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10 “Mistakes” You Should Make (and Learn From) in Your 20s
by
maggie boyle
Getty / wundervisuals
Your 20s are arguably the best time in your life to make mistakes. Late nights, one too many spiked seltzers, maxing out your first credit card . . . it’s all a part of being young. While there will most likely come a point in your life when growing up hits you like a ton of bricks, your 20s are the time for making all the mistakes you can, and, most importantly, learning from them.
Getty / Busà Photography
Living in a Crappy Apartment
Most people aren’t necessarily financially stable in their 20s, so that sometimes means living in a sh*tty apartment with lots of Craigslist furniture and one, two, or three roommates. It’ll be an experience you won’t be able to match in years to come and, we promise, you’ll learn a ton about how yourself and other people in the process.
Getty / Halfpoint Images
Buying the Impulse Buy That Leads to Eating Instant Ramen For a Month
Go ahead and spend the money every once in a while. If you buy something that will still be in style 10 years from now, it will make it hard to see it as a mistake when you’re still wearing it in your 30s.
Getty / Caiaimage/Paul Bradbury
Having a Drunk Fiasco(s)
There comes a time when you realize you can’t drink like you used to in your 20s, so be sure to live it up while you still can (all while being safe, of course) – even if it means an embarrassing text or photo or two.
Getty / Compassionate Eye Foundation/Hie
Starting Out at a Low Paying Job
Even if you accept a low-paying job after college, many jobs in your 20s turn out to be stepping stones toward your dream job. Every job will teach you something you can use in the future.
Getty / Manuel Breva Colmeiro
Staying in a Mediocre Relationship For a Little Longer Than You Should Have
Whether it’s someone you met in college or even high school, you’ll look back on all the just-OK relationships from your 20s and be glad they led you one step closer to your soulmate.
Getty / Towfiqu Photography
Splurging on a Trip Abroad
Even if it costs you an entire month’s rent, your 20s are undoubtedly the best time to experience new countries and cultures.
Getty / Boy_Anupong
Not Getting Enough Sleep
Being in your 20s sometimes means sacrificing a good night’s sleep for an epic night out or an all-nighter to finish a paper. You’ll look back and be grateful you choose not to call it a night.
Getty / Graiki
Taking a Crazy Risk
Your sense of adventure is definitely at an all time high while in your 20s. Take advantage of it!
Getty Images / Hinterhaus Productions
Not Exercising Enough
It’s easy to be hard on yourself for skipping the gym to sleep in, but sometimes those extra hours of rest are necessary (particularly after a night out with friends you’ll never forget).
Getty Images / d3sign
Uprooting Your Life to Move Far Away
While it likely feels safe to live close to home and your family, it’s important to broaden your horizons while in your 20s, and that may mean making a drastic move to a new place where you don’t know anyone. Some might think you’ll regret changing your life so drastically, but you’ll come to appreciate the experience later.