Four Things You Should Not Worry About in Your 20s

Adulthood has often been described as unpredictable and overwhelming—much like carefully looking both ways before crossing the street, only to be hit by something entirely unexpected. For many people, this perfectly captures the reality of being in your 20s. It is a period filled with pressure, uncertainty, and constant comparison, often accompanied by unrealistic expectations about where you should be in life.

Society tends to assume that by the time you graduate from university, you should have everything figured out. In truth, entering your 20s is a major transition. After spending nearly two decades under parental guidance, you are suddenly expected to navigate life independently—managing finances, building a career, and making long-term decisions, often without a clear roadmap.

There is also a widely held belief that by age 25, you should know exactly who you are and where you are headed. But who created these timelines? Your 20s are among the most formative and vulnerable years of life. While legal adulthood begins at 18, true independence often comes much later and looks different for everyone. For many millennials and young adults today, economic challenges, rising living costs, and limited job opportunities have further delayed traditional milestones.

Regardless of the pressure or criticism you may face from others who appear to have their lives together, here are four things you should not worry about—especially in your 20s.

1. When You Will Find a Soulmate and Get Married

Only you can decide when—or if—you are ready for marriage. If you meet the right person in your early 20s and feel prepared to settle down, that is your choice. If you are still single in your late 20s, that is equally valid. Everyone’s journey is different, and comparing your timeline to others serves no real purpose. People mature at different rates, and readiness for marriage is not determined by age.

2. When You Will Have Children

There is often an expectation that children should follow shortly after marriage. In reality, there is no universal timeline. Some couples choose to enjoy married life for years before starting a family, while others decide to have children right away. What matters most is mutual agreement between partners regarding when to have children and how many to have. External pressure should never dictate such a personal decision.

3. When You Will Find Your Dream Job

Finding a fulfilling career often takes time. Your idea of a “dream job” may remain consistent, or it may evolve as you gain new experiences and perspectives. Sometimes, what once seemed ideal may no longer align with reality, and that is perfectly normal. Many people discover satisfaction and success in careers they never initially imagined. Allow yourself the freedom to grow, change, and redefine success along the way.

4. Your Physical Appearance

If concerns about your appearance truly bother you, you have the power to make changes. However, if you are not ready or willing to do so, it is important to stop letting those concerns dominate your thoughts. Your 20s are often a time of relatively good health and energy. Enjoy life, take care of your body in ways that feel right to you, and avoid unnecessary self-criticism. Confidence and well-being matter far more than meeting unrealistic standards.

One of the most common frustrations among young adults is feeling behind because they lack certain “achievements”—a ring, a high-paying job, or a growing family—while their peers seem to have it all. But you are not defined by these milestones. You are defined by your values, your choices, your character, and the life you are actively building.

While marriage, career success, and parenthood are meaningful accomplishments, none are more important than being content with who you are and where you are in this moment. Your 20s are not a race; they are a journey of discovery, growth, and self-definition.

Source: Theghanareport