Oh, the twenty-somethings. That magical time where we are to live freely and wildly as those from past generations stressfully urge that we postpone things such as marriage and childbirth since “we have plenty of time for that”. But with ovaries in a freezer with a timer counting down to thirty-five, it’s with good reason that we begin to wonder whether or not time is truly on our sides. It’s understandable that those 30+ with children and/or complicated marriages reminisce and wish that they had the freedom that we so effortlessly enjoy. 
But what does the future of thirtysomething and fortysomething truly hold for us twentysomethings when our work experience is deemed inadequate to those employers seeking those with exceptional proof of experience and strong résumés that reflect “responsible” salaries. How are we to guarantee ourselves successful futures in our thirties when we are encouraged to live such gypsy lifestyles and forced to bring in such insufficient incomes now?
30 is not the new 20, and although the twenties are highly mimicked by those 30+ who obsess over all things anti-aging, by teeny-boppers who aim to look twentysomething at barely 12, and by those who shop at Forever-twenty-1, it’s important to know that fun can still exist so long as building a résumé, meaningful relationships, and a rolodex are never left undone. After watching Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Meg Jay’s infamous fifteen-minute lecture, “30 is not the new 20”, I realized that I wasn’t doing anything wrong by claiming my twenties. Studies have shown that the first ten years of our careers have an exponential impact on how much money we will make by the time we are 35. Studies also prove that stable relationships help twentysomethings feel more secure and responsible. Because let’s face it, “the twenties are not developmental downtimes, they are developmental sweet spots”, – Dr. Meg Jay. How is it that we can have a better twenties that’ll leave us with little to no regret in our thirties? I’m reading “The Defining Decade”, to find out just that!
This will be my August/September read. The book is only 198 pages long short and has a bonus Notes section in the back that is full of all of the statistical findings that relate to us, twentysomethings! Dr. Meg lets us sit in on her sessions with twenty year olds, allows us to hear her analysis, and gives us an update on where they are now. Her book is comical and conversational – one that pretty much anyone can relate to. I, along with a few of my girlfriends, will be reading this for our little “book club” and I’m inviting you guys to also join in. Whether you’re twenty, thirty, or forty-something I recommend you read this so that you can try to get on track and move with new-found intention. On average, we will read 40-60 pages from Wednesday to Wednesday. I got mine from Barnes And Nobles for $15 if you planned on buying a copy from there too. I also stumbled across a few used copies (from $6-10 online) and a few e-copies. But while you wait to pick yours up, don’t forget that the preface and intro are online for free.
Preface, Introduction, Work 8/14 – 8/21
Love 8/21 – 8/28
The Brain and The Body, Epilogue 8/28 – 9/4
Read the preface + intro online for free here.
What are your thoughts on the twenties? Where should career, relationships, and childbearing be placed?
