hard not to compare yourself and where ou ar to your friends, especially in the job departmetn but I finally figured out that I’m getting way better experience and when I am 30 I’ll be happier and have much better expereince than the people still in the same place as they started!
What a great post filled with great advice! I’m a few years out from 30 and I totally agree with that you’ve said!
Great advice! Couldn’t agree more with everything you said- especially “don’t’ compare yourself with others”. So hard to do in the world we live in lately (thanks social media!) but so important for our well being. Thanks for sharing, Dylan!