What should I do (and know) before I turn 30?

veggiewriter · Jul 10, 2006

I'm now in the first part of a 6-month countdown to the big 3-0. I've decided to write a book about these last months of my 20s, specifically about my attempts to do everything I 'should' while I'm still considered truly youthful (and can still somewhat get away with stupidity) as well as preparing myself for the adult world. 
But I need help. Give me homework! What do you hope to do (or wish you had done) before you turn 30? What do you think 20-somethings should master/accomplish before their 30's? Challenge me! I'll be trying my best to do as many things as possible, even if I have to scale them down a bit. 
So far, I've received suggestions that I need to attend a frat party, go streaking, get a degree in engineering, fall in love (this one I've done before, so I won't feel pressured to find someone in the next few months), learn Chinese, get a "real" job, backpack through Europe, and learn to budget my finances. 
Obviously, I can't learn Chinese fluently or receive a 4-yr degree within the next 6 months, but I could learn enough to speak to a vendor in Chinatown, or read "Engineering for Dummies" or something and try to bluff my way through a meeting of the engineering club at my university. 
Any additional suggestions? If I try yours, I'll let you know whether or not I was successful and how (if necessary) I adjusted the goal to fit my timeline and financial ability.

GhostUser · Jul 10, 2006

tattoos!

GhostUser · Jul 10, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by veggiewriter <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
I'm now in the first part of a 6-month countdown to the big 3-0. I've decided to write a book about these last months of my 20s, specifically about my attempts to do everything I 'should' while I'm still considered truly youthful (and can still somewhat get away with stupidity) as well as preparing myself for the adult world.</div>
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What really matters is if you consider yourself youthful. Do you feel youthful? The day after you turn 30 probably won't feel much different. Attempt to accomplish things as you want to do them, not when society expects you to have already accomplished them. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

veggiewriter · Jul 10, 2006

Hi veggiejanie, 
Well you know, I do feel pretty youthful overall, though some days I feel dreadfully old (especially when I listen to my cousins talk about their crushes, etc., and realize that there's just no way to regain those teenypopper years). I wish I'd done things when I was a teen that are impossible now that I'm in my 20s (approaching 30s) like go to prom, 'cruise the gut,' sneak out of the house to meet friends in the graveyard for a seance, etc. 
But I'm determined to try as much as possible in the next 6 months! Plus, I think writing a book about my adventures will be fun. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> I'd love any suggestions you might have. Even if it's to take a long look in the mirror and remember that I'm still not over-the-hill quite yet and that life has a lot in store for me. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

Jinga · Jul 10, 2006

Oh crap. I'm only 17 days behind you. This post brings on the dread <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/bigcry.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> However, I'm determined not to make 30 the drastic milestone its made out to be. Long hair, short shorts, and belching song lyrics till the day I die! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/tongue3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

GhostUser · Jul 10, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by veggiewriter <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
Hi veggiejanie, 
Well you know, I do feel pretty youthful overall, though some days I feel dreadfully old (especially when I listen to my cousins talk about their crushes, etc., and realize that there's just no way to regain those teenypopper years). I wish I'd done things when I was a teen that are impossible now that I'm in my 20s (approaching 30s) like go to prom, 'cruise the gut,' sneak out of the house to meet friends in the graveyard for a seance, etc. 
But I'm determined to try as much as possible in the next 6 months! Plus, I think writing a book about my adventures will be fun. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> I'd love any suggestions you might have. Even if it's to take a long look in the mirror and remember that I'm still not over-the-hill quite yet and that life has a lot in store for me. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"></div>
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Well good luck with your book. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> You're not dreadfully old - you have a long life ahead of you! 
I suggest making a list by yourself of things that are truly in your heart. What have you always wanted to try? What are you afraid to try? What are some things that you want to learn how to do? Places you want to go? Challenge yourself! 
I'd answer these questions for yourself instead of trying to find stereotypical answers from others. It will mean more if these things come from your heart and not others'. Just a thought! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/sunny.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":sunny:">

Skylark · Jul 10, 2006

Generally speaking, veggiejanie is spot-on. However, you never know what your last day will be, so don't lose out by getting stuck in a lifestyle you dislike. Milestones are good reminders that we're finite. Here are some ideas: 
Go to a nursing home/retirement community and adopt a grandparent. Visit this person for at least one hour a week. 
Send your family and closest friends letters of appreciation. Not Hallmark cards--real letters that you wrote. Or, if you're so inclined, plan out what you want to say for each person and have someone videotape you. 
Sign up to be a volunteer in a neonatal intensive care unit in a hospital. They will love you if you go in for an hour or two any time of the day or night and hold babies. Best part--you can enjoy the infants at their best and not get "trapped" into providing for a kid yourself.

queenfluff · Jul 10, 2006

Oh, please! Wait until you start approaching 40! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> 
30 didn't really phase me actually but 35 was like ...ewww, I am almost 40! 
The only thing I noticed that was different when I turned 30 was that I felt like I had less energy. But that was just me. I didn't feel like I was 30 though - it didn't change my entire life or anything. 
There will still be plenty of time to do things after the big 30 strikes. There is no 'real' age limit on things anymore (well, you probably can't get on the kiddie rides anymore unless you are going with your kid!). I still go and do lots of fun trips, change jobs and careers, move places - I have met backpackers way older than 30! 
As time goes on, you won't worry too much about all those things you didn't get to do in high school ..but if it is really bugging you than go and do it! 
Why don't you make a list of things you want to do throughout your 30s? Then you will be looking forward to that big 30!

