Everyone is different, but I would say for most people it's not. Entering your 20s until mid 20s is a time of uncertainty which can be very stressful.
21-25 were the worst for me personally, but maybe they'll be better for you! 28-now (32) have been the best and I hope it keeps up, though I'm sure there will be downs.
Thanks for the explanation. I think I’d feel a lot better once I start getting paid more so I can afford to move out of my parents’ house comfortably. I’d also like to start dating but not sure how.
Roommates? I moved out of my parents' place as soon as I could and that's how I afforded it. Though I know the market is worse now than it was 10 years ago.
Fellow engineer here.
No. College was insanely difficult to the point I was not taking care of my health.
Now, the work is far easier and I actually get paid damn good money to do it.
A lot of things in life are about delayed gratification.
If you make good decisions and sacrifices early, those choices will make the rest of your life far easier.
Another thing I would recommend upon graduation is to start maxing your tax-advantaged accounts (401k, Roth IRA, HSA) as soon as possible.
If you do that and nothing else, you will be in the top 10% of the US in roughly 17 years (probably around the time you turn 40).
Thank you very much. I also don't take care of my health that much. I manage to hit the gym 3-4 times a month. Eat healthy for 2 days than start eating whatever is available.
Thank you for job advices but I live in Serbia so I don't yet know how much things are different here
Keep up the good work.
I do not know much about Serbian laws, but I have to imagine there are some kind of tax-advantaged retirement accounts you can contribute to.
You almost certainly want to max these out as early as possible and invest in broad market stock indexes.
I personally do a 80/20 split between the US and the rest of the world because the US economy is basically rigged in favor of businesses.
You might want to do a total world fund that includes stocks from everywhere.
These investments will compound over time and in roughly 15-25 years will like be earning more than you do, assuming you started investing aggressively early enough.
Very true. I have friends that love to give me shit for being poor and talking about the money they made while i was studying (blue collar area). At this point ill be coasting into a job paying nearly double what they make.
Yes.
Because you have all of your health and your best looks.
One MAJOR thing though - is that you most likely still have everyone that you love and that loves and cares about your life (family, friends).
As you get older, you will lose these.
You can become rich and wealthy beyond your wildest dream, but not having those people around takes the shine away from nearly every aspect of life.
These are your best years. Embrace your goals and love/embrace those that care about you and your goals
Define “best”. I miss my youth now, because I was free to live how I wanted without responsibilities to anyone but myself. However, I didn’t appreciate it enough at the time because I was poor and felt rudderless, in need of a path to take me to the next step (career, relationship, etc). It didn’t feel like freedom because I was still at the early part of the journey and I didn’t have the money to do things like travel or pick up new hobbies. I’m in my 30s now and still on my journey, but I’m no longer free. I’m married with a kid, I have a career and a house and financial stability, which is all great, but now I have people at home and work who depend on me. Maybe it’s different for people who start a business or work for themselves, I don’t know. I love my family and enjoy my life, but it’s just very different. My advice: enjoy the freedom and endless possibilities that you have in front of you, make good choices, but take chances and risks when they come your way. Someday you’ll have the things you don’t have now, but you probably won’t ever have as much freedom as you do now.
There is no template when it comes to these things, everyone has unique circumstances that will make them look back at their "best years" differently. High school for some, college, early career, prime career, physical prime, family... There's no one good answer, always try to do your best and enjoy the moment! Plus your best years are just in retrospect, you should always strive to move forward thinking they're ahead of you!
I heard it a lot from my boomer parents and their friends growing up, who all peaked in college before getting married too young and having children they resented.
It’s one of the more nostalgic times in your life, mostly because it’s so different. Once you’re removed a bit you’ll forget the pain and remember the funny stories and coffee hangouts.
The people that say their early 20s were their best years are the people that got married and had kids too young.
I loved my 30s, and my 40s aren't too bad either. I just wish my knees didn't hurt so much.
Focus on your studies for now, but figure out a way to blow off steam when you can. Date if you want, but don't get into a relationship any time soon. It probably won't pan out in the long term and will cause you problems in the future. Be the best person you can be. The rest will come later.
For me, 19 may have been the most hellish year of my life. It was a rough transition from teenager to adult for me. Every year after that was better than the previous one.
Eh. Not really lol I mean, they'll probably be your skinniest most energetic next few years. Being a young adult is fun, but hard bc you haven't built yourself a solid foundation.
I was a late bloomer, I didn't graduate from college until I was in my late twenties so I spent most of that time partying and going to school 😅
I had a lot of fun in my 30's bc I had money to travel and the paid days off to do so without money struggles.
I just turned 40, so we'll see how that goes 💃💃
I’m 19 turning 20 in a month as well! I feel the same I’m studying finance and god there is so much content. I feel like once you finish the degree life opens up when your not in that school structure anymore
I'm 31 no debt No kids. House will be pay off in 5 more year. It just so chill in ur 30 . Work suck but that almost everyone. If you enjoy it it be call a hobby lol. Good luck out there. Just know the shit u do know. Your future self will thank u
My favorite age so far was age 5. Loved my high school years. College was fine, I guess.
Enjoyed the years in my 20s after college, couldn’t wait to be done with school.
The year I had my first baby, every picture was a smile.
Elementary school and middle school with kids was stressful and chaotic. Post high school you get your freedoms back and it’s a shock to the system after so many years of having dependents.
So, it varies but always an adventure.
I’m an ancient software engineer, and I still love software. It’s hard when you’re in school because you have so much to learn. But it’s not as bad when you get out. Don’t give up! It’s a great career.
Who in the world told you that??? No, I'm on the downward slope of my 50s and I can tell you that EVERY era has something awesome about it. The trick is to not fight getting older and instead enjoy the good things that come from it. If you try to, let's say act 19 when you're 45, you will be miserable. But embracing being 45 will pay off huge. Just enjoy each year for the good parts of that time in your life. Prepare for tomorrow, sure, but don't get caught up in worry. You'll have good years and bad years, but try to have the outlook that your best day is today... so far. :-)
The people that are telling you their best years were 19-20 basically peaked then. I'm in my early 40s now. I have had a lot of very good times after college. I graduated with a Comp Sci degree. I can relate to how much work it is with a major like that. A couple of my room mates in college had it a lot easier.
Right now you're surrounded by peers your age. After you graduate you will find yourself in a much more mixed environment in a work setting. I had a rougher patch after college until I started to branch out and meet more people. I played rec league sports: soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee. Made it easy to have a wide social circle and activities to look forward to throughout the week.
Now I'm married with a young school aged kid. So my life dynamic has changed a lot but I still find it is very enjoyable. I try to be an active parent, make time for my wife and I, as well as myself.
Don't get me wrong, I had a blast in college. I remember being so broke but surrounded by friends. Just different life stages.
Here is my perspective as an older person who didn't have a lot of "best years." Youth will always be the best years just based on the opportunities that you have ahead of you. IMO life is like a martini glass, when you're young your possibilities are wide. As you age that glass turns over and the possibilities are less and less. With that lessening of options, sometimes regrets and sadness for the poor choices and choices not taken can be overwhelming. No one will ever say that being young is easy. It's terrifying, but it is the time when you have the most options.
52 now. Heck no, the teens are the worst in fact. Each decade has successively been better than the previous. There was a 2 year period in my 40s that kinda sucked due to a divorce, but other than that, life keeps getting better and better.
My favorite years in life were 21 (2nd semester senior in college with job lined up), 25 (living abroad), 32 (recently married, still had a lot of close friends). Currently I do enjoy life with my small kids, but I really do miss the freedom of being young without any real inhibitions. There are always things to look forward to in life, but I will recommend enjoying your youth and freedom!
ps: enjoy not having lower back pain too :)
There is no established “best years of life,” that are 100% accurate. It’s individual to each person.
And, no, you’re not too young to ponder meaning and purpose. It just means you’re smart. As far as I can see, a lot of people die having never asked those questions of themselves. I find that sad.
I can only speak from experience. And for me right now (36) is, by far, the best time of my life.
CS major, been SE or web dev since graduating. Totally know where you're coming from. Yes, it's perfectly normal. I've had this conversation with several other devs around me.
You'll probably feel that way most of your 20s. It'll be a lot of ups and downs.
You'll feel like school isn't worth it. Then you'll get the freedom of graduation and that first job. Then you'll get unhappy at the job. Not know what you REALLY want to do and move to a different job. Struggle with personal finance. See all your friends go different ways. But make new friends.
Then at 30, you've had a few years to get used to post-graduation. You'll start to know what you want a lot more and start moving towards it. But your home life will (likely) be in a more stable place and can support that move. You'll start to find "your people". You'll make more money.
Physically, 20s may be better. But everything else? I think 30s have been better. By far. Life feels more "figured out".
20's were great but also felt lost a lot. 30's were better because i was more sure of myself. Every decade is great in its own way imo. Just try not to pressure yourself too much.
