The Big 30, Not As Scary As It Seems…

I turned thirty two weeks ago. In the run up to the big event people kept asking me how I felt as if I should be sobbing in the corner. The number thirty was followed by ‘ooohs’,’wow’ and ‘well old’, thanks younger siblings for that last one.

In all honesty, thirty as a number does not bother me. I’ve achieved a bit, not as much as others but enough for now; my bank account is far from overflowing, I’m doing well in my job, I have a loving partner and a flat that is a build site. Whilst I’m far from the ‘Insta lifestyle’ I’m doing okay. Life isn’t bad and I am grateful for all the good things in it.

I feel that your late twenties and early thirties are a good time to get to know yourself and be more secure in who you are and what you want to achieve. It’s an exciting, challenging and empowering time.

My only worry looking ahead is making long term choices I won’t later regret. Though I need to remind myself, there’s no age limit to making changes. A choice I make now may not be relevant in five years and so a new choice is made. Right now my career is at the forefront of this thought. I want to be passionate about my career and feel a change is needed but I’m not yet sure in which direction and that’s okay.

Instead of worrying and allowing the career question to consume me I’m being practical. Reading and listening to podcasts, looking at the job market to see what interests me and considering if I may need to go back and study. Another thing I am doing is writing two lists, a list of things I care about and a list of things I like to do. Hopefully there will be a clear crossover that may give me some direction. I’m not rushing this list, I’m giving myself a couple of weeks to allow myself to think but not enough time to overthink!

If anyone has a good podcast, book or website that has helped them please do send it my way. If I find something that works for me I will also share! In the meantime, to anyone turning thirty, I can promise you it’s not as scary as it sounds. In fact, it’s quite exciting!