asp3 · Jul 10, 2006

Since you only have six months, I'd recommend starting on a spiritual quest to learn what you want to do before you turn 40. Don't plan to do anything specific in the next six months, but rather be guided by your spiritual quest. 
It's my belief that anything you can do to make yourself a more complete, centered persion will be beneficial to making all the rest of your live better rather than just the time to an arbitrary (yet societally imporant) point in time. 
Best of luck for a wonderful journey.

synergy · Jul 10, 2006

Wow, I really like everyone's ideas on this! 
But for the purposes of your book, I would suggest: 
Skinny-dipping in the ocean or a lake. 
Dancing naked in the rain. 
Throw a dinner party. 
Go bungee jumping. 
Have a fling with someone wildly innapropriate. 
Start saving for your retirement.

Skylark · Jul 10, 2006

Synergy, I put money in my 401(k) every month toward my retirement, and I'm 23. Since when do people wait until nearly 30 to start being smart?

jenna · Jul 10, 2006

You could walk the Camino Santiago de Compostela. It is an 800 km walk from France, across the Pyranees and to the coast of Spain. 
It's something I plan on doing before I turn 30.

karenlovessnow · Jul 10, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by queenfluff <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
Oh, please! Wait until you start approaching 40! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"></div>
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Oh, Please! Wait until you start approaching 50! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> 
And 30 isn't really 30 anymore! I think 40 is. Or maybe it's 50 even! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

Life2k · Jul 10, 2006

Internal things you should try to master: 
-Never lie to yourself. 
-Never put yourself down, nor puff yourself up. 
-Look at life with clear eyes, but don't be afraid to put on the rose shades for minimal times to get through the rough spots. You will still know what the truth is, but you will remain sane. 
-Learn to read people accurately. There will be silent heroes, and suave con artists all through your life. 
-Trust no one until you get to know them, but give everyone the benifit of the doubt until they stinky on you. 
-Don't let your heart out think your head. 
-Don't lend unless you are ready to give the money/item to them. You may not get it back. 
-Be kind to those less fortunate, but don't be used. If they say they have no money and they are going hungry, then what is that ciggarette doing in the corner of their mouth? Look for visible evidence of income--electricity, cable, gas in the car, 
-Don't answer phone questionares. You really don't know to whom you are giving your private information. 
-Walk in a life of forgiveness as much as possible. Ask for forgiveness when you are wrong, do so quickly. When someone else is wrong, decide to forgive. It is after all a decision, not a feeling. 
-Don't carry a grudge. While you are carrying a grudge, the other guy is out dancing. 
-Remember to give the people you love a hug or tell them you love them everytime you leave them. After all, it might be for the last time.

GhostUser · Jul 10, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by skylark <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
Synergy, I put money in my 401(k) every month toward my retirement, and I'm 23. Since when do people wait until nearly 30 to start being smart?</div>
</div>
 
That's great!!! 
I just turned 19 and I already have my retirement savings plan all planned out. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

kpickell · Jul 10, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Jinga <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
Oh crap. I'm only 17 days behind you. This post brings on the dread <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/bigcry.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> However, I'm determined not to make 30 the drastic milestone its made out to be. Long hair, short shorts, and belching song lyrics till the day I die! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/tongue3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"></div>
</div>
 
Ew, you guys are getting old fast. I won't turn 30 for at least a whole week after Jinga.

Elena99 · Jul 10, 2006

If you don't know how already, learn how to cook at least one fabulous meal and make it your own. 
I like the writing a book idea, that's great. 
Dye or highlight your hair, but don't go too crazy (unless you want to).

chiaraluna · Jul 10, 2006

Turning 30 does not make you old, silly! Age is a very relative thing, and each person is only as old/young as he or she decides to be. Don't worry about this birthday... you'll still be you! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

slp2b · Jul 11, 2006

Look forward to life getting better in your 30's. My thirties have been so much better than my 20's that I am looking forward to turning 40 in November. I can only imagine how great my 40's are going to be. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/sunny.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":sunny:">

veggiewriter · Jul 11, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by synergy <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
Skinny-dipping in the ocean or a lake. 
Dancing naked in the rain. 
Throw a dinner party. 
Go bungee jumping. 
Have a fling with someone wildly innapropriate. 
Start saving for your retirement.</div>
</div>
 
Hah! Now, synergy, you and I are seeing eye-to-eye. This is exactly the kind of feedback I need! I've done a few of these already, but I think throwing a dinner party is definately something someone approaching 30 should be able to do, and I've always wanted to go bungee jumping (and it'd make a good entry in the book). Thanks! 
And, to all those who seem to be worried: NO, I don't stay in bed all day afraid of becoming 3 decades old, and YES I know that age is mostly mental (and that 40 is the new 30 anyway). But I still believe that, generally speaking, some ideas are best discovered when young[er] (Life2k, your advice about learning to read people, and letting go of grudges--good stuff!!), and some skills might be mastered early in order to more fully experience life (like the ability to bake bread or drive a stick-shift). I want to try it all! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> 
Thanks for all the encouragement. I'll let you know how it's going!

What should I do (and know) before I turn 30?

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