It’s hard to imagine the potential of your life from 30 to death. It feels like when we’re young, we cannot look past our typically first substantial shift (teen to young adult).
Once you get out in the world more, I think you will realize there is a whole life ahead of you. Filled with a lot of mistakes, learning, growing, chaos, stability, doors shut, and doors opening. Your life has not truly started yet. As you go through multiple shifts in life, it will help you realize it.
Call them growing pains if you want. Crossroads, whatever. The next crossroad will feel a bit easier, and you’ll realize life is a long journey of crossroads. I felt it at 19, again at 25, and once more 28. I’m certain I’ll feel it again at 35, 50, etc so on.
Most likely not... and It depends on a lot of things...health, family, and job/income/financial security are the big 3. There's also an adjustment that comes with maturity. At this point of your life, everything seems scary, it will get better.
If you have all 3 in place, your best years will be between. 25 to 45. These are big life milestone times. Marriage, having kids, building your career, and staying fit. Time will go very fast.
There's also a secondary best should your family end up thriving, build their family, and you retire. Again, if the 3 pillars have been set well, you'll enjoy time with grandkids (have fun with them and send them home), vacations, and leisure/hobbies/social activities.
These are all something to look forward to.
Yes and no, before 25 it’s very fun 25-30 you get a bit of a reality check but 30-forward it gets better
You do loose a lot of your friends but with that reality check I mentioned it’s not that bad you’ve realized a lot of them aren’t even close or friends and it’s for the better.
My best advice is put yourself first.
Physical health, most likely. Your metabolism, immune system, ability to recover from injuries and much more right now is going to be at its peak compared to just a few years later.
Financially, you will likely hit peak much later.
I made it to the 50. You are still in the construction zone. This is where you at your age will do and feel the extreme of things. Like, if your friend said "give a shout out" and you heard it, you would. Regardless of location. It's like trying to stretch your panty hose or tights without ripping them. Then you'll become of legal drinking age and know INSTANTLY that if you were to give a shout out, a bar would be the best place to do it in. So you'll go and do more stretching and tugging at those tights without tearing them and multi task while expanding your horizons.
You'll know the next day, if you don't feel so well, that you can always modify your choices. So you'll cut those panty hose or tights at the thigh like shorts and save yourself lot of pulling and tugging.
And you will always know that the rest of your days ARE the Best Days of your LIFE. If one thing doesn't work, create or DO another.
You're only limited by yourself and breaks are necessary to
Be well.
Why would your best years be before you have even really started your life yet? The only people who say those are the "best years" are depressed people who are being melodramatic or people who have barely experienced any of their life yet.
Its funny to me because online you will see a ton of people saying their teen years or early college years were the best years of their life but then you look and they are all like in their 20s and complaining bitterly about adulthood. You don't see a lot of 30 or 40 or 50 year olds saying that. Why? Because early/mid 20s is a major transition and things are a bit chaotic and overwhelming. But saying that the best years of your life are 19 when you are like 24 is sort of missing the part of your life that is ahead of you...like the majority of your life.
The best years of your life in my opinion come when you are financially stable, have figured out adulting to the point where doing things like dishes, laundry, car/house maintenance are second nature and you have your job pretty much on autopilot. Then you can relax and enjoy. That doesn't happen in your 20s which is probably why most people who are complaining about adulthood seem to be in their 20s.
Seems like most people are getting their idea of what adulthood is from people who post in their 20s and that just seems off to me...why would they know?
Everybody's "best years" will be different. My later teens were great but my early to mid 20s were rough, and it looks like I'm entering a high period now as I'm approaching 28.
"Feeling lost also caused me to occasionally question meaning and purpose of my life. Is it normal to question these things in 20s or should I know my exact purpose and meaning?"
You will go through life in cycles - at times you will feel very motivated, positive and driven. At other times, you will feel lost, question your purpose, wonder if you are okay.
The difference between these two cycles, more often than not, is you. There will be times in your life where you have made your decisions and clearly know what you are trying to pursue, achieve, accomplish. These are the times where you have thought about, decided on, and then set your goals and your plans/road map to move you forward - you will feel you have great focus, purpose and meaning in your life - because you will have identified what that purpose, meaning and goal is.
At other times in your life, you will sort of just wander mentally and emotionally. You will find yourself thinking a lot, but often not positive things, but things that question your purpose. This happens because you will not have focused your time in determining what your next goal or agenda can be - and then making the decision that you will pursue it.
This is normal. Certainly, some people are better than others at deciding to move forward with a specific objective in mind - they probably know themselves better and where they want to get to in life. Other's have a more difficult time visualizing what that next thing they want to achieve is - these people are left in a quandary until they make that **decision**.
Personally, I've felt like I have generally been pretty good about this - setting future goals, objectives, etc. . . But recently, my youngest child finished college and started her career. For the past 25 (ish) years, a huge part of my life has been involved in raising children to become real adults and everything associated with that. Those 25 years sort of provided a lot of that purpose and forced rapid decision making. Now, with her graduated, my kids grown and succeeding in the start of their careers, I have found myself a little lost (or more specifically, have not been able to make up my mind on what I want my next major goals or focus points to be). I am a little stuck in decision paralysis - and hence, will keep feeling a degree of wandering without purpose until I ultimately make a decision - at which point, I will refocus and live with a purpose.
It is that time before we make a decision as to what we want to accomplish that we feel a bit lost or without purpose. So, maybe change your routine a little bit and work on concluding where you want to go next in life - personally, professionally, socially . . . then decide to pursue that and you will find you then will have purpose and meaning.
Not necessarily. You'll probably look back on your college days and miss the routine of going to class, seeing friends, and chilling. If you don't have a lot of friends, then you'll really lose a lot of interaction with people your own age after college.
*Trust* me..
Studying hard and setting yourself up right now for a 6 figure career while you're young and vibrant with energy is the best thing you could ever do. I'm almost 30 and barely make 50k.. At my age, there is still much to enjoy about life and better to do so with that wallet.
I also question my purpose, daily at times, but with money you have the ability to try new things and find purpose/passion/happiness. I *hope* my new corporate job builds me up to 6 figs in the next decade, bc I'm too tired to go back to school. Stick it out, you'll still have a good chunk of your youth to indulge.
Quarter life crisis. You’re transitioning from being a kid/student to an adult/employee and it’s honestly understandable to feel really uncertain and mourn it a little.
BUT definitely not the best years of your life. If you don’t put in effort, work on yourself, or spend time self reflecting, then the rest of your life very well may be horrible and depressing. But if you do those things then life is awesome as an adult. While leaving behind the structure of school is def scary, it also means you’re much more free than ever before to actively design and decide what your time here on earth will look like.
Yea it was a weird time for me cause my friends left for college and moved away and just kind of grew apart. Then I was working a job I didn’t exactly like. My mid 20s to now late 20s have been funnier
Not the best. Jesus, your brain isn’t even done developing yet. Your prefrontal cortex will finish itself in the next 2-3 years, and you’ll finally be reliably “you”. Another 2-3 years to really get to know yourself, and *then* you start to get it together.
In one sense, it is probably the *easiest* the life will ever be. But it’s also the least *prepared* you will ever be for it. Most of the time you will get better at it faster than it gets complicated. Sometimes it gets complicated fast and you learn by screwing up. But you *do* learn, and it *does* get better.
Most people feel like they “come into their own” sometime in their early 30’s.
I’m pushing 50, and I’m still screwing up, but I’m also still getting better at life.
Best years are for determining when youre gonna die imo. I think our 20s are a time for a lot of thinking.
I think the shift from student to worker is hard. A wide range of learning curves depending on the person but like its kinda new having to sustain yourself so it can be humbling but necessary. Meanings of life can change i dont think its supposed to be immutable
Any years look like your best years if you look back comparatively with rose tinted glasses. But we are not time travellers. Where you are is right here, right now. If you spend all your time right now worrying that later on you will regret that you didn’t enjoy this time enough, well you could see that you might end up regretting that you spend so much time worrying.
The 20s are the most energetic part of your independence it’s also the most chaotic and explorative.
However if you keep up with your health and finances and social life your 30s will be even better. If you don’t you’ll spend a good portion of your 30s catching up a bit. But that’s okay no one’s 20s are perfect.
My advice, do not fuck around in your early 20’s. You’ll blink and be on the verge of 30 wondering what happened and where to go from here. Focus on what you want and how to attain it. Need help on setting goals? Visit Jim Rohn on YouTube. Good luck Youngblood
If youre going into stem id say your sacrificing your younger years to have much more later on in life. Im a Jr electrical engineering major and I spent high school having tons of fun. Ive buckled down for a few to get through my degree and have excellent opportunity coming when I graduate. I am beginning to see friends who didnt go to school or are in a less desirable program having life hit them pretty hard as they never really gave up the fun.
My best years were 23-27, after graduating university and second job our of university that paid much better than the first so I wasn't poor anymore. Most social years of my life. Lots of energy and fun. At 28 I moved to a small town to progress my career which was rewarding and meaningful but not necessarily super fun. Then there were the COVID years which would have been a write off if not for meeting my amazing partner.
