15 Milestones Everyone Needs to Reach by Age 30
Updated: Sep. 01, 2023
So, you've nearly hit the big 3-0! Congrats. You've probably seen a whole load of milestones along the way—make sure you don't miss these.
Live alone
From the trials and tribulations of house-shares to living with your mom and dad, you may have seen it all. However, if you’ve yet to have your own place—even for a short period—it could be time to give it a shot. Coming home to an empty apartment or house may sound a tad sad, but it doesn’t have to be. That time and space alone could be just what you need to figure out who you really are when no one else is watching. Find out 32 secrets of people who’ve crossed major items off their bucket list.
Take a solo trip
Ditch the standard vacay and opt for a solo adventure this time around. Having complete control over where you go, what you see, and what you do is at once enlightening and liberating—this trip is yours and yours alone. Live it. Check out the best places to travel alone as a woman.
Accept who you are
Self-acceptance is not an easy game. Many people will spend their entire lives trying to gain it and, sadly, some never will. “Our society puts huge pressure on us to be successful and to constantly compare ourselves with others; this causes a great deal of unhappiness and anxiety,” said Mark Williamson, PhD, Director of the Action for Happiness charity, in a recent report. Accepting yourself for who you are and forgiving yourself for your mistakes is a noble goal we should all reach for.
Be friends with your parents
While we’re growing up, our parents morph from the heroes of our childhood to the authoritative figures of our teens. In our 20s, though, we begin to realize that they are human too. They are no longer the rule makers or enforcers; they’re people with struggles and feelings. Getting to know them as friends rather than just family is one of the most enjoyable experiences you will ever have.
Host an adult dinner party
While planning a menu, buying the ingredients, and cooking a tasty meal for four or more may sound like a trial, it’s well worth the trouble. Hosting a dinner party for your friends or loved ones is an excellent way to show how much you care—and no one will care if you have mismatched plates and silverware. Trust us. Here are the secrets to throwing an amazing dinner party in a small apartment.
Ask for a raise at work
Have you been struggling away at work without getting the recognition you deserve? You’re not alone. Many of us find that asking for a raise is one of the hardest workplace challenges we will ever face. Get over it. It’s important to ask for what we deserve. And what’s the worst that can happen, anyway?
Quit your job altogether
Staying in a job you hate is a mistake. It doesn’t take a genius to understand that, and yet so many people out there do it. But before the age of 30, you likely don’t have a whole bunch of obligations or constraints, so there’s no better time to do it. Here are some signs you’re in the wrong career—and how to find one you love.
Stop caring what people think
When you care too much about what people think, it holds you back in more ways than you expect—you end up living your life on other people’s terms. That’s not OK. Focus on yourself and what you want, not what other people think of you. While that may be easier said than done, it’s something that you should aim for each and every day.
Practice meditation
There’s a reason that the art of meditation is so popular these days. Not only has research suggested that meditation can alleviate depression when combined with exercise, but it also gives you the headspace you need. Taking the time to relax and unwind each day will make you calmer and more balanced, in all areas of your life. Want to stay healthy for decades? Incorporate these health tweaks during your 30s.
Learn a new skill—just for you
Throughout our lives, we need to learn a whole bunch of things. Between algebra, the inner workings of a frog, and PowerPoint, you need to learn a lot in high school, college, and in the workplace. But, ask yourself, when was the last time that you learned something new for the pure joy of learning? Whether it’s learning to play piano or a new language, now is the time to give it a go.
Get some therapy
You don’t have to be in the depths of despair to book yourself an appointment: Therapy can be prevention as much as it is a cure. Having an expert to talk to when you need guidance or support could be just what you need. Opting to get a therapist is a form of self-care and self-love. Here are 13 smart tips for finding a therapist you can trust.
Learn how to handle sadness
Life is not one endless period of pure bliss; there are times when we all feel sad or even just a little down. Rather than fighting this emotion, though, it could be better to allow yourself to truly feel it. Researchers at the American Psychological Association recently suggested that the key to happiness could be letting yourself experience your true emotions, be it sadness, anger, or guilt.
Splurge on a gift for yourself
When was the last time that you splurged on something just for yourself? Most of the time, when we buy gifts, they are for other people; friends, family, and so on. Buying something truly special for yourself may seem a little naughty, but that’s exactly why you should do it.
Find some gym buddies
You may already have your exercise game on point, but how can you take things to the next level? Research has found that getting active with friends improves your quality of life while also helping you reduce your stress levels. Finding some friendly gym buddies by the time you’re 30 will help you put your exercise at the center of your social life.
Learn to be selfish
Many people are under the impression that being selfish is an inherently bad thing. It doesn’t have to be. Sometimes, being a little selfish or just doing something on your own terms pays off. If you’re the type of person who is always people-pleasing, you need to quit it. Be a little selfish, no one’s going to be mad. Next, find out 30 things everyone should own by age 30.
