15 Common Mistakes People Make in Their 30s

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By the time we’re in our 30s, we’ve acquired enough experience and wisdom to keep us from repeating the worst impulsive mistakes of our teens and 20s. However, we can lull ourselves into thinking that we’re immune to making further mistakes, which isn’t true.

Let’s look at some common mistakes people make in their 30s so that, hopefully, you won’t make them as well!

Remaining in Toxic Relationships

Annoyed married couple sitting on couch apart, after conflict, arguing, row.
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People have a bad habit of staying in bad relationships because they fear change or can’t confront the idea of so much wasted time. Do yourself a favor and break away from toxic people before it does become too difficult.

Romanticizing the Past and Fearing the Future

Tired upset woman worried about tiredness from domestic work sitting at couch. Frustrating mom stressful feels heaviness and headache at home. Fatigue parent trying relaxing in living room.
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When you were half your age, you probably thought 30 was old. Now you’re in your 30s, and you’re actually in your prime. And 40 isn’t old anymore, if it ever really was.

Negatively Comparing Your Life to Those of Your Peers

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When people share their lives on social media, they frequently portray them as perfect, and that can get other people down. In reality, everyone is going through things, and you shouldn’t judge where you are in life based on how people present themselves in public.

Thinking You’re Too Old For…Whatever

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You can change careers, get an advanced degree, change your lifestyle, and more, no matter how old you are. Being 30 doesn’t mean you’re stuck on your current path for the rest of your life.

Neglecting Friendships

Quarrel two friends. Two women screaming at each other. Two young women argue near door outdoor on the street. Family problem. Angry female show emotion. Depression people. Stress family photo.
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Life can get busy when you’re in your 30s. It’s a time when many people buy homes, start families, etc. Losing touch with your friends is easy to do, but maintain those friendships even if you have to do most of the work.

Forgetting Who You Are

girl with expression of anger or fury outdoors.
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Don’t let the pressures of life change who you are and what your core beliefs are. Stay true to yourself and your values; you’ll feel better about yourself and what you accomplish.

Taking Your Romantic Partner for Granted

Close up of a couple in love flirting at home and holding hands.
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If you’ve been in a relationship for several years, those days of youthful passion and wanting to do everything together may have given way to something more “mature.” Never forget what you loved about your partner in the first place, and always take time to nurture that relationship.

Settling on a Spouse

A young couple having a disagreement. The young lady rolls her eyes at the young man who seems distracted and confused in the background.
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People who enter their 30s unmarried can see 40 looming and, with it, the specter of being alone forever. There’s still plenty of time to find the right person, and settling on someone you’re not 100% in love with is a recipe for regret.

Having Kids for the Sake of Having Kids

Group of kids together play scavenger hunt at kids birthday with clipboard
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Similarly, one of the worst things you can do is have kids because it’s some box you’re supposed to check. Children are a commitment you have to be fully on board for and passionate about.

Not Making Healthy Choices

Young woman in the sleepwear eating sweet donuts near the refrigerator
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Life gets busier in your 30s and there are more responsibilities, which makes it easier to neglect your health. You only get one body and one life, so make the effort to stay active and eat a good diet. Establishing these habits will prepare you well for your future years.

Overspending on Cars

Red luxury supercar Ferrari
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For many, their 30s are a time when they’re feeling more job security and earning a good salary, and it’s tempting to spend your money on material possessions like expensive cars. Being able to afford a high car payment doesn’t mean you need to have one. And remember that cars depreciate rapidly.

Being House Poor

New million dollar homes in affluent neighborhood, sales are steady
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Another common mistake people make when they’re starting to do well is buying the most expensive house they can afford. Sometimes, this results in not having much money left over for other things like vacations and entertainment, and you’re more vulnerable to unexpected financial emergencies.

Staying in a Job You Hate

Boss screaming at employee in office. Toxic work environment
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A lot of people stay in jobs they don’t like because they don’t want to lose their health insurance or they fear change. This is a path to unhappiness, depression, poor health, and more. Having a job you like makes a huge difference in life.

Failing to Save for Retirement

Senior couple walking on the beach holding hands at sunrise, plan life insurance at retirement concept.
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People in their 30s are still young enough to think retirement is far away and that there’s plenty of time to save. That can lead to suddenly finding yourself working through your 70s because you didn’t plan for retirement.

Not Enjoying Your 30s

Beautiful happy woman enjoying freedom outdoors.
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You’re in the prime of your life in so many ways when you’re in your 30s. Make sure you enjoy these times; when you’re in your 50s, you’ll miss them!

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Author: Robert Sihler

Bio:

Robert Sihler is an educator, freelance writer, and rock climbing guide and instructor living with his family in Driftwood, Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys reading fiction, streaming films, completing crossword puzzles, and rock climbing. When he goes on vacation, he likes to visit the mountains of the West and climb remote, obscure peaks that have seen few or no prior ascents.

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