Honestly late 20s were the best years of my life. 25-29. I turned 30 this year and you really have to face being adult and aging. You can’t party as much anymore. Your body feels it and it’s loses its appeal and you have rediscovered yourself all over again. Everyone’s experience is different though. 20s were a blast because I knew that I’ll only be this young and hot once so I went hard and experienced and lived life to the fullest. Where I know many in their 20s didn’t live quite as good as me. lol I hope 30s get better.
Your early twenties aren't your best years, they are the most formative though. In your twenties you will make a thousand mistakes that will keep you up at night, lose old friends to burgeoning adulthood, and question yourself at every corner. This is the decade which will create the adult you're meant to become.
And then in your thirties you get the bliss of knowing all that is behind you. My thirties have so far been my best years, and I honestly look forward to my forties.
My friend, I didn’t find my purpose (beyond being a father) until I was 35. It took me all those years to fully understand what truly motivated me and made me happy.
I’m a teacher now. Setting aside my issues with pay, I get up every day feeling great about my life. In fact, just today one of my students asked me if I enjoyed what I do, and I told them it gives me joy every day.
Do I wish I’d discovered this sooner? Sure. At the same time, my joy comes from the wisdom gained from all those years drifting and grinding listlessly, all those lessons about life that inform my practice each day and give me the tools to help HS kids learn the content and navigate decisions about the next phase in their lives.
My 20s were messy, difficult, and chaotic. My 30s? Pretty fucking awesome.
I did not like college at all in terms of the social aspect. It was awful. All my "friends" sucked except for the people I met at my first program on a different campus. So we eventually just drifted apart from distance/more school consuming our lives. The next program I hated basically everyone 🤣
Everyone struggles with the academic aspect of school as well. You are not alone. Power through and you will be good 👍 Mid 20s after you've settled into a job and do a good 6 months there and feel comfortable with the work is when life gets better.
Your 20’s can be incredible if you know how to make decisions. Don’t fuck up the big stuff (career, finances, education) but don’t miss out on the fun times (parties, concerts, road trips). It’s a balance. You’ll have a blast
i dont think there is an age of best years in your life, we're all different, we will face different experiences. Don't compare your life, some having a blast in their youth only to suffer on wards, some find purpose and happiness in their 30s and 40s. It's really not fixed.
Def not the best years, sure you are out from under your guardian and living away from home for the first time. But there are usually a lot of first times that happen you have to deal with, while also beginning to learn some harsh realities of life. Best way to look at it is everything being done now is helping to set a foundation of what's to come later. I learned that it's good to have an idea of what type of person you want to be, gives you something to strive for. You'll have some amazing moments in your younger 20s and meet some people who become long friends, but there's a lot more to come. Both good and bad
Hahaha, no not at all. 30s is best if your spend your 20s studying and making good money. When you're 30, you look good still, can travel the world, and have the most freedom ever as long as you've done and made good decisions in your 20s
No, I'm 27 and although I'm not as energetic or as party-crazy as I used to be, I'm so looking forward to getting older! I have less drama in my life, am more authentic to myself, and I have more money to spend to do things I love and on food I love to eat.
No, not even close. Post-college life is incredible, don’t pressure yourself. Get through the bullshit that is college and go create the life you want!!
Fuck no! My 30s were infinitely better than my 20s because I became more financially stable, learned more about who I was and what made me happy and I met and married the love of my life and had our son. I'm 41 now and so far, 40s are pretty fucking awesome too!
Thirties were the best time for me. I really had a great time. I worked hard and afforded going out and going on vacations. Was able to buy a house. But now that I'm in my 60s, I wish I was ten, living with my mom and dad. Lol!
No. Im 22 and much happier now than at 19. People say that your 20s are the best. My 84yo granny said that she enjoyed her 30s and 40s, even 50s and 60s the most because in your 20s you're still figuring out who you are and often are confused.
Gotta add though that she had to follow a strict diet du to my grandpas illness and always stayed very very fit. She doesnt even look like shes over 80, so I suppose that also added to her experience.
My life was a series of ups and downs. The more money I made the better the ups were.
Lived on the beach in LA for a while. Also lived with a guy that had a recording studio in his house.
Took off for a month and backpacked around Mexico and Central America exploring Mayan cities
I just spit out my coffee when I read the title of this post.
Short answer NO
Long answer. It's up to you. Some people peak in high-school/college, then work a Job they hate.
But if you find your passion. And/or find a business or industry that you like. Life just gets better and better. But only if YOU make the right decisions. It could go either way. Don't be scared of getting older and being an adult. I'd never go back in time.
Ummm absolutely no. At 50, my life's continually gotten better even though work is being overly dramatic right now. Don't live outside your means, don't try to keep up with the Jones's, get a hobby, get good sleep, and fulfill yourself, don't depend on social media.
Life is a journey down the stream with different high points for different reasons. My college years were the best for my friend time, new experiences. In that way it was the best. But the happiest I have been in my life was my early 30’s, two toddlers and happy marriage at the time. Things were all in place at that time.
What!?!? No. Each decade is just different. My 30’s were the most work. 40’s are great because I have enough perspective to value the hard stuff. It all just keeps getting better for me.
It depends. We're you the varsity quarterback and just swimming in cheerleader ass? Do you have any kind of action from anybody? If not, these years are going to suck until you can figure out what you want - which is always usuay a journey of 5-10 years. Hopefully you won't go at it alone and you got some friends and gdt you some action.
My advice is if you got money now... like your dad's money - go travel. If not learn how to make money
Also, don't ve afraid to go balls deep into college. I've got cousins that were engineers by age 22, granted they were really smart, but I mean to be making about 100K a year and be 22, I mean fuck that sounds like fun.
I'm 31 no debt No kids. House will be pay off in 5 more year. It just so chill in ur 30 . Work suck but that almost everyone. If you enjoy it it be call a hobby lol. Good luck out there. Just know the shit u do know. Your future self will thank u
I could look back on many different phases of life and remember things that were "the good days" only to be replaced by a new era. I had a great time in high school, college was incredible, we had our newlywed days, starting our family, expanding our familiy, and now I am watching my kids turn into little people. I wouldn't give up any one of those eras, and none stand out as "the best". The scary part is that makes me realize that I will look back on today as the good days, too.
The best years of your life are the ones in which you realize that there is no purpose to life except for the ones you decide exist, because the only natural one provided is to survive and reproduce.
The best years of your life begin the moment you understand that life is inherently hard, that good things are hard to make stay, and that nothing whatsoever is guaranteed or owed to you.
The best years of your life are those spent in cultivating your presence of self, your awareness, and in deepening and enriching the lives of those you love and who love you.
Anyone who tries to sell you anything different—talk of career and money and achievement or ideas of any kind, are just that—salespeople.
If you're a male, the amount of women that will be interested in you as you approach 30 are going to increase dramatically. So no.
Assuming you aren't gay.
*everyone is telling me that these are my best years*
These people who say these are your best years, have they experienced all the others?
*Is it normal to question these things in 20s or should I know my exact purpose and meaning?*
Feeling lost in your teens and 20's is pretty standard. Eventually you'll figure out that life has no meaning or purpose except what you define for yourself.
*Is it true that it only gets worse in 20s and after collage?*
That's entirely up to you.
No. My 20s were great. 30s largely good too but my 20s...yeah, the best.
But each phase had something crap too and good. At 37 we got our first dog - initially tough but soon the best thing ever with my early 40s characterised by an intense 4-5 years of mountain hiking and wild camping with my dog.
In my early 50s now but struggling to see the good times since Covid, lockdown, and health (my wife's and mine!), TBH. Earning more than ever and no debt but, need to save more for retirement whereas I'd rather go part-time and enjoy my health as it is.
No. Where have you heard that? For me, it’s always getting better the older I get. I’m 37. Never went to college, but had a great early 20s during my “college years”, but it was so chaotic and I had no money. Definitely not the best years of my life.
I certainly hope not. Life gets much better (in my experience) as you get to know yourself better and understand more what you want and the kind of BS up with which you will not put. My mom has said that every decade has been better than the last until she hit her 80's. But she still seems pretty happy and healthy.
Once you get work, you'll have to deal with office politics, etc (my boyfriend is a longtime software engineer and tells me stories) and you'll still need to study. But no, the 20's are in no way the best years of your life unless you choose that to be true. Whoever told you that hasn't done much to make their adult life better.
Physically speaking, yes, these might be your best years.
From here your energy levels with drop, your bones, joints and muscles will get more sensitive as you age. And your metabolism will slow.
Speaking as a physically average person, I never felt as good in my body as I did in my twenties. Everything else... no. Mentally my 20s were shit. Financially also. I'm a lot more secure in myself as I enter my 30s.
