15 Things You Should Learn Before Turning 30

From tattoos to pay-rises, you got this…

21 March, 2018
15 Things You Should Learn Before Turning 30

1. What makes you feel good. Mountain climbing. Travel. Trying new restaurants with your friends. Writing a music blog. Work out what makes you tick, and do plenty of it. You're a certified "adult" now—it's time to let go of the negative drama and focus on the posi things in life.

2. That JOMO is real, and a very, very good thing. It's OK to stay in on a Friday night instead of dancing till you can't feel your feet in a dodgy club with a load of people you don't actually know. Grab the Domino's menu, and pass on the guilt trip...

3. A second language. Even if that language is the weird one you and your Work Wife invented so nobody in the office picks up on your wild weekend plans while talking about them over your desk very loudly. That or French, obviously…

4. How to do your taxes. That includes how much you still owe on your student loan too, while we're at it. If you're unsure or don't have the foggiest clue of where to start, find somebody who does and befriend them/feed them biscuits till you get it. It's perfectly fine to ask questions as long as you pay attention to the answers.

5. When to make the first move. Life is short and waiting for what we want isn't in the cards anymore. From initiating performance reviews at work with an eye on that well-earned promotion to exchanging digits with that cute barista you usually swap smiles with—sometimes taking initiative is just what the cosmos needs to realign in your favor.

6. How to negotiate. From job interviews and pay-rises, to why you're sending your food back in that Michelin-starred restaurant. Know your limit (and worth) and if you're not happy with the offer or service given, make it known (with a polite and charming smile, obvs).

7. How to keep your car happy too. We're talking practicalities, not mechanics. Even if you don't drive often, it's time to swot up on the essentials because chances are you're going to need this information one day. From topping up windshield washer fluid to adding air to a low tyre, these are the little things that'll keep your car performing tip-top for years to come.

8. That nobody knows what they're doing. We're all just faking it a little bit. The joy of getting older is knowing when it's OK to bluff something, and when to ask for help. (it's OK, and natural, not to know everything, FYI.)

9. Who your friends are. Sorry to break it to you, but life can get tough sometimes – but if you've got a BFF or two to weather the storm with you, it won't feel half as bad, promise. Work out who those diamonds are, and hold them very close indeed. For the bad times /and/ the good.

10. That rejection isn't personal. If he doesn't call, it's not your problem. Hell, it's probably not even about you. Don't waste any more precious seconds worrying about a man who is so obviously not worth your time.

11. That a tattoo won't make you a rock-star, sorry. But you know what? It's not a bad place to start, if that's what you're after. Just make sure you're sober, and it's not the name of someone who might not be around in five or 10 years, got it?

12. Whether you can rock ombre nails or not. Persevering with a makeup trend that doesn't suit you is like dating a guy just because your parents like him—no matter how hard you try, it's just not gonna work. But don't despair, the good news is, if red lips/winged liner/contouring like a Kardashian isn't for you, something else will be. Have fun figuring it out!

13. That you got this. Whatever it is—date, job interview, running that 10k and beating your PB—confidence and determination plays a huge part. Doubting yourself is a fantastic habit to ditch in your 20s. So go forth and own it…

14. How to make a decent meal. You don't have to be whipping up five-course dinners every night for your flat mates if cooking is not your thing. But you should have something in your arsenal other than beans on toast. Practice makes perfect.

15. How to embrace your individuality. By the time you reach 30 you should well and truly know who you are and be prepared stand by that. If you need a life motto to go with that attitude, how about: #ThisIsMii.

Credit: Cosmopolitan
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