10 Worst Mistakes People Make When They Are In Their 20s

The 20s is when you actually determine and realise what life is all about. In the process of figuring out life and dealing with relationships of people around you, people end up making some of the worst mistakes in life. That said, there are some poor choices that have lasting effects, like not starting to save money, that are easily avoidable. So, here are 10 worst mistakes people make in their 20s.

1. They Think Education And Talent Are Enough To Become Successful
High intelligence, natural talent, and degrees from elite universities are all good things to have, but they in no way guarantee that you will land a great job — and mean nothing when not paired with hard work. How you work with others and carry yourself can also turn out to be much more important in advancing your career.

2. Pursuing A Paycheck Instead Of A Passion.

In your 20s, you’re likely still finding who you really are. You’re still allowed to be a little selfish and, hopefully, you’ve got dreams. Because of this, no other time in your life will be so perfect to pursue what makes you happy and what truly energizes you over financial success (which is a crapshoot, anyway)

3. Comparing Yourself To Your Friends And Superiors.

News flash: you’ll be “figuring it out” until the day you die. Everyone you know will be figuring it out until they day they die, too. .1% of your Facebook friends may be millionaires at 24, but that doesn’t mean you’re any farther away from the finish line. We’ve all got our own paths, and you’re on yours. Don’t let the happy pictures and vacation photos give you a negative mindset; that’ll just hold you back from taking the next step.

4. Wasting Time On Relationships That Hold You Back.

We’ve all been there in one way or another — the boyfriend that doesn’t want you to travel. The girlfriend who demands more of your time away from work. The friend group that is content spending three nights a week at the same bar for years. In your 20s, it’s a good time to analyze the ROI of these relationships (the return on investment): if the relationship is bettering you, great! Stick with it. If it holds you back and keeps you from being your best, there’s no reason to stick around.

5. Thinking You Are Settled

Life is a journey of endless struggles. One of the worst mistakes to make in your 20s is to think you are settled in life. Getting a job that pays you well isn’t just enough. Know that navigating politics, building rapports and socialising with capable people is equally important.

6. Not Saving Too Much

If you didn’t know this already, not saving much is perhaps the worst mistake a person can make in his 20s. Start saving right from your first salary. It will take you a long way in life.

7. Trying To Please Anyone

Pleasing everyone around you is not going to serve any purpose. You never know how long people will last in your life. Be nice to the important people and quit trying to please too many people.

8. Equating Happiness With Money

Another one of those worst mistakes to make in your 20s is to compare and go on to equate money with happiness. Money is not happiness. Happiness is never determined by how much money you have. Never! You’re setting yourself up for years of regret if you pursue a paycheck rather than your passion.

9. Procrastinating A Lot

It can be tempting to set aside your longest-held aspirations, continually thinking that you’ll have time for them later. But then you’ll find yourself at an age where it may be too late to change careers, or go to graduate school, or start a family.

10. They Give Up When Things Get Tough

Ending a serious relationship, getting fired from a job, and having your startup crash and burn can all seem life-destroying when they happen to you for the first time. But rather than giving up or aiming for a lower target the next time, you should use failures as opportunities to learn and improve yourself.