A Love Letter to Twenty-somethings

More than anyone, I've always been someone to be vocal about how being in your twenties is the absolute TRENCHES. You're just coming into adulthood, becoming responsible, becoming a fully functioning person. As someone who is closer to 30 now than 20, I've learned a few things, and I want to share some tips to help you make it through one of the toughest times of your life with some of the most common problems you'll face.

1. Career Changes/Confusion

(You're not a trust nepo baby, how sad)

One of the biggest struggles in your twenties is figuring out what the hell you want to do with your life. You may spend years in college trying to determine what's worthy of spending the rest of your life on OR you may be one of those people that have it all planned out. But at some point, you're going to hit a career blackhole and face the question of what you want to do as a career.

(Don't know what a nepo baby is? Read up here.)

To cope with the immense stress that comes with figuring out a career path, here are some of the important things to remember. Your current career isn't the one you have to dedicate your entire life to. Your career is not a life sentence. Exploring the career you want to do at this moment and changing your mind later on, isn't uncommon. Network, volunteer, and don't be afraid to be a beginner (intern somewhere).

2. Financial Struggles

(Where da money at)

Your twenties can also be a time of financial instability...in other words, unless you come from money or become an engineer, you're likely going to be a broke bitch in your twenties. A lot of us are figuring out how to manage our finances, being it may be the first time we get our hands on adult money, and may be dealing with student loans, credit card debt, and other dumb expenses. It can be REALLY easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed about money. Like all the time, you're wondering where da money reside because it sure as hell don't reside in your bank account.

(This can either make you feel like shit or make you feel not so alone when it comes to your money struggles. R29 Money Diaries.)

I'm not one to tell someone they can budget their way out of poverty or not making enough money because it's impossible. No financial literacy in the world can help you to make more money. So what I suggest is for you to do what the white men do. Make your connections, use them to your advantage, and bullshit your way into better opportunities if you can.

3. Relationship Challenges

(Situationships galore)

Relationships in your twenties tend to take a hit. A big hit. People who you thought you'd never live your life without suddenly start drifting further away from you. This is a period in time where you'll start to realize who are your friends for life and who was just there for a period of your life.

(TBH, I think if you're having relationship issues, you need to refer to our lord & savior, SheraSeven.)

Focus on communication and setting boundaries and building out time for your relationships, even if that's just a "good morning/how're you?" text. Be honest with your loved ones about your needs and feelings, and be willing to listen to theirs as well. Remember that it's okay to prioritize your own well-being and walk away from relationships that are toxic or unhealthy.

4. Mental Health Struggles

(Serotonin machine broke)

People experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges during their twenties. I told you this sh*t is da trenches so of course it'll bring out the worst of your mental health. Plus you're trying to figure out and heal from your childhood baggage, it's a jumble of emotions,

As annoying as it sounds, when people tell you to do shit because you'll feel better, nine times outta ten, those things work. So we gunna prioritize our self-care, for starters. Go to therapy if you can afford it, even if you think you don't need it, we all need some help. And for the love of God do NOT be ashamed to take medication. Sometimes that's the only thing that can get your brain to stop ✋.

With all the love in my heart, get off your ass and go exercise. You don't have to want to lose weight to do it. It's good for your body and your mind. And lastly, make time to do what makes YOU happy. If you aren't sure what that is, make time to figure it out.

In conclusion, it's likely things are going to be rough or at the least, confusing as hell. But there's plenty of hope that you'll come out better, with more money and well-traveled. big PURR.

Love, Peace & Chicken Grease,

Kaitlan