Why “30 Something on Shuffle?”
If you search the web for “30 something,” you’ll find: “30 Something Crisis,” the “Quarterlife Crisis,” the “Thrisis…”
I’m not making this up. I Googled it. Some feel stuck. One author writes: “looking forward and thinking, ‘I don’t want the next 30 years to look like this.’”
Another described it as: “If you’re in your mid-thirties, hassled by the dramas of juggling work and family, doubting decisions you’ve made professionally and personally, panicked by the aging process and dismayed that your years of snogging in nightclubs are behind you, then you’re probably in the grip of an early midlife crisis – otherwise known as a Thrisis.”
Are 30 somethings really in a crisis?
No. Let’s call it: 30 Something on Shuffle. We don’t have to follow the rules anymore. There are no time frames, no biological clocks because of the advances in fertility treatments, we can buy a house before we’re married, have a career we love without feeling guilty about it — make our OWN schedules and traditions.
In my thirties… and until recently, had several things I wanted to do, but was waiting until “I get married.” I’m not the only one. On the flip side, I’ve always had a list I wanted checked off before I was married.
- Focus on building a career I love (check)
- Buy my own home (check, did it twice)
- Get my own diamonds, before someone else does (check)
So then why did I need to do those things for myself, while subconsciously, I’m still waiting for other things – until I get married?
- KitchenAid Stand Mixer (don’t quite know what I’d do with it, but they work for girls like Giada
- Nespresso machine (espresso at home… delivered in a way even I can’t mess up)
- A week (or longer) eating, drinking and dancing my way through other countries
Again, you know I’m not the only one. Strangely, I’ve honestly thought: why buy a stand mixer when that’s something you “register” for? If I buy everything, what will people give me when I get married?
It’s that same feeling of tradition that stops many single people from buying their first home on their own. But, that shouldn’t stop us. I’m going to get that stupid espresso machine. I am. That is, when I finish this construction project. Countertops and floors are a little more important at this point…
You can’t keep waiting until you’re married, make more money, or the market hits its “real bottom.”
Just go get what you want, now.
Can you relate?
Hey – all above is VERY well -put. Here’s my 2-cents on the topics:
1. Been there/done that. Had the big Kitchen-aid stand mixer – glad it’s gone. (unless you do alot of baking.)
2.Espresso machine – you can have mine & Ironically – it was given to me by one of my best friends – they got it for their wedding, and also decided it was just WAY too much trouble & pushed it to the back of the cabinet…
3. Also been there – I HIGHLY recommend GREECE:) Of course that’s where I was born – so at least I’m not biased or anything – but when you mentioned “eating, drinking & dancing” your way through a foreign country, it just SCREAMS Greece. You’re in Chicago – take a peek at what goes down in Greek town, and you’ll DISCOVER a new word. We call “KEFI”. It doesn’t have a direct translation – it’s like the Greeks have a different word for everything… It means: 1. Up-lifted spirit, 2. Enthusiasm, 3. Stamina, 4. Being 90-years old & STILL dancing on the tables at your grand-daughter’s wedding, 5.Having the balls to go up & sing with the band… 6. Having the balls to tell the hotel manager it’s ONLY 3AM, Grandma is still dancing, and the band needs another round of drinks:)
4.Counter tops – GRANITE! don’t even waste your time or money with anything else, and especially the backsplash – it will make you smile every morning – as it looks like a $million, otherwise – like some friends of mine – you’ll regret it later, and tile is a bitch to clean the grout… (and it will add re-sale value)
5. Flooring – every choice needs some type of maintenance. Mine are stone – easy to keep clean, but need to periodically be sealed & they keep the house cold… Wood – not cold, but require ALOT of maint/sealing, etc… (Don’t believe the BS about low-maint wood floors)