ive been spending a lot of time reflecting on what i want to be focused on in my 30s, aside from company/career but also family/relationships/hobbies & was curious what y'all are experiencing or experienced being in your 30s.
Ask HN: Advice for someone entering their 30s
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Re: Ask HN: Advice for someone entering their 30s
#2In the last year I did a lot of thinking along these lines (I’m 30 for context).
Until now I’ve spent a lot of my focus chasing credentials, even if I didn’t really realize that.
For example, having good schools, companies, etc (YC even!) on the resume.
All of that served me well, but I think now it’s important to switch to harvesting some of the fruits of that labor and deciding what I inherently want to pursue.
I get joy out of a bunch of things; spending time with my family, running a business, even learning and listening to my favorite podcasts. I’m much more focused on doing things that bring me joy now, and the choices I make are in service of that.
A few things I read last year that were influential for me:
Obituary for a Quiet Life (relatively short): https://bittersoutherner.com/feature/2023/obituary-for-a-qui...
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
My tl;dr is really just the pursuit of love, joy, good health, and good money.
Re: Ask HN: Advice for someone entering their 30s
#3[deleted]
Re: Ask HN: Advice for someone entering their 30s
#4Travel now.
Stop compare yourself to other people. Don't worry about what other people are doing or what other people want.
Some people are married with 3 kids. Some people are making a million a month. Some aren't able to hold down jobs and living with their grandparents.
Most of us will never get everything we want. I've accepted I've made certain choices and I'm probably never going to have a family.
But I'm lucky in other aspects.
Don't lose friends over politics. I'm very liberal, but liberal "friends"/companies have screwed me over more times than I can count. Judge the person, not the party.
Don't worry about approval from others. That's got to be the best part of getting older. Not everyone will like you, and that's great.
Be grateful for the ones who do.
Re: Ask HN: Advice for someone entering their 30s
#5If you want to get kids, make sure you make substantial amount of progress in your career/life objectives, or get kids as early as possible, like now.
Kids are a huge time sink and you might not enjoy the experience, so better get the important things done first.
Re: Ask HN: Advice for someone entering their 30s
#6Have kids. Scary and a beat down at first but man they’re amazing and give life a whole new meaning.
Really start listening to your body more than you ever have. Little bumps and bruises take longer to heal and can turn into permanent aches/injuries if not treated right.
Maintain your network. Your network is maturing and becoming incredibly value.
Re: Ask HN: Advice for someone entering their 30s
#7Invest as much as possible in retirement accounts. Compound interest is an amazing thing.
Re: Ask HN: Advice for someone entering their 30s
#8Eat, drink and be merry – preferably with good friends and family. Always be open to new things (within reason). Get basic finances in order (pension, savings and investments), but don't overdo the planning. Be careful who you're friends with – avoid narcissistic types as much as possible. Be yourself, but keep boundaries.
That's what's I'd say to 29 year old me.
Re: Ask HN: Advice for someone entering their 30s
#9In the last year I did a lot of thinking along these lines (I’m 30 for context). Until now I’ve spent a lot of my focus chasing credentials, even if I didn’t really realize that. For example, having good schools, companies, etc (YC even!) on the resume. All of that served me well, but I think now it’s important to switch to harvesting some of the fruits of that labor and deciding what I inherently want to pursue. I g…
I've recently started reading more, particularly books for self enrichment like How to Win Friends and Influence People and How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. After reading your comment, I read the obituary and then I went and picked up Greenlights and I'm hooked. I can't wait to read more of it and after I finish it I'll pick up The Comfort Crisis. Thanks for the recommendations. If you have any others you recommend I'd love to check them out.
Re: Ask HN: Advice for someone entering their 30s
#10In the last year I did a lot of thinking along these lines (I’m 30 for context). Until now I’ve spent a lot of my focus chasing credentials, even if I didn’t really realize that. For example, having good schools, companies, etc (YC even!) on the resume. All of that served me well, but I think now it’s important to switch to harvesting some of the fruits of that labor and deciding what I inherently want to pursue. I g…
I've recently started reading more, particularly books for self enrichment like How to Win Friends and Influence People and How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. After reading your comment, I read the obituary and then I went and picked up Greenlights and I'm hooked. I can't wait to read more of it and after I finish it I'll pick up The Comfort Crisis. Thanks for the recommendations. If you have any others you recom…
I’m glad to hear they were helpful! David Goggins two books are great as well, and probably in line with your current themes. Can’t Hurt Me and Never Finished. Highly recommend the audiobooks for those too.