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Making the Most of Your 20s

Here’s the deal about being twenty-three

It kind of sucks. And it kind of rocks. I toggle between opposing feelings daily.

You’re at this weird crossroads between youth and adulting. Forever 21 just doesn’t give you the same satisfaction any more. By the same token, you’re not quite buying Pampers for your kids. Or Mr. and Mrs. coffee mugs. Or a house. Jeez.

So where do we stand? Are we too old for nightclubs and drunken Friday nights? Are we too young for a mortgage? Has someone written a manual?

As a single lady caught between peers who have found their life partner and others who still haven’t found their wallet from that one night out, I can relate to the frustrations of being a twenty-something. So during this time of exciting transition into our adult selves, here’s what we can be doing to enjoy our twenties, rather than be caught between the dread of our thirties and the nostalgia of our teens. Yay, positivity!

 

1) Travel

This is a no-brainer for me. I love to move around and have a particular fondness for countries other than the US. I know “expensive” is pretty much a working definition of travel, so I’m here to say let’s do it on a budget. Take road trips with your other twenty-something friends (or your nostalgic thirty and flirty friends, whatever floats your boat) to someplace you haven’t been before. Eat crappy road food. Try the local beer. You’ll end up having more fun than you had anticipated!

READ MORE: 10 Tips for Women Traveling Solo

2) Develop hobbies

We’re at an advantage in our lives where there’s generally enough happening to keep us busy. I know that being a full-time master’s student and working throughout the week, I don’t get much time to do mindless things that I love. Developing lifelong hobbies at this age can be incredibly advantageous. Cooking, painting — heck, maybe even archery, whatever floats your boat. Those hobbies and pastimes that you select now will keep you occupied for life. Plus, it’s kinda cool to say, “I started running in my 20s, and at 30, I’m doing my first marathon!” The hobbies that you indulge in now will keep you occupied for the rest of your life.

3) Meet new people

Maybe it’s our generation or this tech era that we live in, but I feel like we kind of suck at meeting people. I personally get a tad annoyed at the person sitting across the bar from me who tries to strike up a conversation — shame on me, right? Let the nice lady talk, and talk back! You don’t have to stay within the bounds of your social circle.

4) Get to know your city

How many of us can say we really know the city we’re in? Granted, some of you probably live in a much larger city than Buffalo. Get to know the space you occupy. You might be starting someplace new, and leaving your hometown. On the flip side, you might have just moved and are new to town. Regardless of where you are, get to know the place! Try the local foods or bars that you’ve never been to — don’t go to the same few places. You won’t regret knowing the space you occupy.

5) Jump into your career

You’re (probably) out of college, so now’s the time to retrace those work passions and jump in! Now’s the time to be selfish with your work — get out there. Network. Make contacts. You won’t regret doing all of the things you’ve always wanted for yourself!

 

Now I’m going to grab a glass of cheap wine and enjoy not being able to afford anything more expensive, for now. Let’s try and make the most of every era in our lives — I hope you have the greatest decade of your life!

Any more you’d add to this list? Comment below!

 

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