How can I make up for bad decisions in my 20s?

I wish I’d seen your blog and had a wider, less fearful view of the world in my 20s. I was just trying to get out of poverty and then get out of my head, so I followed my scholastic abilities right into nowhere with an M.A. in English and lots (lots) of debt.

I’m a really good poster child for your warnings.

What if you’re in your mid-30s, and you made the wrong mistakes (or took no risks other than borrowing on the future) and you find yourself entrenched? I (and probably lots of others) could use your no-holds-barred take on it. Planning any Make the Most of Your 30s When You Didn’t Make Your 20s Count seminars?

/7 Comments
7 replies
  1. Penelope Trunk
    Penelope Trunk says:

    If you want children, you should get married. There’s no point in missing out on your 30s in the same way you missed out on your 20s. If you marry someone who makes good money they you effectively skip the period when women work before they have kids. You can just stay home with kids.

    If you don’t want kids, you can get a job now, just like you would have gotten a job when you were 22. Just start at the bottom and work your way toward something you like. The process doesn’t change. You’re just older.

    Penelope

  3. Penelope Trunk
    Penelope Trunk says:

    Okay. You’re right that it’s a good idea for a seminar. Really. I’ll do it. I hear you.

    Penelope

  6. Avodah
    Avodah says:

    So many comments here. I have an MA in the humanities from a fantastic school. Was it a better financial decision than, say, doing a CFA? No. Am I happy? Yes. Am I gainfully employed at a job I love? Yes.

    Your life choices are what they are, and there is nothing you can do to undo the fact that a few years ago you decided to study what you love. Now you must put 100% into finding, and succeeding, at something else you love.

    BTW- If you respond to this comment I would be more than happy to share my email address so we can discuss further (if you like).

  7. Brenda Craig
    Brenda Craig says:

    Hi Avodah, just read your comment on Penelope’s blog, and altho you didn’t invite me personally, I’d like to have a conversation with you about your MA experience and what your life is like. I have an MPT and your comment just resonates with me, especially “Your life choices are what they are . . .”
    All best, Brenda

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