Entering the adult world can be stressful, especially when most of your peers are clueless about what life is truly like after graduation. Therefore, we’ve curated a list of things to know before you reach your 20s so you don’t waste your precious time and energy.
Your 20s are a defining time, and it’s easy to feel lost as you navigate that decade. As a 24-year-old, I’m still trying to figure it out myself. However, throughout the years, I’ve learned many things that I wish I had known sooner because it would have made my life a whole lot easier. Whether it is relationships, friends, financial literacy, or finding your first career, here’s some advice to keep you on track and at peace.
[Hero Image Credit: Unsplash / MD Duran; Feature Image Credit: Pexels / Guilherme Almeida]
20 things to know before you reach your 20s
“Too busy” is a myth
There is no such thing as being too busy. If you are important to them, people will make time for you.
Learn how to establish boundaries
It may be challenging to establish boundaries, especially if you are susceptible to gaslighting. However, what is even more difficult is being exploited and experiencing the resulting suffering. Whether with friends, family, or coworkers, knowing and communicating what you will and will not tolerate is crucial.
If you want something, take action
There’s always someone less qualified than you, but they live your dream because they simply took action. The scariest move is always the one that changes everything. You need to start now.
Even if it’s your first full-time job, always negotiate your salary
Just because you’re a fresh grad doesn’t mean you’re less qualified. Do some salary research and seize this opportunity by highlighting your strengths, knowledge, and achievements. It doesn’t matter if the price seems too high. You’re not losing anything besides not getting the salary you ask for.
Always listen and ask lots of questions
If you’re confused, there’s no harm in asking questions. Even if you think they’re stupid. People are friendlier than you think.
Walk away from friendships that no longer serve you
People come and go, and sometimes, it can be difficult to leave behind what you’ve known for so long, especially if the connection is strong. However, there may be certain friends that you outgrow, and that’s perfectly fine. Perhaps they’re still caught up in their high school days while you move forward with your future. Or maybe the vibe just isn’t there anymore. Don’t be afraid to walk away from something simply because it’s familiar.
Work isn’t everything
Although you’re working in an entry-level job and want to impress your boss, don’t be that person who hasn’t taken a holiday for three years because they have work. Living to work isn’t life. Even if the company says, “We’re all a family,” if anything happens — like a layoff — you’ll be pushed out. Life is short, so look after your health, surround yourself with good people, and book that trip.
Embarrassment is a mindset
It’s only embarrassing if you think it is. If you own it and work it, you never know who you’ll influence.
If someone tells you they’re emotionally unavailable or they’ll hurt you, believe them and move on
People tell you what they’ll do to you in advance, but most of us choose to simply ignore it. Please listen to them and move on.
Start saving as soon as possible
You never know what will happen in the future, so start saving as soon as you can. It could be a tiny amount, but that’s better than nothing.
Get out of your comfort zone
It might be daunting, but now is the perfect time to explore new things, even if you make mistakes. Failure is your best friend. It’ll help you learn important lessons. So, don’t hesitate to try out multiple things. This will help you understand your preferences, strengths, and weaknesses, preparing you for your future.
Stop buying things to impress people
Don’t put yourself in debt just because you’re trying to impress someone. They most likely they don’t care, but if they do, it’s very short lived.
Focus on yourself
Worrying about what other people are doing only adds stress. Even if someone seems like they’ve got it all, they’re also facing their own struggles. So focus on yourself, your goals, and your dreams; things will align.
Practice gratitude
In a materialistic and digitally saturated society, it’s normal to get lost and forget about the things we have. So, try to practice gratitude. Remind yourself what you’re thankful for, and life will be better.
Cry
It’s fine to have a mental breakdown. We all have loads of pent-up emotions; sometimes, shedding some tears is the best way to release them.
Never settle for less
Know your worth because if you don’t, how do you expect people to treat you well? We all deserve the best, so surround yourself with people who’ll help you grow and bring the best out of you.
Your environment is crucial
Regardless of how disciplined or motivated you are, you’ll never reach your fullest potential if you’re with the wrong crowd. Think about it. If your three closest friends aren’t doing anything with their lives, you’ll most likely be the same. But if you’re with people who constantly strive to improve, you’ll also be influenced to do so.
Be selfish
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Always do what you want and prioritise your mental and physical health first. You can’t expect to help someone when you’re running low. If people really care about you, they’ll understand.
It’s normal to feel lost
After graduation, it’s understandable to feel like you don’t have everything figured out. Transitioning to adulthood can be tough, and achieving your dreams and reaching your desired destination may take years of hard work and perseverance. It’s also perfectly normal to be unsure about your future and not know what steps to take next. Just remember that you’re not alone, and eventually, things will work out.
The relationship you have with yourself will determine the quality of all your relationships
How you interact with others reflects how you see yourself. If you’re confident and optimistic, you’ll reflect those traits to others. But if you’re negative and have low self-esteem, that will be the vibes given. Learning to love and accept yourself is key. If you learn it soon, you’ll foster better relationships, casting away those not meant for you.
Drinking is best during the day, especially when at brunch. If she's not working, catch her at the gym or socializing with friends. An introvert extrovert at heart. She's a Capricorn.
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