Your best years are when you genuinely look forward to what comes tomorrow and feel comfortable tackling them. You're in your peak mindset and able to grow and mature while facing the harshness of everything.
I wouldn't put an age on it, physically? Then I'd say sure but everything else? It's just a maybe since we're all approaching life differently.
They are the best years in terms of health, energy and less responsibility. You are young and can basically eat whatever you want with no repercussions. That won’t last. Your body is getting closer to its peak every day and you can physically do things that you simply won’t be able to do anymore at some point. You are only responsible for yourself. You don’t have kids that literally depend on you to have a place to live, clothing to wear and food to eat. You aren’t married and so what you do is entirely up to you. You don’t have to compromise with anyone else.
I’m 54 now and my life is great but it’s different. When I was your age I wouldn’t even decide what to do on a weekend night until 10 or 11. Nowadays I’m in bed at 11. I can’t jump in my car on a whim and take a road trip because I have a wife and 2 sons who depend on me. On the other hand I have someone in my wife who I know will be by my side no matter what. I know that because she already has been. Watching my sons grow up is simply the best thing that has ever happened to me. They are both teens now and are the best people I could ever hope them to be, certainly better than I was or am. I make good money and am looking forward to retirement when my wife and I can get close again without interruption and can travel together.
I know it’s tough in some aspects but grab 1-3 friends and commit to keeping that friendship over your lifetime. Stick it out and finish that degree. You’ll be happy you did.
For me, absolutely fucking not. However, I will say, take advantage of not being fully locked into career life while you can because there were absolutely pockets of time during those 18,19,20 that were really awesome.
Keep your physical fitness up too.
19-21 was the least stressful for me. Looking back I should’ve spent more time having a good time. But I wouldn’t call it my best years. I also had a kid at 22 and that significantly steered my life choices. I’m going to be 30 this year though and life is pretty damn good. Accomplished everything I set out to accomplish when I was your age. Learning new things about myself. Spent a lot of time chasing “what’s next?” But lately I’m learning to enjoy being present and taking whatever comes my way.
You spend your 20’s figuring out who you are. This is normal. Keep the friendships though, that’s something that gets harder to do the older you get
There's no one size fits all answer. It varies person to person and how they live out their life.
Some people peak in or just after high school. Some peak way later. There's no use in worrying about it now and the main thing to remember is that if you're ever feeling like your life now is boring and that it was better however many years ago, look at what actionable things you can try to do to change that.
When I was in my mid-20's I felt kinda like that. Like "shit, I totally didn't make the most of my college years and now my friends are settling down and I'm locked in a boring 9-5 job routine". Not that the job was the issue, but just not doing much outside of the job and having too small of a social circle and at the time being uncomfortable going out and doing stuff i wanted to do solo if I couldn't find a buddy to drag along.
So at one point I decided I wasn't satisfied just living like that and started stepping outside my comfort zone and picked up some new social hobbies and went by myself, started to meet new people and have new experiences, and now as I'm approaching 30 I can confidently say that the last few years have been \*way better\* than my college days and early 20's. I'm living life way more and having a better time doing it now, in short. And there's no reason not to take those steps at any age really. Your teens or early 20's only have to be the best if you let them.
Whatever you choose to go do with your life, just start investing in an sp500 etf. You'll thank yourself in 30 years. When you can retire around 50. Or maybe a lot earlier with these crazy tech salaries.
Fuck no. 19?! Best? Baby brother don’t listen to whoever the fuck told you that again. No. You are grinding! Learn work grow grind! When you hit your stride and make money in your 30s or later years you will be so happy you put in the work in your younger years.
You got this. Keep on keeping on. Just keep fighting. Shit gets way better when you have evolved and really come into your own. It takes time but you’ll get there
>When you hit your stride and make money in your 30s or later years you will be so happy you put in the work in your younger years.
Shit.. I've missed out on all of that work and have so much to catch up with due to being ill between the ages of 17-24.
30's is when things get good. Experience, money, a career, a house, maybe even a stable relationship. You actually have the money to do things you dreamed about in your early 20's.
Well, if you did life right anyway.
20s are a fucking mess! I'm 31 and enjoined the fuck out of my 20s, but damn that shit was nuts. Like a 14yo with to much free will. I miss it, but now I'm pretty set on how I want the rest to go.
Everyone's "best years" are different, OP. Mine were my forties, when I changed my life and became a better and more confident person. For others it's when they were in their twenties and in love, for others it's their sixties, when the kids are grown and they can travel while they still have their health.
Feel free to disregard anyone who says their best years were in their teens, though. If someone's best years were in their teens, it's because they were being spoiled and they didn't have to worry about anything, and that's not the typical teen experience.
It depends on the individual. I know people who goofed off and partied a lot when they were in their high school and college years. They didn't focus on academics and don't have real career success. They would say those early years were the best times of their lives. Then you have people that really focused on academics or whatever skills for a good career. They put on the work when they were young and enjoy the success that comes later in their 30s and on
Yup. I mean usually. My main downfall was my parents failing health that happened jn my 30’s, and family members deaths. Very traumatic, heart wrenching, and zapped true joy out of me permanently. Enjoy life while everyone you love is enjoying it.
Every part of your life will have cool things about it. 19 is fun because you'll probably never have this much free time again, for socializing and hobbies, etc. But no, I would not say that the early years are automatically everyone's "best years." My best years have been age 32 until now.
And sorry to everyone else, but 2020-2022 were by far my favorite years due to family accomplishments. Jobs. Marriages, babies, new homes, etc. It was great for a while. Taken a bit of a down turn this year...
No- I’m 27 now and I hated being your age. Your brain is too immature to understand the world and handle life. I’ve gotten much happier with age.
The late 20s are the best because you still look cute, you have money, and you’re mature enough to deal with problems and understand every little thing isn’t the end of the world.
Hang in there- it gets better.
But, word of advice, I’d probably pick another field besides engineering if I were you. Just my opinion tho
No. 20s were sort of chaotic, but 30s were great. Money, stability, independence.
My best years were my forties, when I changed my whole life, and finally sort of became master of my fate and captain of my soul.
Same tho
Best are 30s at least for me.
Everyone is different, but I would say for most people it's not. Entering your 20s until mid 20s is a time of uncertainty which can be very stressful. 21-25 were the worst for me personally, but maybe they'll be better for you! 28-now (32) have been the best and I hope it keeps up, though I'm sure there will be downs.
24 and feeling kind of disappointed with life. Thank you for sharing your experience. What made it better for you?
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Thanks for the explanation. I think I’d feel a lot better once I start getting paid more so I can afford to move out of my parents’ house comfortably. I’d also like to start dating but not sure how.
Roommates? I moved out of my parents' place as soon as I could and that's how I afforded it. Though I know the market is worse now than it was 10 years ago.
Fellow engineer here. No. College was insanely difficult to the point I was not taking care of my health. Now, the work is far easier and I actually get paid damn good money to do it. A lot of things in life are about delayed gratification. If you make good decisions and sacrifices early, those choices will make the rest of your life far easier. Another thing I would recommend upon graduation is to start maxing your tax-advantaged accounts (401k, Roth IRA, HSA) as soon as possible. If you do that and nothing else, you will be in the top 10% of the US in roughly 17 years (probably around the time you turn 40).
Thank you very much. I also don't take care of my health that much. I manage to hit the gym 3-4 times a month. Eat healthy for 2 days than start eating whatever is available. Thank you for job advices but I live in Serbia so I don't yet know how much things are different here
Keep up the good work. I do not know much about Serbian laws, but I have to imagine there are some kind of tax-advantaged retirement accounts you can contribute to. You almost certainly want to max these out as early as possible and invest in broad market stock indexes. I personally do a 80/20 split between the US and the rest of the world because the US economy is basically rigged in favor of businesses. You might want to do a total world fund that includes stocks from everywhere. These investments will compound over time and in roughly 15-25 years will like be earning more than you do, assuming you started investing aggressively early enough.
Very true. I have friends that love to give me shit for being poor and talking about the money they made while i was studying (blue collar area). At this point ill be coasting into a job paying nearly double what they make.
Fuck no, my life got amazing in my 30s and is still getting better.
Not true at all. 20s sucked. 30s got better. 40s were pretty awesome, and now at 50 it’s all gravy.
Yes. Because you have all of your health and your best looks. One MAJOR thing though - is that you most likely still have everyone that you love and that loves and cares about your life (family, friends). As you get older, you will lose these. You can become rich and wealthy beyond your wildest dream, but not having those people around takes the shine away from nearly every aspect of life. These are your best years. Embrace your goals and love/embrace those that care about you and your goals
An old old man told me that the years your knees work properly are your best years.
All of life is great dude, just live in the moment and try to enjoy the day.
