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Entering your 30s marks a significant milestone, a period of self-discovery, growth, and new opportunities. You’re probably past your staying up all nights, out clubbing til 5AM and eating pizza nightly days. I’m in my mid-30s and I literally can’t imagine clubbing that late anymore. My idea of a good night is in bed by 9PM with a good book. But everyone has their own journey. It’s a time to build on the experiences of your 20s and set the foundation for a fulfilling life ahead and one way is figuring out Things You Should Do in Your 30’s that set you up for life. I promise you’re not actually old (even if you can feel the weather in your knees).
In this comprehensive guide of Things You Should Do in Your 30’s, we’ll explore 30 essential things you should do in your 30s. From career advancement to personal development, relationships, and financial stability, these actionable steps are designed to help you make the most of this transformative decade. You’re still young enough to have fun and do things that set you up for long term success. You’ll never be younger than you are today, after all.
Personal Growth and Self-Reflection
You’re probably more stable than you were in your 20’s and know yourself better. Your thirties are a great time to do the things that feel good to you.
Define Your Values and Priorities
Take the time to reflect on your core values and priorities during your journey of doing the Things You Should Do in Your 30’s. Understanding what truly matters to you will guide your decisions and actions in various aspects of life. However this looks to you.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Embrace a growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for learning and development. This mindset fosters resilience and adaptability in the face of life’s twists and turns. And at this age – that’s more than likely. If you’re a Millennial or Gen Z like me, you’ve seen a recession, many world-changing events, and a pandemic. That’s a lot of upheaval.
Invest in Continuous Learning
Whether through formal education, online courses, or self-directed learning, invest in expanding your knowledge and skills. Stay curious and open to new ideas. Curiousity keeps you young, and learning is a fulfilling thing to do.
Set Personal Goals
Define clear, achievable personal goals for your 30s. These goals can encompass various aspects of life, such as health, relationships, and personal development. Journal about it!
Career Advancement and Professional Development
You’ve been in the workforce for between 15-20 years now. Crazyz how time flies! That means you’re almost as far away from retirement as the day you started working. That should help put things in perspective. Plan for your future, and set yourself up for success later in life.
Evaluate Your Career Path
Assess your current career path and consider whether it aligns with your long-term goals. Explore opportunities for growth, skill development, and advancement.
Network and Build Professional Relationships
Cultivate meaningful connections within your industry. Attend networking events, join professional organizations, and leverage social media to expand your professional network.
Pursue Passion Projects
If you have a passion project or entrepreneurial idea, now is the time to pursue it. Balancing your career with projects you’re passionate about can bring a sense of fulfillment. As Marie Kondo said – does it spark joy?
Negotiate Your Salary
Advocate for fair compensation by negotiating your salary. Research industry standards, highlight your achievements, and confidently discuss your value with employers. You likely have 10+ years under your belt now – if you’re a woman in particular, you’re likely being underpaid in general. You deserve a raise.
Financial Stability and Planning:
This is definitely the decade where you should focus on money! I’m personally working towards FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) and my husband and I plan to retire in the next few years. Your thirties are the decade to decide how the rest of your life is going to look.
Create a Budget
Develop a realistic budget that aligns with your financial goals. Track your income, expenses, and savings to ensure financial stability.
Build an Emergency Fund
Establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses for added financial security.
Contribute to Retirement Savings
Prioritize contributions to your retirement savings. Take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans and consider additional investment options. You have 30 years or less to retirement at this point – the best time to start saving is today. It doesn’t have to be a big thing, it can be a tiny chunk at a time.
Review and Improve Credit Score
Regularly check your credit score and address any issues. A good credit score is crucial for various financial transactions and opportunities.
Health and Well-Being
Your knees might start hurting, but what you do in your 30’s will dictate how you age.
Prioritize Mental Health
Pay attention to your mental well-being. Practice mindfulness, seek therapy if needed, and develop strategies to manage stress. Consider therapy – most major insurers cover it.
Establish Healthy Habits
Cultivate a healthy lifestyle by focusing on regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep. These habits contribute to long-term well-being.
Schedule Regular Health Check-ups
Schedule routine health check-ups to monitor your physical health. Early detection of potential issues is key to maintaining overall well-being.
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption
Be mindful of your alcohol and caffeine intake. Moderation in consumption supports better physical and mental health. I personally cut out caffeine completely, and alcohol mostly. I feel so much better, honestly.
Relationships and Social Connections:
You’ll have to be more meaningful about your social connections in your 30’s. Since a lot of your friends from school won’t be around as often, it can be a challenge. Making new friends during this decade, cutting out old people – there’s a lot that happens in your friend group in your thirties.
Cultivate Meaningful Friendships
Nurture deep and meaningful friendships. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you in your personal and professional endeavors.
Communicate Effectively
Hone your communication skills. Effective communication is crucial in personal and professional relationships.
Evaluate Your Romantic Relationships
Reflect on your romantic relationships and ensure they align with your values and goals. Open communication is key to a healthy partnership.
Set Boundaries
Learn to set boundaries in relationships. Establishing clear boundaries helps maintain a healthy balance between personal and professional life.
Personal Fulfillment and Joy
What I’ve discovered is that I am getting into things I’ve always loved but didn’t necessarily have the money or time for. I have more time freedom and money than I had in my 20’s – so I’m using that extra money to have fun with it all.
Travel and Explore
Embrace the opportunity to travel and explore new places. Experiencing different cultures and environments broadens your perspective.
Discover Hobbies and Passions
Engage in activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s painting, playing a musical instrument, or pursuing a sport, discover and nurture your passions.
Embrace Change and Adaptability
Understand that change is inevitable. Embrace adaptability and see change as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Volunteer and Give Back
Contribute to your community by volunteering. Giving back not only helps others but also brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Personal and Family Planning:
This is the decade to figure out what you want your family structure to look like. Do you want to remain childfree? Do you want more kids? How do you want your future to look like?
Do you want kids?
If children are part of your plan, consider family planning options. This may include discussions about parenthood, fertility, and related aspects. Talk openly about your partner (if applicable) about what you want. Family takes many different forms. Children aren’t an obligation, and many are opting out of parenthood which is totally fine. But get clear on what you want.
Create a Will and Estate Plan
Take the time to create a will and establish an estate plan. This ensures that your assets are managed according to your wishes.
Maintain a Work-Life Balance
Strive for a healthy work-life balance. Prioritize time with loved ones, self-care, and leisure activities.
Environmental and Social Responsibility:
Of course, there is so much to be said on this topic. Us as individuals have a responsibility to leave the earth better than we found it. Do your part!
Adopt Sustainable Practices
Embrace sustainable practices in your daily life. This may include reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting eco-friendly initiatives.
Stay Informed and Engage in Social Issues
Stay informed about social issues and actively engage in conversations and actions that contribute to positive change.
Final Thoughts on Things You Should Do in Your 30’s
Your 30s present a unique opportunity to shape the trajectory of your life. By focusing on personal growth, career advancement, financial stability, health, relationships, and personal fulfillment, you can lay the groundwork for a fulfilling and purpose-driven future. Embrace the journey, stay open to new possibilities, and make the most of this transformative decade. Remember, it’s never too late to invest in yourself and create a life that aligns with your values and aspirations.You’ve got this.
