Why is it everybody loves giving you life advice about things you should be doing in your twenties? I'm coming closer and closer to the big 3-0 (where the hell did the last eight years of my life go?) which is scary enough!
Recently more than ever, everyone is an expert and believes they are perfectly placed to dish out words of wisdom. It's not that I have a complete aversion to taking guidance from another person who undoubtedly has good intentions but most of these pearls of wisdom aren't entirely well thought out.
Here are some of the repeat offenders...
You need to invest in property. Get on the property ladder.
Now, I actually took this bit of well intended advice. It's old school thinking, in my parents' and grandparents' day property was a safe bet. You bought your forever home and in most cases lived in it until your kids flew the nest. "Property prices always go up" they say. Do you know what happened when I bought a house? The housing market crashed. Granted that was unlucky, but looking back at 20 was I really mature enough to make a decision about where I should have invested the money I had? No. Was it my forever home? No. At that point did I even know where I wanted to live in a few years down the line, where a job or my life might take me? No. Most normal people don't know where their life is heading when they enter their twenties, being chained financially to an investment in an unstable market isn't always the best idea.
Have a baby. Start early, it'll be the best thing you ever do! You might not be able to have one if you leave it until your 30s, don't you want to have kids?
I know some amazing young mums but this off the cuff comment really annoys me. Parenthood isn't a one size fits all poncho. I'm not over exaggerating when I tell you that some mornings I forget to feed the dog.
I am not at a point in my life where I can be responsible for a tiny human being who depends on me for everything. Scaremongering me with tales about IVF and women who waited too long isn't clever.
Build your career. You want a good foundation for your 30s.
Sounds great! Although most of us will spend our twenties working crappy jobs we hate for companies we care very little about to fund meaningless expenses. I'll be honest, for the majority of my twenties I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I worked solely to get to the end of that day, week or month. A job was a job, it paid the bills and allowed me the occasional holiday. I started over in different industries every few years, each time with the best intentions of making this "my career". As you grow and change your ideas about what you want in your life do the same, how can you make that decision when you don't even know who you are yet?
Go travelling. See the world.
Whilst paying my mortgage, looking after that baby I should have by now and keeping up with my blossoming career? I'd love to pack a bag and scoot off around the globe but realistically it's unlikely. Are you going alone? Or do you happen to have a friend who is in the exact same emotional and financial position that you are who wants to do the exact same thing?
Settle down, get married!
"Aren't you married yet?" No, but I have attended some beautiful weddings and answered this question many many times before thank you. I know people I went to school with who are on to their second and third marriages. That piece of paper is not going to keep you together, choose wisely. No one can predict the future and you enter into a relationship with the best intentions but don't go impulse buying that dress because you've been together a while and it's the "next step" do it because it means something to you. Apart from the obvious emotional turmoil it's an expensive mistake to make.
Save money.
I refer you to repeat offender number 3. I work a crappy job for a mediocre wage and I'm in my twenties. You clearly did not have the same twenty-something experience as me. I am the epitome of a payday millionaire. I'm lucky if I can draw a ten pound note out of the bank the day before I get paid.
Like I said, well intended but not very well thought out. Plus let's face it, no one really knows how to make better choices for you, than you.
Do any of these sound all too familiar? I feel your pain.
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