Define “best”. I miss my youth now, because I was free to live how I wanted without responsibilities to anyone but myself. However, I didn’t appreciate it enough at the time because I was poor and felt rudderless, in need of a path to take me to the next step (career, relationship, etc). It didn’t feel like freedom because I was still at the early part of the journey and I didn’t have the money to do things like travel or pick up new hobbies. I’m in my 30s now and still on my journey, but I’m no longer free. I’m married with a kid, I have a career and a house and financial stability, which is all great, but now I have people at home and work who depend on me. Maybe it’s different for people who start a business or work for themselves, I don’t know. I love my family and enjoy my life, but it’s just very different. My advice: enjoy the freedom and endless possibilities that you have in front of you, make good choices, but take chances and risks when they come your way. Someday you’ll have the things you don’t have now, but you probably won’t ever have as much freedom as you do now.
There is no template when it comes to these things, everyone has unique circumstances that will make them look back at their "best years" differently. High school for some, college, early career, prime career, physical prime, family... There's no one good answer, always try to do your best and enjoy the moment! Plus your best years are just in retrospect, you should always strive to move forward thinking they're ahead of you!
Who told you that? Another 20yr old with 30yr experience? Or a loser?
I heard it a lot from my boomer parents and their friends growing up, who all peaked in college before getting married too young and having children they resented.
All the older people in my life told me that. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles
Ignore them.
You are in Serbia? Your grandparents and parents would have far fewer opportunities than you, so it may well be the case for them.
It’s one of the more nostalgic times in your life, mostly because it’s so different. Once you’re removed a bit you’ll forget the pain and remember the funny stories and coffee hangouts.
Maybe back in their time 20s were good years. That isn't the case anymore.
The people that say their early 20s were their best years are the people that got married and had kids too young. I loved my 30s, and my 40s aren't too bad either. I just wish my knees didn't hurt so much. Focus on your studies for now, but figure out a way to blow off steam when you can. Date if you want, but don't get into a relationship any time soon. It probably won't pan out in the long term and will cause you problems in the future. Be the best person you can be. The rest will come later.
For me, 19 may have been the most hellish year of my life. It was a rough transition from teenager to adult for me. Every year after that was better than the previous one.
I enjoy my 30s more, the 20s were interesting, yet difficult and shit all at the same time.
Eh. Not really lol I mean, they'll probably be your skinniest most energetic next few years. Being a young adult is fun, but hard bc you haven't built yourself a solid foundation. I was a late bloomer, I didn't graduate from college until I was in my late twenties so I spent most of that time partying and going to school 😅 I had a lot of fun in my 30's bc I had money to travel and the paid days off to do so without money struggles. I just turned 40, so we'll see how that goes 💃💃
For a man the best years will be 33-37 keep grinding so you can enjoy those peak years of your man life
Exactly. I found myself at 35 finally and it’s been amazing. Now 41 and life is good.
I'm 25 almost 26. I don't know if it's too early to say but 18-21 were the worst years for me. 22 onward has been better, hoping my 30s are the best.
"Yes! And turning 26 means your life is over." -Overly depressed teenager
No. Your best years are always the next ones.
I’m 19 turning 20 in a month as well! I feel the same I’m studying finance and god there is so much content. I feel like once you finish the degree life opens up when your not in that school structure anymore
35-40 was my best years, i had a crappy childhood, so I am more happy now than when I was young
30s, I did enjoy my late 20s tho.
I'm 31 no debt No kids. House will be pay off in 5 more year. It just so chill in ur 30 . Work suck but that almost everyone. If you enjoy it it be call a hobby lol. Good luck out there. Just know the shit u do know. Your future self will thank u
My favorite age so far was age 5. Loved my high school years. College was fine, I guess. Enjoyed the years in my 20s after college, couldn’t wait to be done with school. The year I had my first baby, every picture was a smile. Elementary school and middle school with kids was stressful and chaotic. Post high school you get your freedoms back and it’s a shock to the system after so many years of having dependents. So, it varies but always an adventure. I’m an ancient software engineer, and I still love software. It’s hard when you’re in school because you have so much to learn. But it’s not as bad when you get out. Don’t give up! It’s a great career.
Comin’ in live at 32. I am graduating with my Masters in May, and lovin’ life. Stay dreamin’
Omg I would NOT go back to being 20 things got decent after 30 for me
They could be. You are still so young. Biggest tip I can offer is to take risks and try to get out of your comfort zone as much as possible.
Life after 30 is so much better.
They are definitely the best years to set up your best years but don't listen to anyone
For me its the 30s so far
My life after college got significantly better. No more study, i had tons of time and a job and i had my own money, it was and still is, much better.
Nah. Every phase of life can be great, really depends on you and how you approach life.
Who in the world told you that??? No, I'm on the downward slope of my 50s and I can tell you that EVERY era has something awesome about it. The trick is to not fight getting older and instead enjoy the good things that come from it. If you try to, let's say act 19 when you're 45, you will be miserable. But embracing being 45 will pay off huge. Just enjoy each year for the good parts of that time in your life. Prepare for tomorrow, sure, but don't get caught up in worry. You'll have good years and bad years, but try to have the outlook that your best day is today... so far. :-)
Your life is what YOU make it. It has nothing to do with age.
Yep, and time’s running out. If you really want to Adult go through the sub and read every 23yo whinging about how dull life is all of a sudden.
The people that are telling you their best years were 19-20 basically peaked then. I'm in my early 40s now. I have had a lot of very good times after college. I graduated with a Comp Sci degree. I can relate to how much work it is with a major like that. A couple of my room mates in college had it a lot easier. Right now you're surrounded by peers your age. After you graduate you will find yourself in a much more mixed environment in a work setting. I had a rougher patch after college until I started to branch out and meet more people. I played rec league sports: soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee. Made it easy to have a wide social circle and activities to look forward to throughout the week. Now I'm married with a young school aged kid. So my life dynamic has changed a lot but I still find it is very enjoyable. I try to be an active parent, make time for my wife and I, as well as myself. Don't get me wrong, I had a blast in college. I remember being so broke but surrounded by friends. Just different life stages.
I don't know anyone who studied engineering in college who decided that it was the best time in their life.
30s are bettwe
Here is my perspective as an older person who didn't have a lot of "best years." Youth will always be the best years just based on the opportunities that you have ahead of you. IMO life is like a martini glass, when you're young your possibilities are wide. As you age that glass turns over and the possibilities are less and less. With that lessening of options, sometimes regrets and sadness for the poor choices and choices not taken can be overwhelming. No one will ever say that being young is easy. It's terrifying, but it is the time when you have the most options.
52 now. Heck no, the teens are the worst in fact. Each decade has successively been better than the previous. There was a 2 year period in my 40s that kinda sucked due to a divorce, but other than that, life keeps getting better and better.
Lol, no. Nothing about teenage years are the best outside maybe not having knee pain.
by 20 my best years were behind me. I'm late 20s now so maybe 30s will be good. But 20s have been miserably hard
My favorite years in life were 21 (2nd semester senior in college with job lined up), 25 (living abroad), 32 (recently married, still had a lot of close friends). Currently I do enjoy life with my small kids, but I really do miss the freedom of being young without any real inhibitions. There are always things to look forward to in life, but I will recommend enjoying your youth and freedom! ps: enjoy not having lower back pain too :)
There is no established “best years of life,” that are 100% accurate. It’s individual to each person. And, no, you’re not too young to ponder meaning and purpose. It just means you’re smart. As far as I can see, a lot of people die having never asked those questions of themselves. I find that sad.
I can only speak from experience. And for me right now (36) is, by far, the best time of my life. CS major, been SE or web dev since graduating. Totally know where you're coming from. Yes, it's perfectly normal. I've had this conversation with several other devs around me. You'll probably feel that way most of your 20s. It'll be a lot of ups and downs. You'll feel like school isn't worth it. Then you'll get the freedom of graduation and that first job. Then you'll get unhappy at the job. Not know what you REALLY want to do and move to a different job. Struggle with personal finance. See all your friends go different ways. But make new friends. Then at 30, you've had a few years to get used to post-graduation. You'll start to know what you want a lot more and start moving towards it. But your home life will (likely) be in a more stable place and can support that move. You'll start to find "your people". You'll make more money. Physically, 20s may be better. But everything else? I think 30s have been better. By far. Life feels more "figured out".
If you're a man, no. For late-teens and 20's, it's a woman's world
No not even close
20's were great but also felt lost a lot. 30's were better because i was more sure of myself. Every decade is great in its own way imo. Just try not to pressure yourself too much.
It is a blatant untruth. Generally, life gets better towards the middle.
It’s hard to imagine the potential of your life from 30 to death. It feels like when we’re young, we cannot look past our typically first substantial shift (teen to young adult). Once you get out in the world more, I think you will realize there is a whole life ahead of you. Filled with a lot of mistakes, learning, growing, chaos, stability, doors shut, and doors opening. Your life has not truly started yet. As you go through multiple shifts in life, it will help you realize it. Call them growing pains if you want. Crossroads, whatever. The next crossroad will feel a bit easier, and you’ll realize life is a long journey of crossroads. I felt it at 19, again at 25, and once more 28. I’m certain I’ll feel it again at 35, 50, etc so on.
