7 Pieces of Advice for My 20-Something Self.

So, I've been in my thirties for a year and a half, and I can honestly say it's one of the most fulfilling stages of my life. However, I am still rather fresh out of my 20s, so I have much experience in this department. All of us wish we could tell that anxious 20-year-old what we really want to tell them because we know more. I also know we would like to go back in time and whisper something to that know-it-all 25-year-old who is struggling to decide whether they want to remain a broke college student or enter into the unforgiving world of adulthood. I have a few choice words to say to my 20-year-old self, and below I list advice for any 20-plus-year-old who is struggling to find their true selves.

1. Invest in Learning:

As a successful master's graduate, I would advise my younger self to prioritize continuous learning. Pursue additional certifications, attend workshops, and stay curious. The knowledge gained will not only enhance your skills but also make you a more well-rounded professional.

As an immature 20-year-old fresh out of my teens, I wouldn't have agreed with this advice (who would, right?). Learning has taken me far in my career, educational endeavors, and how I’ve approached certain situations.

I have always been someone who would stay in the rabbit holes of YouTube channels. I read about particular topics that interest me. I ask questions when I don’t have the answers. Learning more and knowing more makes you a well-rounded individual. It makes you someone who people can turn to for answers. Know what is going on in your community. Understand what is going on in the world. If you don’t know what a word means, look it up. Investing in learning does not mean spending thousands of dollars on a degree, but it does mean paying for a class that can lead into a trade that will, in the end, expand your financial security and your network. Networking is important, and that leads me to my number two piece of advice for 20-year-old Justin.

2. Build a Robust Network:

Networking is not just a buzzword; it's a career game-changer. Cultivate meaningful connections within your industry. Attend conferences, engage on professional platforms, and don't underestimate the power of mentorship. Your network can open doors and provide valuable insights.

Yes, the word “networking” can sound scary; it can bring up a wave of anxiety and feelings. You may ask yourself, “When do I have time to network?”, “Who do I speak to?”, or my favorite, “I am not a people person!” That is the one that makes me upset.

Networking is the key to driving to your next destination that may potentially land you your next career opportunity. I have leveraged relationships that I have made in the past, and it has also helped me explore other opportunities that may be available. Sorry to burst your bubble, but you do not know it all. Stop relying on past relationships to get you to new destinations – learn how to maximize your talents of communication to get you to new places that you would like to be. It starts with a smile and an introduction. This can potentially land you a six-figure opportunity. Don’t pass up on it!

3. Balance Ambition and Patience:

Ambition is crucial, but it's equally important to be patient. Success often takes time. Don't be discouraged by setbacks; view them as stepping stones. Trust the process, stay committed to your goals, and celebrate small victories along the way. In other words give yourself grace.

When I was younger, I was caught up in instant gratification. I wanted results quick, and I wanted them now! Yes, I was that person in random pyramid schemes that some random person on campus told me about. I was that person trying to get my friends to attend “meetings” (IYKYK) – man, the 20s make you do some crazy things.

In my 30s, I find myself still ambitious. I still want to accomplish certain goals. I still want to get to certain places; however, in my 30s, I have learned to balance my ambition with patience and live in the world of the present. Learn to appreciate the process and everything that may follow it. I had to learn that it is okay to fail and fall. It is okay to not get it right on the first try, but as a 20-year-old, I would not have understood that. If you're reading this, no matter what the age is, learn to give yourself grace and appreciate the present. Nothing is better than the present; you are where you should be.

4. Embrace Change and Adaptability:

The professional landscape is dynamic. Embrace change rather than fearing it. Develop adaptability skills, be open to new opportunities, and don't shy away from stepping out of your comfort zone. Each challenge is a chance to grow.

The world around us is changing, and it is changing at a fast pace. When I was a teenager, I attended three high schools, so I had to learn how to adapt to different people, languages, and situations (I guess I learned this lesson early). Given that the world is changing so fast, we must be able to adapt to everything that comes with it. I have done this all my life, and it has helped me in my professional career as well.

In the beginning of my career journey, 20-something-year-old Justin was stubborn about a lot, and changing my ways was one of them. Looking back, I noticed that those who were able to change and adapt were the ones who were first in line for opportunities; they were the ones who were seen as leaders, and they were the ones who were relied upon at work. However, let’s not only take this from a work perspective. Learning to be adaptable in every element of my life has benefited me in my personal life as well. This also leads into my next point on prioritizing yourself.

