Why I wish someone prepared me for my twenties.
When I was a kid all I wanted to do was get older, but no one really warned me about how bad my twenties would truly be. TV shows and movies presented my twenties as a time full of friendship, traveling, and little to no real life expectations. (Yes, I know that’s just in the movies 😂)
But all of those things aside, I don’t feel as if I was truly prepared!
Note: This is an open conversation about things that I have struggled with, or am currently struggling with 🫶🏻 please have grace with me!
✨ Finances
When I refer to finances I’m talking being financially literate! This refers to how and where to invest money, starting credit, and money management. Everything I know today is because of my career! Working in corporate banking has opened so many doors for me.
✨ Body Dismorfia
In your twenties, your body is ever changing. You gain weight in places you never did before and start to grow into a healthy women’s body. Every body is different, but social media seems to highlight the “perfect” body. Deleting most social media platforms has helped me come into my true self and stopped the comparison of not being like others.
✨ Relationships
I have separated romantic relationships and friendships as I feel they are in two different categories. It may be different for others, but dating was so SO hard before I met my now fiancé. I felt as if the people I was seeing did not want to get to know ME! And don’t even get me started on the ghosting…
✨ Friendships
I personally did not go to an in person college, I did/ am currently doing all of my schooling online simply for the cost. Due to this, I feel as if I am missing something! It is so hard to make new friends without a common ground like school or work.
✨ Life
Life can get in the way sometimes! There’s so much responsibility that no one prepared me for as an adult. I knew about bills, but I didn’t know how much laundry I would be doing (lol)🥹
Anyone else struggling or have any tips?
Also, looking for friends!! Real authentic friends ☺️
It's so true what Ivy shared about the twenties! I remember feeling like I'd been handed an adulting manual with half the pages missing. The 'Storytime' aspect of her post really resonated because so many of us are figuring this out as we go, often feeling a bit lost. It’s a journey of intense personal growth, and sometimes it feels like every step involves an unexpected risk. Let's dive a little deeper into financial responsibility, because honestly, that was one of my biggest wake-up calls. Beyond just starting credit or thinking about investing, I wish someone had taught me the nitty-gritty of budgeting for *real life*. Not just bills, but those 'hidden' costs: emergency funds, car maintenance, dental check-ups, or even just saving for something fun without feeling guilty. I started using a simple budgeting app, and it completely changed my relationship with money, giving me a sense of independence I hadn't felt before. It wasn't about earning a huge salary, but about managing what I had wisely. And yes, sometimes it felt like a risk putting money aside for savings instead of immediate gratification, but that discipline was crucial for my financial well-being. Then there's the personal growth that comes from navigating relationships and friendships. Ivy touched on how hard dating can be, and oh my goodness, the ghosting! It’s tough, but each experience, good or bad, teaches you about your own boundaries and what you truly value in a partner. It’s about taking the emotional risk to open up again, even after being hurt. For friendships, especially after college, it feels like you have to actively seek out connections. I found success by joining local clubs related to my hobbies – a book club, a hiking group. It was daunting at first, a real social risk to put myself out there, but it led to some of the most authentic friendships I have today. It's about creating your own common ground when life doesn't hand it to you. And let's not forget the 'life' category. The sheer volume of adult responsibilities can be overwhelming. I discovered that independence isn't just about paying bills; it's about learning to fix a leaky faucet, understanding your rental agreement, or even just mastering meal prep so you don't eat out every night. These small acts of self-reliance build confidence and contribute to that overall sense of personal growth. Sometimes, the biggest risk is simply trusting yourself to figure things out, even when you're completely unsure. It's messy, it's challenging, but embracing these moments is where the real magic of your twenties happens. It truly is a time of immense learning and transformation, even if it feels like you're constantly playing catch-up.