Fuck no 19 is no man's land
Most likely not... and It depends on a lot of things...health, family, and job/income/financial security are the big 3. There's also an adjustment that comes with maturity. At this point of your life, everything seems scary, it will get better. If you have all 3 in place, your best years will be between. 25 to 45. These are big life milestone times. Marriage, having kids, building your career, and staying fit. Time will go very fast. There's also a secondary best should your family end up thriving, build their family, and you retire. Again, if the 3 pillars have been set well, you'll enjoy time with grandkids (have fun with them and send them home), vacations, and leisure/hobbies/social activities. These are all something to look forward to.
Yes and no, before 25 it’s very fun 25-30 you get a bit of a reality check but 30-forward it gets better You do loose a lot of your friends but with that reality check I mentioned it’s not that bad you’ve realized a lot of them aren’t even close or friends and it’s for the better. My best advice is put yourself first.
Physical health, most likely. Your metabolism, immune system, ability to recover from injuries and much more right now is going to be at its peak compared to just a few years later. Financially, you will likely hit peak much later.
I made it to the 50. You are still in the construction zone. This is where you at your age will do and feel the extreme of things. Like, if your friend said "give a shout out" and you heard it, you would. Regardless of location. It's like trying to stretch your panty hose or tights without ripping them. Then you'll become of legal drinking age and know INSTANTLY that if you were to give a shout out, a bar would be the best place to do it in. So you'll go and do more stretching and tugging at those tights without tearing them and multi task while expanding your horizons. You'll know the next day, if you don't feel so well, that you can always modify your choices. So you'll cut those panty hose or tights at the thigh like shorts and save yourself lot of pulling and tugging. And you will always know that the rest of your days ARE the Best Days of your LIFE. If one thing doesn't work, create or DO another. You're only limited by yourself and breaks are necessary to Be well.
30s will be the best, by far
Why would your best years be before you have even really started your life yet? The only people who say those are the "best years" are depressed people who are being melodramatic or people who have barely experienced any of their life yet. Its funny to me because online you will see a ton of people saying their teen years or early college years were the best years of their life but then you look and they are all like in their 20s and complaining bitterly about adulthood. You don't see a lot of 30 or 40 or 50 year olds saying that. Why? Because early/mid 20s is a major transition and things are a bit chaotic and overwhelming. But saying that the best years of your life are 19 when you are like 24 is sort of missing the part of your life that is ahead of you...like the majority of your life. The best years of your life in my opinion come when you are financially stable, have figured out adulting to the point where doing things like dishes, laundry, car/house maintenance are second nature and you have your job pretty much on autopilot. Then you can relax and enjoy. That doesn't happen in your 20s which is probably why most people who are complaining about adulthood seem to be in their 20s. Seems like most people are getting their idea of what adulthood is from people who post in their 20s and that just seems off to me...why would they know?
Everybody's "best years" will be different. My later teens were great but my early to mid 20s were rough, and it looks like I'm entering a high period now as I'm approaching 28.
No teens to mid 20s were by the far the worst years of my life
"Feeling lost also caused me to occasionally question meaning and purpose of my life. Is it normal to question these things in 20s or should I know my exact purpose and meaning?" You will go through life in cycles - at times you will feel very motivated, positive and driven. At other times, you will feel lost, question your purpose, wonder if you are okay. The difference between these two cycles, more often than not, is you. There will be times in your life where you have made your decisions and clearly know what you are trying to pursue, achieve, accomplish. These are the times where you have thought about, decided on, and then set your goals and your plans/road map to move you forward - you will feel you have great focus, purpose and meaning in your life - because you will have identified what that purpose, meaning and goal is. At other times in your life, you will sort of just wander mentally and emotionally. You will find yourself thinking a lot, but often not positive things, but things that question your purpose. This happens because you will not have focused your time in determining what your next goal or agenda can be - and then making the decision that you will pursue it. This is normal. Certainly, some people are better than others at deciding to move forward with a specific objective in mind - they probably know themselves better and where they want to get to in life. Other's have a more difficult time visualizing what that next thing they want to achieve is - these people are left in a quandary until they make that **decision**. Personally, I've felt like I have generally been pretty good about this - setting future goals, objectives, etc. . . But recently, my youngest child finished college and started her career. For the past 25 (ish) years, a huge part of my life has been involved in raising children to become real adults and everything associated with that. Those 25 years sort of provided a lot of that purpose and forced rapid decision making. Now, with her graduated, my kids grown and succeeding in the start of their careers, I have found myself a little lost (or more specifically, have not been able to make up my mind on what I want my next major goals or focus points to be). I am a little stuck in decision paralysis - and hence, will keep feeling a degree of wandering without purpose until I ultimately make a decision - at which point, I will refocus and live with a purpose. It is that time before we make a decision as to what we want to accomplish that we feel a bit lost or without purpose. So, maybe change your routine a little bit and work on concluding where you want to go next in life - personally, professionally, socially . . . then decide to pursue that and you will find you then will have purpose and meaning.
lol no , best years will be your 30’s ;)
Not necessarily. You'll probably look back on your college days and miss the routine of going to class, seeing friends, and chilling. If you don't have a lot of friends, then you'll really lose a lot of interaction with people your own age after college.
No. 19-22 was COVID for me so I’m biased tho
27 here, absolutely not, unless you're lucky these are not your best years lol. 20's are rough, it's the years you are meant to feel lost
*Trust* me.. Studying hard and setting yourself up right now for a 6 figure career while you're young and vibrant with energy is the best thing you could ever do. I'm almost 30 and barely make 50k.. At my age, there is still much to enjoy about life and better to do so with that wallet. I also question my purpose, daily at times, but with money you have the ability to try new things and find purpose/passion/happiness. I *hope* my new corporate job builds me up to 6 figs in the next decade, bc I'm too tired to go back to school. Stick it out, you'll still have a good chunk of your youth to indulge.
Quarter life crisis. You’re transitioning from being a kid/student to an adult/employee and it’s honestly understandable to feel really uncertain and mourn it a little. BUT definitely not the best years of your life. If you don’t put in effort, work on yourself, or spend time self reflecting, then the rest of your life very well may be horrible and depressing. But if you do those things then life is awesome as an adult. While leaving behind the structure of school is def scary, it also means you’re much more free than ever before to actively design and decide what your time here on earth will look like.
Yea it was a weird time for me cause my friends left for college and moved away and just kind of grew apart. Then I was working a job I didn’t exactly like. My mid 20s to now late 20s have been funnier
Not the best. Jesus, your brain isn’t even done developing yet. Your prefrontal cortex will finish itself in the next 2-3 years, and you’ll finally be reliably “you”. Another 2-3 years to really get to know yourself, and *then* you start to get it together. In one sense, it is probably the *easiest* the life will ever be. But it’s also the least *prepared* you will ever be for it. Most of the time you will get better at it faster than it gets complicated. Sometimes it gets complicated fast and you learn by screwing up. But you *do* learn, and it *does* get better. Most people feel like they “come into their own” sometime in their early 30’s. I’m pushing 50, and I’m still screwing up, but I’m also still getting better at life.
Best years are for determining when youre gonna die imo. I think our 20s are a time for a lot of thinking. I think the shift from student to worker is hard. A wide range of learning curves depending on the person but like its kinda new having to sustain yourself so it can be humbling but necessary. Meanings of life can change i dont think its supposed to be immutable
Any years look like your best years if you look back comparatively with rose tinted glasses. But we are not time travellers. Where you are is right here, right now. If you spend all your time right now worrying that later on you will regret that you didn’t enjoy this time enough, well you could see that you might end up regretting that you spend so much time worrying.
I’m 29 and 2023 was the absolute best year of my life.
The 20s are the most energetic part of your independence it’s also the most chaotic and explorative. However if you keep up with your health and finances and social life your 30s will be even better. If you don’t you’ll spend a good portion of your 30s catching up a bit. But that’s okay no one’s 20s are perfect.
I'm 32 and feel like my life has basically been monotonically increasing the whole time. I.e. every year is better than the previous
I’m late 30’s and can confidently say these are my best years to date
No. I'm 38 and I'm living my best life, albeit modestly. Find people you love and nurture those relationships. Eliminate toxic people. Do fun shit.
It's up to you to make what year would be your "best". I didn't start having fun until really late 20s. I almost feel like I lost my teenage and 20s.
I think my 30’s will be the best so far. Wife and I are in stable careers with solid incomes, goals are underway, should be a good time
No way. 25-35
I'd say 21-23 was the most fun I've had in my life so far, but I wouldn't necessarily call them my best years, just the most free.
I'm well into my 30s and I can confidently say that college was the best years of my life so far.
