Surviving Your Twenties

A User’s Guide to Being Twentysomething

Are you in your 20s and you’re wondering why your life looks nothing like the fun adventurous exciting college life of Troy and Gabriell? (if you don’t have the reference you are definitely not in your 20s!) I might have the answer for you!

Okay maybe not the answer, but here are 8 of the conclusions I have come to, that helped me through the frustration of the unknown:

1. Recognize that it’s OKAY to have ups and downs, Your 20s will most likely NOT be the time of your life, and that’s okay! Your 20s are a time of transition and change, and it can be difficult to know what the future holds. Instead of trying to plan everything out, learn to be comfortable with uncertainty and embrace the opportunities that come your way. They’ll be fun but they can also be tough and overwhelming as you figure out your place in the adult world, that’s all part of the process. Embrace uncertainty!
2. Think about the long-term when making decisions. It’s easy to get caught up in the present, be careless and blame it on your youth, but it’s important to consider how your choices will affect your future. Ask yourself, “What does future me want?” and make decisions that will benefit your long-term well-being. This could mean taking time to learn new skills, explore your passions, and build a strong sense of self. Your 20s are a time when you have the freedom to take risks and make mistakes without the same level of consequences as later in life since your responsibilities only involve you and maybe your dog -or cat, we don’t discriminate here-. Take advantage of that but think about the long-term consequences of your actions.
3. Assume that everyone has their own struggles, it’s easy to compare ourselves to others and assume they have it all together, but in reality, everyone has their own battles and demons, they are fighting, EVERYONE! Approach others with compassion and understanding rather than resentment or judgment, your 20s are a time when you form important relationships, both professionally and personally.
4. Embrace your imperfections: These quirks and flaws make you unique and give you depth as an individual. Don’t try to be perfect all the time — it’s exhausting and not even possible. Embracing your imperfections can help you feel more confident and authentic, and it can also help you connect with others on a deeper level. Be mindful of your own identity, and don’t try to fit in.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s seeking advice from a mentor or seeking therapy for mental health issues, it’s okay to admit that you need support. It takes courage to ask for help, and it makes all the difference. Life carries bad surprises sometimes, so don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or professionals who have the experience and wisdom to guide you.
6. Take care of your physical and mental health, as this can have a big impact on your overall well-being and quality of life. Your 20s are a crucial time to establish healthy habits that will benefit you in the long run. Come up with a routine, if you’re comfortable with that, if not just make sure to exercise, eat well, drink water, and don’t forget to put on your sunscreen!
7. Don’t rush to reach certain milestones, society often puts pressure on us to accomplish certain things by a certain age, but everyone’s path is different. Focus on your own journey and allow yourself the time and space to grow and learn at your own pace. Don’t compare yourself to others, it could be beneficial to get inspired but harmful to value yourself, your worth, or success according to others — embrace your unique strengths and talents and follow your own path. Even Oprah got fired at 23!
8. Don’t waste your time, it is now that you have the most energy, maybe not the resources, but the most time, and that is your worthiest possession! Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter, that heartbreak won’t last, trust me!

Navigating your 20s could feel like sailing in deep seas blindfolded, you just don’t know where you’re going to land but it can also be rewarding and transformative. I hope these tips help you make the most of this exciting decade. Remember to take risks, stay true to yourself, and above all, have fun!

What are your tips for surviving and thriving in your twenties? Share them with me in the comments below!

About this article

This article has been written by a student on the Grenoble Ecole de Management’s Advanced Masters in Digital Strategy Management. As part of a content creation assignment, students are given the task of writing articles based on their digital interests and disseminating the articles online. Articles are marked but we make minimal changes to the content. Thanks for reading! James Barisic, Programme Director, MS DSM.