Last Updated on December 20, 2022
Have you ever taken the time to write down any significant milestones you’ve reached in your 20s? Were you able to buy a house? Get your dream job? Travel the world? Meet the love of your life? Finished your graduate studies? Joined the Peace Corps? Had kids?
No?
Then welcome to a huge percentage of 29-somethings with the same life story! If you’re about to celebrate your birthday, odds are, you’re probably having mixed emotions right now.
What’s the big deal with turning 30?
Society has (sort of) ingrained in us that turning 30 should be a big deal.
The generation before us, for instance, already had children in their early 20s. Our grandparents were able to afford a two-bedroom house before hitting the big 3-0. There are plenty of kids who are CEOs nowadays, too. So it’s normal for millennials to feel anxious or panicky about not hitting their goals.
Due to various factors (e.g. student loans, economic instability, health issues, etc.), most young adults won’t reach the milestones that marked adulthood for the older generation. There would be no house, no dream job, no kids, and no savings.
There’s also a lot of comparison against more successful peers on social media.
Turning 30 shouldn’t be a big deal.
We need to remind ourselves that the world is different, and that success today can mean other things. Instead of going after ‘milestones’, 29-somethings can focus on self-improvement, advocating for good things, and personal healing.
Sure, you don’t have a two-bedroom house. But you won’t need it anyway if you’re always off on an adventure!
Turning 30 Memes
Why should you let the world dictate how you feel about turning 30?
If there’s anything the brilliant ‘13 Going on 30’ (2004) film has taught us, it’s that: it’s never too late for change. Whether it’s in your career or relationships, life doesn’t end simply because you turned the big 3-0. For most of us, it can even be a new beginning!
Don’t be afraid to take a big bite out of your cake – ‘cause these 30th birthday memes are too cute not to share. Enjoy!
