5 Myths About Your 20's That Simply Aren't True

Your 20’s can be pretty hard, especially when there are so many expectations and uncertainties about your future. A lot of these are misconceptions and myths that add further unnecessary stress and misery. 

Rather than putting yourself down for not achieving the things that society expects of you in your 20’s, read these 5 myths and learn to let go so that you can truly begin to live your life. 

#1.    THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE MOVED OUT OF YOUR PARENTS’ HOME BY YOUR MID 20’s

It’s pretty much impossible to live in a world that is debt-free. Typically, by this point in your life, you’re likely to have crazy amount of student loan debt piling up to your neck. You might also have other financial responsibilities or problems. This is the case for so many 20 somethings and so it makes absolute sense to stay in your family home for as long as you can.

Costs for flats, let alone owning a house, is crazy high. Expecting that of a 20-year-old is downright absurd. Of course, there are some who have done it, but you’ll never truly know the struggles that they continue to face as a result of that decision. It’s silly to compare yourself when you’re actually being clever about your future. Living in your family home teaches you to save, as well as to show gratitude that you have parents (hopefully) that understand. 

#2.    THAT YOU SHOULD EITHER BE WORKING IN YOUR DREAM CAREER ALREADY OR STICKING TO ONE JOB 

Chances are you still haven’t got a clue about what it is you want for your career. You might feel pressure from family to be something you don’t actually want to be, or you’ve simply not given it enough thought because the idea scares you. We’re here to tell you that’s absolutely normal. There are plenty of testimonies on social media from people who say that usually you don’t know what it is you want to do until well into your 30’s or, for some, even early 40’s. That’s because what you should be doing in your 20’s is dabbling in all sorts of things instead, in the hope that you will find something that you actually enjoy doing and care about. 

Sticking to one 9-5 retail job might pay the bills but your mental health probably isn’t satisfied. In a world so crazy about technology and social media, now is the time to get creative and be applauded for it. Give yourself the freedom to do other things while still keeping your ultimate career choice in mind. 

#3.    THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE FOUND “THE ONE”

Sometimes our family might expect us to have already found our dream partner, with plans to get married soon and have children not too long after. Or perhaps our friends might expect us to be in a relationship because isn’t that what your 20’s is all about? 

Well, yes and no. 

Yes, because socializing or attempting online or traditional dating are all the things needed to eventually meet the right person. 

No, because the chances of you stumbling upon this elusive right person in your 20’s is, well, pretty low. It happens, sure, but you’ll find that the majority are just like you. 

Instead, enjoy yourself. Enjoy meeting new people and enriching your life with different personalities. Enjoy the process and don’t think so hard about having to find “the one”.

The more you keep thinking about it, the harder it’ll get. After all, the best kind of love is one you don’t see coming.  

#4.    THAT YOU SHOULD PLAN OUT YOUR FUTURE

Are you an obsessive planner, to the point where you’ve already planned out your entire future? Well, likelihood is you’ve wasted your time. If life was that simple, we’d all have planners tucked away in our bags 24/7.  

Having milestones is great because it can teach you discipline. But when you become obsessed with having to reach these milestones under limited time and resources, then it can get pretty unhealthy. 

You’ll find that as time goes on, your current plan for your life will need severe touching up. This could be because you’ve either lost interest in some of the things you once wanted or, simply put, it just wasn’t meant to be. 

Unexpected developments in your life can occur and that’s just fine. You might find that your life is exactly where it should be and you’re lovin’ it just as it is. 

#5.    THAT YOU’RE NOT GOOD AT ANYTHING 

The problem with school is that it has a way of teaching young people that there are a finite number of subjects and you’ve got to be good at one or several of them. If you find yourself struggling or are about average, then you’re probably going to struggle beyond state education. It can limit you, stifle your interests and capabilities, as well as develop low self-esteem. 

But guess what? The real world is nothing like school. It offers you endless possibilities IF you’re ready to take it. Most people have never quite figured themselves out because they didn’t try enough things to truly uncover their strengths.  

The best thing about your 20’s? You have the luxury and space to try, experiment and fail. Learn to accept criticism and build on it. Be curious and try different things. 

You’ll soon realize that you’re actually a lot better at things than when you first thought. 

 
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