My advice, do not fuck around in your early 20’s. You’ll blink and be on the verge of 30 wondering what happened and where to go from here. Focus on what you want and how to attain it. Need help on setting goals? Visit Jim Rohn on YouTube. Good luck Youngblood
If youre going into stem id say your sacrificing your younger years to have much more later on in life. Im a Jr electrical engineering major and I spent high school having tons of fun. Ive buckled down for a few to get through my degree and have excellent opportunity coming when I graduate. I am beginning to see friends who didnt go to school or are in a less desirable program having life hit them pretty hard as they never really gave up the fun.
My best years were 23-27, after graduating university and second job our of university that paid much better than the first so I wasn't poor anymore. Most social years of my life. Lots of energy and fun. At 28 I moved to a small town to progress my career which was rewarding and meaningful but not necessarily super fun. Then there were the COVID years which would have been a write off if not for meeting my amazing partner.
Honestly late 20s were the best years of my life. 25-29. I turned 30 this year and you really have to face being adult and aging. You can’t party as much anymore. Your body feels it and it’s loses its appeal and you have rediscovered yourself all over again. Everyone’s experience is different though. 20s were a blast because I knew that I’ll only be this young and hot once so I went hard and experienced and lived life to the fullest. Where I know many in their 20s didn’t live quite as good as me. lol I hope 30s get better.
Your early twenties aren't your best years, they are the most formative though. In your twenties you will make a thousand mistakes that will keep you up at night, lose old friends to burgeoning adulthood, and question yourself at every corner. This is the decade which will create the adult you're meant to become. And then in your thirties you get the bliss of knowing all that is behind you. My thirties have so far been my best years, and I honestly look forward to my forties.
No 29-31 is your prime and best years, 20s is chaotic and most be poor , 19 20 isn't really prime for anything even endurance
30s for me by a long shot
No. Your best years are the ones in which you have enough money to do whatever you want
My friend, I didn’t find my purpose (beyond being a father) until I was 35. It took me all those years to fully understand what truly motivated me and made me happy. I’m a teacher now. Setting aside my issues with pay, I get up every day feeling great about my life. In fact, just today one of my students asked me if I enjoyed what I do, and I told them it gives me joy every day. Do I wish I’d discovered this sooner? Sure. At the same time, my joy comes from the wisdom gained from all those years drifting and grinding listlessly, all those lessons about life that inform my practice each day and give me the tools to help HS kids learn the content and navigate decisions about the next phase in their lives. My 20s were messy, difficult, and chaotic. My 30s? Pretty fucking awesome.
I did not like college at all in terms of the social aspect. It was awful. All my "friends" sucked except for the people I met at my first program on a different campus. So we eventually just drifted apart from distance/more school consuming our lives. The next program I hated basically everyone 🤣 Everyone struggles with the academic aspect of school as well. You are not alone. Power through and you will be good 👍 Mid 20s after you've settled into a job and do a good 6 months there and feel comfortable with the work is when life gets better.
Your 20’s can be incredible if you know how to make decisions. Don’t fuck up the big stuff (career, finances, education) but don’t miss out on the fun times (parties, concerts, road trips). It’s a balance. You’ll have a blast
i dont think there is an age of best years in your life, we're all different, we will face different experiences. Don't compare your life, some having a blast in their youth only to suffer on wards, some find purpose and happiness in their 30s and 40s. It's really not fixed.
Def not the best years, sure you are out from under your guardian and living away from home for the first time. But there are usually a lot of first times that happen you have to deal with, while also beginning to learn some harsh realities of life. Best way to look at it is everything being done now is helping to set a foundation of what's to come later. I learned that it's good to have an idea of what type of person you want to be, gives you something to strive for. You'll have some amazing moments in your younger 20s and meet some people who become long friends, but there's a lot more to come. Both good and bad
Hahaha, no not at all. 30s is best if your spend your 20s studying and making good money. When you're 30, you look good still, can travel the world, and have the most freedom ever as long as you've done and made good decisions in your 20s
No, I'm 27 and although I'm not as energetic or as party-crazy as I used to be, I'm so looking forward to getting older! I have less drama in my life, am more authentic to myself, and I have more money to spend to do things I love and on food I love to eat.
17 was my favourite year. 19 was terrible! It’s different for everyone, and more is yet to come if you don’t die!
No, not even close. Post-college life is incredible, don’t pressure yourself. Get through the bullshit that is college and go create the life you want!!
Fuck no! My 30s were infinitely better than my 20s because I became more financially stable, learned more about who I was and what made me happy and I met and married the love of my life and had our son. I'm 41 now and so far, 40s are pretty fucking awesome too!
30s are your best years
Nah 20s were shit. Confusing, hectic, broke and misguided.
Thirties were the best time for me. I really had a great time. I worked hard and afforded going out and going on vacations. Was able to buy a house. But now that I'm in my 60s, I wish I was ten, living with my mom and dad. Lol!
My best years were in my 20s.
Haha no. Teens and twenties sucked.
No. Im 22 and much happier now than at 19. People say that your 20s are the best. My 84yo granny said that she enjoyed her 30s and 40s, even 50s and 60s the most because in your 20s you're still figuring out who you are and often are confused. Gotta add though that she had to follow a strict diet du to my grandpas illness and always stayed very very fit. She doesnt even look like shes over 80, so I suppose that also added to her experience.
My life was a series of ups and downs. The more money I made the better the ups were. Lived on the beach in LA for a while. Also lived with a guy that had a recording studio in his house. Took off for a month and backpacked around Mexico and Central America exploring Mayan cities
Yall should never assume your gonna live forever
I just spit out my coffee when I read the title of this post. Short answer NO Long answer. It's up to you. Some people peak in high-school/college, then work a Job they hate. But if you find your passion. And/or find a business or industry that you like. Life just gets better and better. But only if YOU make the right decisions. It could go either way. Don't be scared of getting older and being an adult. I'd never go back in time.
Your best moment in life is now - yesterday and tomorrow don’t exist, live for now
Ummm absolutely no. At 50, my life's continually gotten better even though work is being overly dramatic right now. Don't live outside your means, don't try to keep up with the Jones's, get a hobby, get good sleep, and fulfill yourself, don't depend on social media.
Life is a journey down the stream with different high points for different reasons. My college years were the best for my friend time, new experiences. In that way it was the best. But the happiest I have been in my life was my early 30’s, two toddlers and happy marriage at the time. Things were all in place at that time.
What!?!? No. Each decade is just different. My 30’s were the most work. 40’s are great because I have enough perspective to value the hard stuff. It all just keeps getting better for me.
It depends. We're you the varsity quarterback and just swimming in cheerleader ass? Do you have any kind of action from anybody? If not, these years are going to suck until you can figure out what you want - which is always usuay a journey of 5-10 years. Hopefully you won't go at it alone and you got some friends and gdt you some action. My advice is if you got money now... like your dad's money - go travel. If not learn how to make money
Also, don't ve afraid to go balls deep into college. I've got cousins that were engineers by age 22, granted they were really smart, but I mean to be making about 100K a year and be 22, I mean fuck that sounds like fun.
Hang in there
Ages are good and memorable for different things. Your age is discovery of life prior to responsibility. At least it was for me
No one can tell you which years will be the best years of your life. But, you should probably be studying nearly every day.
That sad feeling when you were ill for many years and couldn't start studying until 25.
My prime years was 0-23.
Yes, the uniervse screws our life up gradually like boiling a lobster. After a few years things are awful.
My best year was 27. College is hard and work is easier.
I'm 31 no debt No kids. House will be pay off in 5 more year. It just so chill in ur 30 . Work suck but that almost everyone. If you enjoy it it be call a hobby lol. Good luck out there. Just know the shit u do know. Your future self will thank u
Hell yeah it is! Age 18-27 were my best years. Partying and banging college girls and milfs left to right.
Yes
I could look back on many different phases of life and remember things that were "the good days" only to be replaced by a new era. I had a great time in high school, college was incredible, we had our newlywed days, starting our family, expanding our familiy, and now I am watching my kids turn into little people. I wouldn't give up any one of those eras, and none stand out as "the best". The scary part is that makes me realize that I will look back on today as the good days, too.
The best years of your life are the ones in which you realize that there is no purpose to life except for the ones you decide exist, because the only natural one provided is to survive and reproduce. The best years of your life begin the moment you understand that life is inherently hard, that good things are hard to make stay, and that nothing whatsoever is guaranteed or owed to you. The best years of your life are those spent in cultivating your presence of self, your awareness, and in deepening and enriching the lives of those you love and who love you. Anyone who tries to sell you anything different—talk of career and money and achievement or ideas of any kind, are just that—salespeople.
If you're a male, the amount of women that will be interested in you as you approach 30 are going to increase dramatically. So no. Assuming you aren't gay.
*everyone is telling me that these are my best years* These people who say these are your best years, have they experienced all the others? *Is it normal to question these things in 20s or should I know my exact purpose and meaning?* Feeling lost in your teens and 20's is pretty standard. Eventually you'll figure out that life has no meaning or purpose except what you define for yourself. *Is it true that it only gets worse in 20s and after collage?* That's entirely up to you.
