The countdown is on. Less than four months until my calendar strikes the big 3-0.
Adventures and memories aside, although my 20s were life-changing, I’m looking forward to 30 and all of the promise is has to offer. Here’s why:
On Family: It seems that it’s not until somewhere around 30 that you realize just how cool your family is and that although they’re crazy (mostly a stressful crazy), they’re part of who you are. They’re wrapped into your personality, your traits, your fears, your aspirations, and just plain you. While I’ve always respected my parents for how they provided for, raised and supported my sisters and I, I’m going into my 30’s looking ever more forward to connecting with them as friends, not just parents.
On Marriage: The past 3 years of marriage have given my husband and I a chance to grow together through a deployment, lifestyle adjustments and the stress of every day life. We’ll be kicking off my 30’s with a move, a transition out of the military, a new job and less income. I wouldn’t change a thing. I married the best man I could have asked for and I’m looking forward to the next chapter of our lives with kids, a house and a focus on living a life that we value.
On Kids: I’m almost 30 and with no kids. Opinions vary greatly on if we’re behind or ahead of the curve – and trust me, people seem quite comfortable voicing their thoughts here. We hope to start a family in the next year and I’m glad we’ve waited. My 20s were a time for travel, focusing on me, creating a business and getting some things out of my system. Kids will change life as we know it – and I can comfortably say that’s okay. It’s okay, because I won’t have regrets, and when they do come, I’ll be ready and willing to put my focus where it should be.
On Business & Entrepreneurship: I spent the last 10 years finding my way around a male dominated industry. I struggled, questioned, learned, faced more than a few instances of ageism, found some wonderful mentors and ultimately decided that I was done helping pre-retirees actually retire. I made the decision 7 months ago to follow my dreams. I opened Workable Wealth in August of 2013, and am now that proud owner of my own financial planning practice focused on providing fun and accessible financial coaching to those in their 20s and 30s. It took me close to 10 years of questioning to make this leap. I won’t make the same mistake again. Over the next 10 years –Workable Wealth as a business and myself as an entrepreneur are going to grow and effect change in ways I didn’t think possible in my 20s.
My 20s have been filled with transition, adventures, love, laughter, fear and sorrow. I don’t for a second think that life in my 30s won’t share the same. What will be different though is my perspective. It’s easy to question who you are, doubt yourself and wonder if this is what it’s all about in your 20’s. As I enter my 30’s, I’m more comfortable with who I am as a woman, friend, wife, entrepreneur, daughter and sister than I could have imagined 10 years ago. I’m aware and conscious of how I treat myself and others and understand that I will only get what I give. I recognize how blessed I am to have to opportunities that I do and to be able to contribute to making the world a better place. I’m going into my 30’s in total understanding that it’s most definitely not all about me and that’s why they’ll be bigger, better and stronger than my 20s.
BIO
Mary Beth Storjohann, CFP® is the founder of Workable Wealth, a fee-only financial planning firm for Gen Y, by Gen Y. She works with those in their 20s and 30s to help them plan, organize and gain confidence in their financial lives. You can find her on twitter at @marybstorj.
I hit 30 at the end of the month, and I totally agree about the family thing. I adore spending time with my family and have felt it much more a priority now.
I’m turning 30 next month and I’ve thought about a lot of the things you’ve mentioned. Family has also become more important to me, and I hate that they are so far away. Congratulations on opening your own firm. That’s an accomplishment at any age!
I love these post you are doing about you turning 30. Brings back memories for me! I have already bypassed the 30 mark and well into the 40 mark. As you get older your priorities and thoughts do for sure change. I have actually found myself more in my 40’s then any other time in my life. Before then I was always more focused on making sure my husband, children and family were happy. It took my mother’s death a couple of years ago to make me realize that life is too short and there is nothing wrong with taking some time for yourself.