You Should Know These Things Before You Turn 30
adulting is hard!
Hey, let’s have a real talk.
We’ve all heard the saying, “You’ll figure it out as you get older,” but there are certain things you should definitely have down by the time you turn 30. Trust me, life gets a whole lot easier when you’ve got these basics mastered.
So, let’s dive into six things you should know by now, and if not, hey, no worries, you’ve still got time!
But before we get started, here’s a lil task for you:
📌 Do one thing you’ve been putting off all week. Trust me, it’ll feel amazing to head into the weekend with that box checked
Now, off to my lecture 😜
🎯 Saying “NO”
First off, saying no is an art form. Look, in your 20s, it’s easy to be a “yes person.” You want to please everyone, go to every event, and take on every task, but by the time you hit 30, you need to learn to say no and mean it.
Saying yes to everything leads to burnout, and no one benefits when you’re running on empty. So, next time you’re stretched too thin, just say, “No, thanks.” It’s a complete sentence. You don’t need to overexplain yourself, and you certainly don’t need to feel guilty about it. Trust me, people will respect you more when you value your time.
🎯 Addressing issues openly
If you’re still avoiding difficult conversations or letting things fester in the back of your mind, it’s time to stop. I get it; tough conversations are uncomfortable, but here’s the thing: they’re NECESSARY.
Whether it's with a partner, a friend, or a coworker, pretending everything’s fine when it’s not only creates more problems down the road. By 30, you should know how to address issues directly but calmly. Speak your mind, express your feelings, and don’t let resentment build up. You’ll be surprised at how much easier things get when you just talk about what’s bothering you.
🎯 Disagreeing respectfully
Here’s a big one.
In our social media-driven world, it’s easy to get caught up in heated arguments and start assuming everyone should think like you. But by 30, you’ve gotta get comfortable with the idea that people have different perspectives, and that’s OKAY.
It’s not about winning an argument, but about respecting differences of opinion. It’s totally fine to disagree, but it’s also important to stay calm and civil. Disagreeing doesn’t mean you have to burn bridges or get personal; keep it respectful, and you’ll come out looking like the bigger person.
🎯 Decluttering and organizing
Okay, be honest: how’s your living space looking right now?
If your room or office still looks like a war zone, it’s time to get your act together. We all inherit some level of clutter from our childhoods (thanks, mom and dad), but by 30, you’ve got to figure out how to live in a clean, organized space.
You don’t need to go full Marie Kondo, but knowing how to purge things you don’t need and keeping your stuff organized is key. It’s not just about having a tidy space; it’s about creating an environment that helps you think clearly and feel more in control of your life.
🎯 Drinking responsibly
Let’s face it, we’ve all had those nights where we partied a little too hard (and maybe regretted it the next day).
But by 30, you should really know your limits when it comes to alcohol. Drinking responsibly is more than just knowing when to stop. It’s about understanding how alcohol affects you and how much is too much.
It’s about not needing to drink to have a good time and not letting alcohol take control of your decisions. So, whether it’s a night out with friends or a casual drink, remember: moderation is key.
🎯 Dressing appropriately
Look, I’m not saying you need to dress like you’re heading to a board meeting every day (unless that’s your thing, no judgment).
But by 30, you should definitely know how to dress for the occasion. Whether it’s a job interview, a wedding, or just a regular day at work, your clothes speak volumes about you.
Wrinkled shirts, gym clothes at brunch, and sneakers at interviews? Not the look we’re going for. It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy, but it should be appropriate and well-put-together. Knowing how to dress the part is one of those things that instantly boost your confidence and help you stand out.
🎯 Writing professional emails
Finally, let’s talk about writing professional emails. I can’t believe I’m still seeing people in their late 20s who can’t write a clear, concise, and polite email. By 30, you should know how to communicate effectively in a professional setting. It’s simple: keep it short, keep it polite, and get to the point. No one has time for long-winded messages that beat around the bush.
And please, use proper grammar! Ugh!
Anyway, that’s it for today. If you have already turned 30, drop some wise advice in the comments.
Let’s meet again tomorrow👋
