Being in Your 20s Sucks

...and other lies they told us about "the best years of your life"

You know what’s exhausting? Being in my twenties.

This is supposed to be the “best time of my life.” The years where I “figure it all out,” where I build the foundation for my future, make the memories I’ll tell my kids about, and somehow, do it all without completely losing my mind.

I should wake up at 5 AM, drink my lemon water, journal, meditate, hit the gym, and have a “millionaire mindset.” But also, I should enjoy my youth, go out, party, and be spontaneous because “you’re only young once.” But not too much, you don’t want to ruin your career. Also, don’t drink too much or waste money on clubs. Stay home. Read books. Be productive.

I should be at the peak of my fitness. No excuses. Meal prep, count calories, lift weights, do yoga, get 10,000 steps in, but also, enjoy life! Eat whatever you want! Don’t be obsessed with diet culture! But wait! Why aren’t you in shape? Health is wealth.

I should be financially smart. Save money. Invest. Have multiple streams of income. Buy a house before the market gets worse. But also, travel while you can. See the world! Take that solo trip! Experience different cultures! Oh, but also, why are you spending so much? Be frugal. Cut back on expenses. Stop eating out. But also, don’t be boring! Go out with friends, make memories, and spend on experiences.

I should be social, make new friends, and build a strong network, because “it’s all about connections.” But also, keep your circle small! Trust no one. Focus on yourself. But wait, don’t isolate yourself, that’s not healthy either.

I should be career-driven, working extra hours, climbing the corporate ladder, networking with CEOs, and building my LinkedIn presence. But also, why am I not starting my own business? Hustle culture is a scam; work-life balance is important. Wait, no! Grind now so you can relax later! But also, don’t let your job define you.

I should be in a serious relationship by now. But also, stay single! Enjoy your freedom! Wait! Why am I not dating? Am I afraid of commitment? Actually, no, relationships take time. But also, the clock is ticking, everyone’s getting engaged. Wait, don’t rush into marriage. Have fun! But not too much fun, you don’t want to end up alone.

I should have hobbies. Pick up an instrument. Start painting. Learn a language. Read more books. Get into photography. But also, don’t waste time on things that don’t make money. Monetize your hobbies. Turn them into a side hustle. But also, have hobbies just for fun! But also, make sure you’re consistent. Try new things, don’t limit yourself.

I should be independent. Move out. Learn to cook. Do my laundry. Be self-sufficient. But also, don’t drift too far from family. Spend time with your parents. You’ll regret it later. But also, don’t let them control your life.

I should have a five-year plan. But also, I should live in the moment. But also, I should be prepared for anything. But also, life is unpredictable, so why stress?

It feels like no matter what I do, I’m either not doing enough or doing too much.

But you know what? I’m done.

I don’t want to be a checklist. I don’t want to follow some imaginary timeline created by people who don’t even know what they’re doing either.

I want to take my time. Figure things out at my own pace. I want to work on things that excite me, not just the things that look good on a résumé. I want to travel because I want to, not because Instagram told me to. I want to be fit, but not obsessed. Financially smart, but not paranoid. Social, but not drained. Successful, but on my terms.

I don’t need to have it all figured out.

I just need to live. My way.