The Regrets of Unfulfilled Ambitions in Our 20s: Lessons for a Better Future
As I reflect on my journey up to the age of 27, I can honestly say that the only thing I regret is not taking full advantage of the opportunities available to me during my 20s. From attending grade school at age 7 to working abroad as a System Engineer at 26, I have achieved a lot. However, there are some things I wish I had done differently, especially in my early 20s.
Financial Missteps
During the last 2.5 years, I sent a significant portion of my savings to my parents. Now, unemployed for six months, I can only dream of posting pictures from picturesque hill stations on Instagram. This financial misstep shows how important it is to keep a solid financial foundation. Investing in safe stocks like the SP 500 ETF, contributing 500 dollars a month, could have resulted in a million dollars in 40 years. Time is indeed your friend, but it can become your enemy if not managed wisely.
Personal Choices and Networking
Another significant regret is not being more casual in my personal and professional life. In my social circle, it’s now considered normal to have casual relationships and engage in behaviors that were once considered taboo, like alcoholism or infidelity. By the age of 27, I wish I had embraced these aspects of life more thoroughly. This mindset change could have facilitated better networking and relationships, potentially leading to more opportunities.
Career Development and Risk-Taking
At 27, I have worked for 2.5 years and am currently unemployed. I often think about the numerous career paths I could have taken, like settling down at my first job at Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) in 2020. Instead of pursuing this stability, I wish I had taken greater risks and started my own business. Entrepreneurship is both rewarding and challenging, and it offers invaluable lessons in finance, management, and problem-solving.
Starting a business without fear of failure is crucial. Consult a tax accountant to develop a solid financial plan. Begin with small and agile ventures, learning from each failure and applying those lessons in subsequent attempts. By the age of 30, having three businesses under your belt, with the third one up and running, would equip you with the necessary experience and knowledge to succeed.
Ultimately, having a self-sufficient business by age 30 is a sound goal. It not only provides financial security but also offers the time and flexibility to pursue other interests. If entrepreneurship is not for you, you will still have a decade of experience to negotiate a high-paying corporate career that can support a mortgage and a decent lifestyle.
In conclusion, the 20s are a critical period for setting the foundation for future success. Whether you are investing in your financial future, making personal and professional decisions, or starting your own venture, the choices you make now can have a lasting impact on your life. Embrace the lessons of the past and use them to build a better future.