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Being 20 years old is a great time. It’s also a time with a lot of changes.
1. Yes, You Are An Adult.
I’m not going where you think I am with this one. 20 is a time where you feel so adolescent yet have so much freedom and access. It’s easy for that to lead to recklessness. You may feel free and invincible but you’re not. You aren’t a kid anymore and there are real consequences for your actions. Act accordingly.
2. Boys Are Still Boys.
RIP to the girls who thought they would have a whirlwind romance once they turned twenty. Just because the word teen is no longer apart of your age, doesn’t mean that all of your peers have matured. If anything, the false sense of maturity their age gives them makes them even worse.
3. Get A Job
In the words of Kim Kardashian, “Get your fucking ass up and work.” Kidding. But seriously, even if it’s just once a week in the student center, get a job. At twenty a lot of people are still in college therefore they still have a bit of help from their parents. However, money is power and having your own gives you the freedom to make your own decisions. Starting saving up now while the pressure is off. You won’t regret it.
4. Friends Come And Go
Being in your early twenties is a lot of high highs and low lows. You may find yourself in total bliss with your future bridesmaids, then find yourself avoiding eye contact in the dining hall. That’s normal! You are all changing so much and not everyone is meant to ride the full ride. Some get off the train early and that’s okay.
5. It’s Okay To Say No.
“No sleep! Bus, club, another club, another club.” – Lady Gaga. A totally out of context quote that describes early twenties. You may feel pressured to keep up with the party scene that is very prominent at 20. As fun as it can be, spending time by yourself and recharging is so important. Tell Becca that tonight you’re staying in to finish an essay and watch a movie. You’ll thank yourself for it.
6. Start Investing
Remember when I said get a job? This is part of the reason why. Now a days it’s so easy to start investing even the smallest amount each month. Your money can’t grow if you leave it in the same place. Get in the mix and start moving that money!
7. People Will Try To Take Advantage Of You
Being young and presumably weak, some people will try to take advantage of you. Whether that’s trying to get you roped into a ‘dream job’ that turns out to be a pyramid scheme, or an employer who is neglecting you of your legal rights because they assume you don’t know better. At my first job I found out after left, through a friend, that I was being paid 3.50 cents less than most coworkers. Turns out she, like many others simply said she would not accept a wage that low and they raised it. I had no idea we could advocate for ourselves like that. Now, I ask for what I deserve and am prepared to stick up for myself in whatever way I have to.
8. Failing Is Normal
On the flip side, you may ask for a raise and you may get a no. That’s okay too. You tried and that’s the most important thing. You may fail a test, you may fall for something dumb and get scammed out of money, you may bomb a job interview, and of course you may totally screw up at work. You are only human, and very new to this adulthood thing. So don’t be too hard on yourself. Everything can be used as a learning lesson to help you grow.
9. Your Sex Life Is Nobody’s Business
Part of the reason so many 20 year olds feel out of place is because of the constant comparison to their peers. There is no normal at 20. Some 20 year olds are virgins and have never dated anyone. Some are waiting until marriage. Some have causal sex all the time. Some have sex within committed relationships. Wherever you stand, you are totally normal. Everyone is different and there is no right answer. Don’t let anyone shame you for where you’re at. Do you. Or do them. Get it? Okay I’ll stop.
10. There Is Beauty In The Unknown
So much is up in the air. On the macro, what am I going to do with my life? Where do I want to work? Where do I want to live? On the micro, what are we doing tonight? Does he like me back? Are we still friends? It’s like you know everything and nothing at all. It can be overwhelming at times, but don’t let those things deter you. Embrace the unknown and surrender to the fact that you have a lot more life to live. You’ll be much happier because of it and it will leave room for more great moments in your life. You’re living the good old days. Enjoy them!
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