Advice to a 27 year old?
October 15, 2011 9:00 AM Subscribe
I know I'm still young, but wondering for the older folk -- what advice would you pass on to your 27 year old self?
This question isn't meant to be depressing, but more of an introspective type. I'm rather successful for my age - solid career, good friends, involved in organizations, active musician, good savings cushion, etc. But as I turned 27 I get the usual realization that I'm not really in my "mid twenties" any more.
My closest friends say that I am really hard on myself, it's one of the reasons why I'm as driven and accomplished as I am. There are definitely things I would say to my 17 year old self, so I was wondering what others might say to their younger self.
Funny enough, I would say to date more and relax to myself at 20, and I still don't do that enough now. But I still like to entertain the advice. :P
This question isn't meant to be depressing, but more of an introspective type. I'm rather successful for my age - solid career, good friends, involved in organizations, active musician, good savings cushion, etc. But as I turned 27 I get the usual realization that I'm not really in my "mid twenties" any more.
My closest friends say that I am really hard on myself, it's one of the reasons why I'm as driven and accomplished as I am. There are definitely things I would say to my 17 year old self, so I was wondering what others might say to their younger self.
Funny enough, I would say to date more and relax to myself at 20, and I still don't do that enough now. But I still like to entertain the advice. :P
This post was deleted for the following reason: This is kind of broad and chatty; if there's a more specific core kind of advice or guidance you're looking for, maybe give this a shot next week narrowed down to something less wide open than this. -- cortex
Pay yourself first (contribute to savings first, before paying any bill or buying even a stick of gum, every time you get paid).
Don't have kids unless you are 100% ready emotionally, financially, and in all other ways to raise them on your own. There are no guarantees.
posted by headnsouth at 9:27 AM on October 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Don't have kids unless you are 100% ready emotionally, financially, and in all other ways to raise them on your own. There are no guarantees.
posted by headnsouth at 9:27 AM on October 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Those people around you who look middle-aged, perhaps a bit stooped, or maybe even old? That's just flesh. Inside we're all 27. Or 17. Or 7. It's good to remember this. When I was your age "old people" were still foreign. Now that I'm gradually becoming a resident of that new territory I can see pretty clearly that it's just like the old country although a little slower moving.
Anyway, don't forget to be silly -- it's the best thing.
posted by seanmpuckett at 9:30 AM on October 15, 2011 [2 favorites]
Anyway, don't forget to be silly -- it's the best thing.
posted by seanmpuckett at 9:30 AM on October 15, 2011 [2 favorites]
Learn to love the moment. When you're young, life can look like a series of goals to accomplish, but it's really just a string of moments to be appreciated. Here and now are all you ever get; cherish them.
posted by endless_forms at 9:34 AM on October 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by endless_forms at 9:34 AM on October 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Pay attention to what you enjoy doing. It's surprisingly hard to figure out what it is that brings you happiness. Lots of people tell you what fun is, but what others enjoy and what you enjoy are not going to be the same thing. That said, always challenge yourself, try new things. You never know what will become your new favorite thing, activity, person.
The worst parts of my life have been when I fell into a routine, not proactively seeking happiness and not trying to expand my horizons. It took me the entirety of my 20s to figure that out.
posted by Kattullus at 9:51 AM on October 15, 2011 [3 favorites]
The worst parts of my life have been when I fell into a routine, not proactively seeking happiness and not trying to expand my horizons. It took me the entirety of my 20s to figure that out.
posted by Kattullus at 9:51 AM on October 15, 2011 [3 favorites]
Try to watch less TV.
Take care of your body and mind because it will catch up to you really soon.
Stop talking about the things you want to do, do them.
posted by Bunglegirl at 9:55 AM on October 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Take care of your body and mind because it will catch up to you really soon.
Stop talking about the things you want to do, do them.
posted by Bunglegirl at 9:55 AM on October 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Be kind and gentle to your spouse, who is just as irritating, ignorant, and imperfect as you are.
posted by brownrd at 10:04 AM on October 15, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by brownrd at 10:04 AM on October 15, 2011 [3 favorites]
Do what is important to you. Now. Not tomorrow. Not in six months. Now.
Also, that it is ok to fail at something. Or more than one thing.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 10:11 AM on October 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Also, that it is ok to fail at something. Or more than one thing.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 10:11 AM on October 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Things I wish I had started doing earlier in life:
- learning to ride a motorcycle
- learning about fitness and nutrition and taking better care of myself
- save money, make investments
posted by jclovebrew at 10:14 AM on October 15, 2011
- learning to ride a motorcycle
- learning about fitness and nutrition and taking better care of myself
- save money, make investments
posted by jclovebrew at 10:14 AM on October 15, 2011
Those moments when life is the bleakest - whether due to perceived personal failures or circumstances out of your control - will give you incredible strength in the end, and looking back you may even learn to appreciate that they were there.
posted by corn_bread at 10:15 AM on October 15, 2011
posted by corn_bread at 10:15 AM on October 15, 2011
1. Sometimes, bad things will happen to you. These are the times when you will grow as a person.
2. Be kind to everyone.
3. Never be ashamed of what brings you joy.
posted by SPrintF at 10:43 AM on October 15, 2011
2. Be kind to everyone.
3. Never be ashamed of what brings you joy.
posted by SPrintF at 10:43 AM on October 15, 2011
Passed on from a friend...
"I would have fewer imaginary problems."
posted by space_cookie at 10:49 AM on October 15, 2011 [2 favorites]
"I would have fewer imaginary problems."
posted by space_cookie at 10:49 AM on October 15, 2011 [2 favorites]
Dont be afraid of taking risks. Even if you fail, it's better than regretting that you never tried.
Get out of your comfort zone and seek out new people, places, ideas, etc.
Don't fear being vulnerable with people. No one's perfect.
posted by random thoughts at 10:51 AM on October 15, 2011
Get out of your comfort zone and seek out new people, places, ideas, etc.
Don't fear being vulnerable with people. No one's perfect.
posted by random thoughts at 10:51 AM on October 15, 2011
Work is less important than pleasure. Work to live, do not live to work. Don't be materialistic and acquisitive: it is the greatest western perversion. If you get an opportunity to travel - anywhere - take it. Drop whatever you need to drop and take it. Don't angst so much about sex and death. It really isn't worth it.
posted by Decani at 10:52 AM on October 15, 2011
posted by Decani at 10:52 AM on October 15, 2011
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posted by Chocolate Pickle at 9:19 AM on October 15, 2011 [2 favorites]