5. Prioritize Work-Life Balance:

Success shouldn't come at the expense of your well-being. Learn to set boundaries, both in your professional and personal life. Striking a balance ensures sustained productivity, creativity, and overall happiness.

The age of 26 was one of the most difficult times of my life. Fresh from graduating college (26 years old, everyone’s timeline is different), I was at a job that paid better than most, but I was unhappy. I spent a year listening to Nirvana**, and everything seemed gray from what I remember. Justin was the last person I wanted to prioritize. I wanted to make sure those around me were okay before I was. Years later, the tables have turned.

At the age of 31 and a 5-year educator, I have learned to balance work and life. As an educator in urban settings, our days are like a rollercoaster. We are always caught up in the emotions of 30 other eager teenagers. We are in the midst of a profession where we are underpaid and overstretched. You often hear horror stories of teachers who grade at home, plan at home, work from home. I did fall into that category early in my career, but my mental health was beginning to be impacted by what I was bringing home and what I was leaving at work. My life balance was in the gutter. Today, at the age of 31, I have learned to appreciate the life I have at home and make sure to cultivate that in a way where I can appreciate the balance I deserve. Work-life balance is hard to achieve with certain jobs, of course, but it is also important to ensure that we find a way to put ourselves first and not last.

6. Financial Literacy Matters:

Understand the basics of personal finance early on. Save, invest wisely, and be mindful of your spending habits. Financial stability provides a solid foundation for pursuing your goals and weathering unforeseen challenges.

Man, this is still a battle for me, and I know it may also be a battle for you as well. Remember those refund checks we used to get in undergrad? Imagine if we knew then what we know now about money. I would have definitely held off on those pairs of Jordans I bought in 2011. I would love to tell my 20-year-old self to learn about money, and learn about it quickly. Learn how to save, how to budget, what to invest in, and how to create passive income where your money can grow overnight. I can only imagine where I would be in that department. However, this is not a section to ponder over what we missed out on; it is to ensure we know what we can do next time to make the right decisions in the future.

Creating a solid foundation in your 20s can go a long way and take you above the curve, but what can you do now? Learn about the economy and what it is doing. Create a budget that works with your income. My budget and your budget will look completely different. This is the beauty of being a continuous learner. Be open to conversations that boost your knowledge on how to make more money, how to balance your budget, and how to keep and maintain the financial goals that you set for yourself.

7. Cultivate a Growth Mindset:

Approach every experience, whether positive or negative, as an opportunity to learn and grow. A growth mindset fosters resilience, adaptability, and a continuous desire for improvement. Embrace challenges as chances to become a better version of yourself.

This might be my favorite one, I think that is why I left it for last. Having a growth mindset has taken me so far, and it has helped me in so many ways throughout my career. The one thing that I can honestly say I appreciate the most are the failures that I have had. I have failed so many times. I have failed in college. I have failed in personal relationships. I have failed with certain career milestones that I have wanted, but I never made that into an opportunity to sink into a hole that was hard to get out of – I saw it as a lesson packaged in a gift.

View challenges as opportunities for growth and use those opportunities to get better. Anything that you do for the first time will not be great. Working out for the first time will not be great. Starting a routine for the first time will not be great. Your first yoga class will be horrible, but the consistency that you bring to the table will grow you into the person that you aspire to be. Learn how to blossom in the face of a challenge; this will not only guarantee a lesson but will also limit the mistakes you make for the next time and will propel you to approach situations in a different manner than you did before. Learn to fail and love to learn. Give yourself the credit that you deserve.

In conclusion, navigating the twists and turns of life in my 20s and beyond has been a journey marked by valuable lessons and growth. As I take a moment to reflect on the advice I would offer my younger self, I recognize the significance of the seven key pieces of guidance that I spoke about.

As I share these insights, I encourage readers to reflect on their own journeys. Consider the advice offered and how it aligns with your experiences. What lessons have shaped your path, and how can these pieces of guidance contribute to your personal and professional growth? Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for learning, and cultivating a mindset of continuous improvement will propel you toward becoming the best version of yourself. Embrace the journey, appreciate the present, and give yourself the credit you deserve.