3 things I wish I knew before entering my 20s
1. Don’t go to college unless you know what you want to do with your degree or it’s free
I graduated with my bachelor’s in business and my master’s in Human Resources. I’m incredibly blessed to have graduated debt free, but that is not the reality for most students.
So many people leave school with 50,000 to 100,000 in debt believing a degree guarantees a great job. The truth is, it doesn’t. Life still has bills, responsibilities, and pressure, and that debt becomes heavy fast.
I came out of college with confidence, even arrogance, thinking my master’s would open every door. What I learned quickly is this: it’s not just what you know, it’s who you know.
You learn more in the real world when you apply yourself. Why pay 3,000 to 5,000 per class for a few modules when you can spend 20 to 50 on books and learn directly from people who’ve lived it? Tip: people LOVE sharing what they know.
If college is your path, use it wisely. Network. Talk to professors. Ask questions. Do multiple internships. Get your foot in doors while you’re still a student, because after graduation, that resume doesn’t hit the same.
2. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
I used to think this only applied to savings or investing. I now believe it applies to income too.
After months of applying, I finally landed a management role. I was excited to grow and lead. Four months later, I was fired. No job. No insurance. No plan B.
That’s when I realized how risky it is to rely on one income stream.
This is why I built something on the side. High ticket sales became that for me. Earning anywhere from 1,080 to 8,080 per sale. No quotas. Part time hours. Remote. Fits into the pockets of my day. Patented product. Debt free company. Training and the ability to build passive income over time.
3. Life isn’t going to go as planned and that’s okay
Two years out of college, my life looks nothing like I thought it would. Lost 2 jobs. Posting on social media. Fitness obsessed. Still figuring out how my skills can make the biggest impact for the Kingdom of God.
And honestly, that used to scare me.
But these verses ground me:
“Man plans, but the Lord directs his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9
“The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.”
1 Corinthians 3:19
I don’t have this figured out perfectly. But I trust that even when my plans fall apart, God is still guiding every step because He loves and cares deeply for me.
Now I want to know 👇
What do you wish you knew before entering your 20s?
#twentysomethinglife #collegegrad #realworldlessons #faithandbusiness #womeninbusiness
Entering your twenties is an exciting yet challenging time full of decisions that can impact your future significantly. Based on my experience and reflections, there are a few additional insights that complement the lessons shared here. Firstly, while college can provide valuable knowledge and credentials, the cost-benefit analysis is crucial before committing. Not all degrees guarantee success, and the network you build and real-world experience you gain can often outweigh formal education costs. I found that seeking mentorship and learning from professionals in your field can offer practical skills that textbooks don't cover. For example, attending industry meetups or volunteer opportunities helped me develop skills and relationships instrumental in my career. Secondly, embracing multiple streams of income is more relevant now than ever. My journey also included exploring freelance work and online opportunities alongside traditional jobs. This not only provides financial security but also helps uncover hidden talents and interests. The flexibility of remote or part-time side gigs can help balance work-life priorities while building a more robust financial foundation. Lastly, adaptability and mindset are the cornerstones of navigating your twenties. Life rarely follows a perfect plan, and being open to change and learning from setbacks is vital. I deeply resonate with the importance of faith or a guiding principle that offers perspective and strength during uncertain times. Reflecting on personal values and goals regularly can motivate you to persevere and find purpose beyond societal expectations. Incorporating these practical approaches alongside the advice on smart college choices, income diversity, and trusting the journey can empower anyone stepping into their twenties to create a fulfilling and resilient life path.