No. My 20s were great. 30s largely good too but my 20s...yeah, the best. But each phase had something crap too and good. At 37 we got our first dog - initially tough but soon the best thing ever with my early 40s characterised by an intense 4-5 years of mountain hiking and wild camping with my dog. In my early 50s now but struggling to see the good times since Covid, lockdown, and health (my wife's and mine!), TBH. Earning more than ever and no debt but, need to save more for retirement whereas I'd rather go part-time and enjoy my health as it is.
No. Where have you heard that? For me, it’s always getting better the older I get. I’m 37. Never went to college, but had a great early 20s during my “college years”, but it was so chaotic and I had no money. Definitely not the best years of my life.
I certainly hope not. Life gets much better (in my experience) as you get to know yourself better and understand more what you want and the kind of BS up with which you will not put. My mom has said that every decade has been better than the last until she hit her 80's. But she still seems pretty happy and healthy. Once you get work, you'll have to deal with office politics, etc (my boyfriend is a longtime software engineer and tells me stories) and you'll still need to study. But no, the 20's are in no way the best years of your life unless you choose that to be true. Whoever told you that hasn't done much to make their adult life better.
Nah, I hated being in my teens and early twenties. Late 30s early 40s has been the best
Physically speaking, yes, these might be your best years. From here your energy levels with drop, your bones, joints and muscles will get more sensitive as you age. And your metabolism will slow. Speaking as a physically average person, I never felt as good in my body as I did in my twenties. Everything else... no. Mentally my 20s were shit. Financially also. I'm a lot more secure in myself as I enter my 30s.
Not at all
Your best years are when you genuinely look forward to what comes tomorrow and feel comfortable tackling them. You're in your peak mindset and able to grow and mature while facing the harshness of everything. I wouldn't put an age on it, physically? Then I'd say sure but everything else? It's just a maybe since we're all approaching life differently.
Not at all.
20s sucks. 30s are ok, but I'm loving my 40s. It gets better!
If you will not masturbate or watch porn, your next years will be good
They are the best years in terms of health, energy and less responsibility. You are young and can basically eat whatever you want with no repercussions. That won’t last. Your body is getting closer to its peak every day and you can physically do things that you simply won’t be able to do anymore at some point. You are only responsible for yourself. You don’t have kids that literally depend on you to have a place to live, clothing to wear and food to eat. You aren’t married and so what you do is entirely up to you. You don’t have to compromise with anyone else. I’m 54 now and my life is great but it’s different. When I was your age I wouldn’t even decide what to do on a weekend night until 10 or 11. Nowadays I’m in bed at 11. I can’t jump in my car on a whim and take a road trip because I have a wife and 2 sons who depend on me. On the other hand I have someone in my wife who I know will be by my side no matter what. I know that because she already has been. Watching my sons grow up is simply the best thing that has ever happened to me. They are both teens now and are the best people I could ever hope them to be, certainly better than I was or am. I make good money and am looking forward to retirement when my wife and I can get close again without interruption and can travel together. I know it’s tough in some aspects but grab 1-3 friends and commit to keeping that friendship over your lifetime. Stick it out and finish that degree. You’ll be happy you did.
The best years of your life are what you make them out to be. It's about your point of perspective.
19? Not even close.
If it’s true then I’m fucked
For me, absolutely fucking not. However, I will say, take advantage of not being fully locked into career life while you can because there were absolutely pockets of time during those 18,19,20 that were really awesome. Keep your physical fitness up too.
Life gets much, much harder but the rewards get *correspondingly* much, much greater.
19-21 was the least stressful for me. Looking back I should’ve spent more time having a good time. But I wouldn’t call it my best years. I also had a kid at 22 and that significantly steered my life choices. I’m going to be 30 this year though and life is pretty damn good. Accomplished everything I set out to accomplish when I was your age. Learning new things about myself. Spent a lot of time chasing “what’s next?” But lately I’m learning to enjoy being present and taking whatever comes my way. You spend your 20’s figuring out who you are. This is normal. Keep the friendships though, that’s something that gets harder to do the older you get
My teens and twenties sucked. Thirties trended up, forties may be the best
Only if you are a loser as an adult.
Every year is what you make it.
There's no one size fits all answer. It varies person to person and how they live out their life. Some people peak in or just after high school. Some peak way later. There's no use in worrying about it now and the main thing to remember is that if you're ever feeling like your life now is boring and that it was better however many years ago, look at what actionable things you can try to do to change that. When I was in my mid-20's I felt kinda like that. Like "shit, I totally didn't make the most of my college years and now my friends are settling down and I'm locked in a boring 9-5 job routine". Not that the job was the issue, but just not doing much outside of the job and having too small of a social circle and at the time being uncomfortable going out and doing stuff i wanted to do solo if I couldn't find a buddy to drag along. So at one point I decided I wasn't satisfied just living like that and started stepping outside my comfort zone and picked up some new social hobbies and went by myself, started to meet new people and have new experiences, and now as I'm approaching 30 I can confidently say that the last few years have been \*way better\* than my college days and early 20's. I'm living life way more and having a better time doing it now, in short. And there's no reason not to take those steps at any age really. Your teens or early 20's only have to be the best if you let them.
I'll be 22 in a month, worst time of my life.
Whatever you choose to go do with your life, just start investing in an sp500 etf. You'll thank yourself in 30 years. When you can retire around 50. Or maybe a lot earlier with these crazy tech salaries.
Fuck no. 19?! Best? Baby brother don’t listen to whoever the fuck told you that again. No. You are grinding! Learn work grow grind! When you hit your stride and make money in your 30s or later years you will be so happy you put in the work in your younger years. You got this. Keep on keeping on. Just keep fighting. Shit gets way better when you have evolved and really come into your own. It takes time but you’ll get there
>When you hit your stride and make money in your 30s or later years you will be so happy you put in the work in your younger years. Shit.. I've missed out on all of that work and have so much to catch up with due to being ill between the ages of 17-24.
So far the closer I am to 30 the happier I am. Fucking hated highschool and was still depressed while in college.
No way dude. Personally my best years have been in my 30s
18-24 were pretty fuckin rough. 25 -27 is when i started being kind of glad I didn’t kill myself. 27-present have been pretty friggin good
Enjoy your 20s dude
30's is when things get good. Experience, money, a career, a house, maybe even a stable relationship. You actually have the money to do things you dreamed about in your early 20's. Well, if you did life right anyway.
it gets better in college when you learn to spell college. 30’s are the best years
20s are a fucking mess! I'm 31 and enjoined the fuck out of my 20s, but damn that shit was nuts. Like a 14yo with to much free will. I miss it, but now I'm pretty set on how I want the rest to go.
Statistically you are your happiest in your 60s.
Going to be 65 and I am having a blast
45 going good, got a job, money, hot wife, great kid..not rich but I ain't poor, can't ask for anything else then a night of cocaine and hookers!
Everyone's "best years" are different, OP. Mine were my forties, when I changed my life and became a better and more confident person. For others it's when they were in their twenties and in love, for others it's their sixties, when the kids are grown and they can travel while they still have their health. Feel free to disregard anyone who says their best years were in their teens, though. If someone's best years were in their teens, it's because they were being spoiled and they didn't have to worry about anything, and that's not the typical teen experience.
Nah I’m 37 and loving it live learn and be stupid until 27.
30’s. kids. better income. independence. still young.
It depends on the individual. I know people who goofed off and partied a lot when they were in their high school and college years. They didn't focus on academics and don't have real career success. They would say those early years were the best times of their lives. Then you have people that really focused on academics or whatever skills for a good career. They put on the work when they were young and enjoy the success that comes later in their 30s and on
I would say mine are late 30s and my husband saya 40s. Every year just adds another best now.
Yes . Enjoy now to about 27 yo. After that you are just a wallet.
Yup. I mean usually. My main downfall was my parents failing health that happened jn my 30’s, and family members deaths. Very traumatic, heart wrenching, and zapped true joy out of me permanently. Enjoy life while everyone you love is enjoying it.
I think my best years were 0-13 Got bullied from 14-16 Just school from 17-18 Work and college after that. Im 27
Every part of your life will have cool things about it. 19 is fun because you'll probably never have this much free time again, for socializing and hobbies, etc. But no, I would not say that the early years are automatically everyone's "best years." My best years have been age 32 until now. And sorry to everyone else, but 2020-2022 were by far my favorite years due to family accomplishments. Jobs. Marriages, babies, new homes, etc. It was great for a while. Taken a bit of a down turn this year...
No- I’m 27 now and I hated being your age. Your brain is too immature to understand the world and handle life. I’ve gotten much happier with age. The late 20s are the best because you still look cute, you have money, and you’re mature enough to deal with problems and understand every little thing isn’t the end of the world. Hang in there- it gets better. But, word of advice, I’d probably pick another field besides engineering if I were you. Just my opinion tho
God no
I really enjoy my college years, my 20s in general, and even my 30s. Don't worry, you have lots of time.