Life begins at 30?

ancapailldorcha

Well, I’m approaching 28 which has led me to take stock of my twenties. I’ve had to move cities quite a bit for work reasons and have not made a huge amount of progress in various areas. I’ve read a few posts by people on here saying that they enjoyed their thirties a lot more than their twenties hence this thread.

If so, why? How different were they?

Wibbs

Just speaking for myself(and observations and discussions with mates) the thirties are better for a few reasons. You're more sure of yourself as a general thing(this depends on life experience of course). Many are in a better place in their careers. You're more self aware and confident because of that(again depending on life experience). Physically, unless you really went to seed in your twenties you're also still on top of your game(and if you did end up bollexed, you're well within the age where you can get it all back. Try going from slob to adonis in your 50's). Relationship/attractiveness wise you're well ahead of your twenties as a general rule. Many more opportunities and more choice on that score IMH and IME, though again would it depend on previous life experience. I couldn't get arrested in my twenties . That's if you're single of course. Put it another way, if I was granted a wish to be immortal and was asked what age I'd want to remain it would be 35 rather than 25. Hell I'd take 40 over 25 TBH.

My dad is coming up towards 70 and assured me he is happier than he has ever been

I think we chase a lot of goals when we are young. The most obvious one for lots being the first kiss - sexual experience - or finding out that someone in this world could love us.

The 30s and the 40s which I now approach - I guess we release the shackles of expectation somewhat. And some level of freedom comes from this.

For me I guess I would suspect the sincerity of anyone who pinpoints a stage in life and attributes too much to it. It is one single journey - ongoing - and I think I have learned not to attribute too much significance to any one point or time range in that journey. Every moment is built on all that came before. And every coming moment built on the expectation of it.

Ditch arbitrary "start" points like "30" and just realise that whatever life you are about to lead starts NOW. And it always will for as long as you live.

Seriously?

There be an intake of salt required with this:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2226289/Life-begins-37-Men-happiest-age-having-climbed-career-ladder-started-family.html

skallywag

I think that there are two sides to this, in that one's 30s will (normally) bring more economic security along with a greater sense of self confidence and overall contentment, but with a loss to a certain degree of the wonder and anticipation one has in one's 20s. The journey can often be much more exciting than the destination itself. You may end up having acquired all of the things which you thought were important in your 20s, but your sense of satisfaction with the same may not be what you had expected. Awareness of one's own mortality, and those close to you, can also rise acutely. All in all I would say that I was much more carefree in my 20s, and would not bat an eye at things which may annoy, embarrass or humiliate me now, though that said I was probably much more content with things in general 10 years on.

H3llR4iser

All I can say is that it entirely depends on you. While age in itself is an objective measure, we as a society tend to attach completely irrational and arbitrary meanings to it, often turning it into some sort of a "roadmap" with set waypoints and milestones, which are often unrealistic and never take into account the personal journey of each of us.

At 34, I agree with Wibbs - if I was asked "choose an age and stick with it", it'd be more or less right now.

I am in the best shape I've ever been, even at 21 I couldn't run as long or lift as heavy as I can now; I have a decent job which allows me to have a bit of "disposable income", as it's called nowadays. Confidence is at a level never approached before and, most importantly, I don't care about what others think about me as much as I used to do. As simple as it is, the good people stay, the not so good can take a hike. In essence, priorities.

If you are single there are more possibilities, as the whole "accomplished young gentleman" fascination appeals to women in their 20s and 30s alike; Also, single 30-something guys in good shape, with no kids nor divorce papers in the closet are somewhat rarer 20-somethings with the same characteristics - it's a sheer matter of having less competition.

The key to it is to always know who you are and stay true to it. As I said before, as we grow up and age we are constantly subjected to an orbital bombardment of arbitrary deadlines, expectations and "shouldn't!".

Simply ignore it and do as you feel is the best for you - by this age, you definitely know. Do not cave in to peer pressure, unless it's absolutely what you want for yourself.

All of your friends are married and have children? That doesn't mean you need to follow suit. People tell you are acting "young" for your age? That is actually good fo you. I could go on forever about this, but I guess I made the picture quite clear by now

BD45

Absolutely. I'd say your peak years are only just beginning. A man's confidence, money, status, sex appeal all increase from his late twenties.

jimgoose

It just gets better and better. :cool:

Littlekittylou

Life begins now. Life beings now, today. :-)

But yes people are more aware of who they are after 30. It's different for everyone. Some are formed more.

Galwayguy35

I was a mess for most of my 20s, drinking too much and making bad decisions so have to say I enjoyed my 30s, found I really matured and knew the direction I wanted to take in life.