According to research, 26 is the average age to experience this rite of passage, which makes sense, given that we officially lose the ‘early 20s’ tag. And given that we’ve lost a good three years to the pandemic, we’d say that just about everyone’s having an existential crisis right now, freaking out about where they’re at in life.
So if you’re on this precipice, or already deep into your quarter-life crisis, the best advice you can find is often from those who have not only made it out the other end, but have actually taken some invaluable learnings from their twenties and beyond. One Reddit thread that grabbed our attention is doing just that.
Ahead, we round up the 10 best pieces of advice from women over 30 who have seen the light and have some sage words for your journey.
You don’t even have to take that promotion if you’re content with what you’re doing and the amount of work responsibilities you have now.”
Relationships are living, the money making is just a means to do things you enjoy with people you love. Passions are often sparked by finding those people, and seeing what they are lacking and trying to help.
*from someone who focused on the money first, and found herself alone, looking for people and a reason.”
I feel like I’ve lived ten different lives in the last ten years and I’ve truly enjoyed getting to where I am today, even through the hard times. Even if you think you have it figured out, you can’t control everything and things change.”
Just focus on right now and what makes you happy while preparing for the future and making plans but being open to the fact that flexibility is key and often times vital.”
— mmmxmiaa
Sometimes I wish I did things sooner, but then I always realise they would have ended way differently because I was a different person in my 20s.”
Who knew that the next seven years would be both the hardest and the best of my life? I feel reborn, I’m a different person now, but at the same time I’m more me than I have ever been before. I have so many new friends and incredibly fun and fulfilling new passions. My career is better than I ever dared to dream. I have a new partner who makes me laugh everyday, and supports and challenges me. I’m happier and more comfortable in my skin than I thought possible.
Have a goal and work toward it, but be aware that blessings can come in disguise. The path you’re on may not be what you expected but it may be exactly what you need to grow and truly flourish. Fear will only keep you stuck in the same place. Try new things, meet new people, go on adventures, follow your heart. You never know what chance meeting or coincidence will turn out to be a pivotal moment. Change your plans. Embrace the ambiguity and uncertainty that is life.”
I plowed through career aspirations and hit the top of my field in my early 40s only to be left with an empty feeling. Had kids early. Those kids are grown and on their own. Got married early to my perfect match who wasn’t perfect.
People change and evolve. Your interest will change and evolve. Sit with the evolution and allow that to happen. My wants and needs as a 20-something look nothing like the 30-something and 40-something me.
Allow yourself the space to grow and feel the change.”
— soberpen
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