As we approach our thirties, many of us are plagued with a sense of unease. It's as if we are standing at the precipice of a cliff, peering down into the dark unknown below. The thought of turning 30 can be daunting, like we are about to take a giant leap into adulthood with no turning back.
It's as if we are leaving behind the carefree days of our twenties and entering into a world of responsibility, mortgages, and marriage. We might feel like we are entering a new stage of life, and we're not quite sure we're ready for it.
But rest assured, you are not alone.
In fact, the fear of turning 30 is a common experience shared by many.
I asked the same question to fellow creators on LinkedIn and this is what they said...
💁 Richa Singh:
Nearing to 30s feels scary for sure to me because you are expected to settle by then both personally and professionally. I am 27 so the pressure to get married is just beginning from outside.
Even I feel like I need to find someone before I turn 30. It feels lonely as all your friends are settled and moved cities/countries. Life is not the same again. Priorities are changing, responsibilities are increasing.
On the bright side, I enjoy my company more. I feel optimistic about my future. There are going to be certain expectations of people from us but entertaining as much as suits you is the way to be.
Being 30 is scary. I was told that time is running out and I should stop experimenting with my life like I did in my 20s and better get serious. But, I realized that I wasn’t insincere in my 20s. I just took the paths which I thought would take me to my desired destinations. I have had my share of success and failures.
As a 30 something guy, I no longer feel the obligation to comply with what people say or think about me. I openly say Good Night to parties I get invited to, as and when required as I am learning the art of self-prioritization. My happiness is now more dependent on what I can do and not on what others can do for me.
I have a level of self-awareness that helps me accept or reject advice. Not only that, I am now more clear about the kind of lifestyle I want and where my money deserves to be spent. I have been a bucket of mistakes in my 20s but now, I am trying to become a bouquet of optimism to focus on what I could do to make my next decade better.
My birthday falls in the first week of the new year so it always triggers the fresh start syndrome but this year it did so more than ever before because it was the big 30 plus I was due to deliver my baby shortly after!
It made me reflect on the 20s gone by and even more on what I'd like my thirties to look like. I'd say I'm mid transformation right now.
It's definitely just a number but why waste a chance to reinvent?
💁♀️ Shubham Gupta
Sometimes it gets overwhelming. There might be more responsibilities coming my way. I am already handling a lot and I don't know if I can manage everything at that level. Also, I haven't achieved most of my goals on time, so I keep thinking what if I can't achieve anything by 30? What will I do then?
I know I am still young and there's a lot of time, but sometimes I feel like things are not working out.
Another thing is that nostalgia hits me harder these days because I have gone through 3-4 groups of people around me. First, there were my school friends, then college friends, then the people I worked with or freelanced with. So I miss the things I had before, even though I enjoy the present phase. But this has also helped me appreciate the people around me more.
To help you understand better,
Here are a few examples that illustrate why turning 30 can be overwhelming for many people:
Career and financial pressure: Many people in their 30s are dealing with the pressure of building a successful career and achieving financial stability. They may feel overwhelmed by the need to prove themselves, climb the corporate ladder, and make enough money to support themselves and their families.
Family and relationship pressure: By their 30s, many people feel the pressure to settle down, get married, and have children. For those who have not yet achieved these milestones, there may be a sense of anxiety or inadequacy. Even those who have started families may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of parenthood and the challenges of maintaining a healthy relationship with a partner.
Health concerns: As we age, we become more aware of our mortality and may start to worry about our health. Many people in their 30s begin to experience health issues such as high blood pressure, chronic pain, or mental health concerns. These issues can be overwhelming and impact many areas of our lives.
Social expectations: Society often sets certain expectations for what we should have accomplished by the time we reach our 30s, such as owning a home, having a stable career, and being settled in a committed relationship. Those who have not achieved these milestones may feel overwhelmed by the sense of falling behind or not measuring up.
Personal growth and self-discovery: In our 30s, we may start to question our purpose in life and our values. Many people experience a period of self-discovery and personal growth during this time, which can be both exciting and overwhelming. We may feel pressure to make significant changes in our lives, such as pursuing a new career path or ending a toxic relationship.
Reasons why you shouldn't feel overwhelmed when you turn 30?
You have gained valuable life experience: By the time you turn 30, you have likely experienced a variety of situations and challenges. You have learned from both your successes and failures, and this knowledge and experience can help you navigate future challenges with greater confidence and ease.
You have a better sense of self: As you have grown and matured, you likely have a clearer understanding of who you are as a person, what you value, and what you want out of life. This can help you make more informed decisions and pursue goals that are truly meaningful to you.
You have developed stronger relationships: Over the years, you have likely formed deeper connections with family, friends, and romantic partners. These relationships can provide a sense of support and stability as you navigate the ups and downs of life.
You still have plenty of time to pursue your goals: While turning 30 may feel like a milestone, it's important to remember that there is still plenty of time to pursue your dreams and aspirations. Many successful people didn't achieve their greatest accomplishments until later in life.
Age is just a number: Ultimately, your age is just a number. It doesn't define who you are or what you are capable of achieving. Instead of focusing on your age, focus on living a fulfilling life and pursuing your passions.
How to feel less scared about turning 30?
Focus on your accomplishments: Take some time to reflect on your accomplishments so far, both big and small. Celebrate the things you have achieved, and remember that you are capable of achieving more.
Set new goals: Setting new goals for yourself can give you a sense of purpose and direction. Think about what you want to achieve in the next decade, and start working towards those goals.
Embrace change: Change can be scary, but it's a natural part of life. Instead of resisting change, try to embrace it. Be open to new experiences and opportunities.
Take care of yourself: Self-care is important at any age, but it's especially important as you approach your 30s. Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, and make time for activities you enjoy.
Connect with others: Building strong relationships with friends and family can help you feel more grounded and supported as you navigate this new phase of life. Make time to connect with the important people in your life, and don't be afraid to reach out for support when you need it.
To Sum it Up
Turning 30 can be a significant milestone in a person's life, marking the end of a decade and the beginning of a new one. For many people, the thought of turning 30 can bring about a wide range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety and even fear.
It's a time when one's youth is coming to an end, and the pressure to have achieved certain milestones, such as a successful career or a stable relationship, can feel overwhelming. Inside someone's head, there may be a sense of introspection and reflection, as they take stock of their life so far and consider their goals for the future.
The pressure to have it all figured out by the time you turn 30 can be immense, leading to self-doubt and a fear of failure.
However, it's essential to remember that everyone's journey is different, and there's no right or wrong way to approach this new chapter in life.
Do you agree?
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