Life makes sense when you look at it backward, the problem is we have to live it forward. We all are making mistakes in life and the first ones start in our teens and twenties.

What are the mistakes you made in your twenties?

For each person it will be different, what he or she sees as an error made at that age. Let’s find some common trends, shall we? Comment below what you wish you knew when you were in your twenties.

In my view, the biggest mistake one could make in their late 20s:

• Trying to do something (marriage, career, having a child) because you feel like “time is ticking away”.

Why? Your life is only starting. You can achieve anything you want, no rush.

• No need to marry because all your friends are married.
• No rush to have kids because “it’s time”.
• No hurry to “stick with a career and work hard at achieving something.”

You can do all of the above, but don’t do it because “time is ticking away” —do it because you really want to. If you are unsure this is exactly what you want, don’t do it.

• Sure, you also need to have a financial plan and save for your retirement, but you better off starting this as soon as you begin earning money, whether late teens or early 20s.
• Maintaining your health and learning new skills is a lifetime task.
• Understanding oneself is what you always do.

Still, for me, not becoming desperate about your life “slipping through your fingers” or trying to do something just to keep appearances, this is what you certainly want to avoid at your late 20s.

You will be able to marry and start a family, but do not need to do it only if you feel that time is running out.

How long do you think you are going to live?

Seriously, you probably are going to live until you are 100 or more! You have plenty of time. Do what you love and want.

I now look back at that time and I wish I went after my dream career and became a lawyer. I tried to get into the university but couldn’t get into this field. So, I decided to stick with my philosophy studies. I do use this knowledge while being a dating coach, but I love arguing with people and law would be probably a better field for me.

Besides, I am now interested in politics and law would be the perfect background to get involved in changing the society for the better on the level of legislation. But in my late 20s I was so concerned that I needed to start working on my career, I decided to stop pursuing what I was really interested in. Now I am thinking about going to the law school, even though I do enjoy what I am doing now and have achieved success.

Funny enough, one of the men I know completed a law school and passed the bar accreditation, only to leave this field because he couldn’t make enough money to provide for the family. He went to study law not because he loved it, but hoping to earn well. How many of us are doing not what they wish they did, just to earn money, because they became good in something and now fear to lose this income?

Not many people are probably doing what they love. If all people did what they loved and had a passion for in their twenties, they would definitely acquire success in that field in 10-15 years of doing it professionally. Many of them would regret it, possibly, not going after the dream career, later in life.

What are the things you’d advise someone to do and not do when they are 20-29? Let’s find out what are the typical regrets, maybe it will help someone to avoid them!

Read also:

• What Russian Women Mean When They Say, I Want To Create a Family?
• Creating a career from hobbies makes you happier
• Is it true that Russian women are family oriented?
• Want to live longer? Go to college