Like most people in their 20s, life is about to begin for me. I graduated from university not too long ago, secured my first job, still live with my parents at home, but I am enjoying my financial freedom, and have all the time in the world to do whatever I want. In short, this is the best time of my life.
But all too soon, the dream life will fade, and responsibilities will come into the fray. So here are 5 things you should start doing when you are in your 20s.
1. START SAVING
While it may be tempting to spend every last dollar and cent from your salary on things like expensive dinner dates with friends, or splurge on the latest ‘It’ bag, or a holiday, do remember that you can’t rely on your parents forever, and you might even have to start sharing some of the family responsibilities already.
One of the things you should begin is a regular savings habit, if you haven’t already done so when you were in school. The sum doesn’t have to be much – it really depends on whether you are comfortable with the amount or not – but this has to be a monthly contribution.
2. APPRECIATE YOUR PARENTS
If you’ve been taking them for granted, now’s the time to change things. Since entering the workforce, I’ve always marvelled at how my parents are able to face doing more housework and screaming kids at home when all they probably want to do, is to look forward to an evening of rest.
And, while you’re growing older, your parents aren’t getting any younger, and they will not be around forever. Try to spend more time with them and help them with things they need, as you may not be able to spend as much time with them in future, when you move out of the house, or when you’re married.
3. GET ALL THE EXPERIENCE YOU CAN
When you’re young and you’re just starting out in your new career, this is the best time to get all the experience and the lessons, and make all the mistakes you can, because when you’re older and presumably more established in your job, your mistakes may have a greater impact.
Besides, being in your 20s is a great time to learn about failures and accept them. When you do take a tumble, it won’t have as much impact and consequence, as when you’re making the same mistake in future.
4. LIVE A LITTLE
Like I said earlier, this is the best time of your life, so why waste it? See the world while you can, take risks, start a business, go on adventures you never thought you’d do… and so on. To use a cliché, the world is your oyster, so go and do whatever you want. Don’t wait till you’ve got a family of your own, or some unforeseen circumstance, that’ll cause you to halt your plans.
5. DISCOVER YOURSELF
One of the biggest lessons I learnt, was to be comfortable in my own skin. As you grow into adulthood, you’ll start to realise what your priorities are, what matters, and what doesn’t. You may have wanted to play the popularity game when you were in school, but it doesn’t really matter anymore.
When you’re going through your 20s, you’ll learn to choose your friends wisely. Questions like, “Are you happy with them, and do you guys share the same goals?” may pop up from time to time. And if your answers are negative, then, maybe, it’s time to hang out with them less. Now, I’m not encouraging you guys to be loners here, but your influences define who you are, and life is too short to care about people who really don’t matter.
About the writer:
Amanda Tan has written pieces for several publications, which include stories on food, lifestyle and beauty. She believes life is too short for regrets, and hopes to live in London (just for the experience). She is also a self-professed cake addict, and can never resist a slice, at any time of the day. If you’d like to share life hacks, travel tips and general advice, you can drop her a note at [email protected].
I agree too. I’m trying to save up, but it’s so hard especially in Singapore. #ohwell
Well, I Argee with u. Is about whether u want or don want.
Thanks for sharing
I totally agree with all of this….but it also depend to the person that he/she really have a plan of saving or not….I believe if u really wan to do something I sure and believe that u can and is jus only sometimes your personal heart is thinking a lot of thing…even if today u start making a saving a month of $ 100 a yrs u can actually save $1200 per years…dis is also at least a saving for starting….My advice to all..,this is what I learn in my life…Today is not how good u are earning but the problem is how much u have save for your earning….that is a main point…try to think it….E.g- if today u earn $100 a days but u spend it all a days that mean u don’t have any plan at all….if today u are earning $100 and u plan to save $90 I’m sure in your future u won’t regret what u r doing now…..so life Is short don waste your life with in the end there are nothing and regret…..Thanks to all…..