Turning 30 can feel like a big milestone — and for a lot of people, it comes with a bunch of “I wish I had done that sooner” moments.
To give you a head start, I’ve tapped into real regrets from those who already crossed that line and realized what they missed.
Below are 10 things they say you absolutely should do before you hit 30.
No guilt trip here, just practical insights that can make a massive difference in how you navigate your twenties.
1. Start saving (even if it’s not much)
Most of the people who regret their twenties mention finances first.
Specifically, they wish they’d saved or invested more aggressively when time was on their side.
Even a small amount every month can snowball. I’ve mentioned this before but compound interest is a powerful ally — and the earlier you start, the more you’ll have down the road.
Your twenties are often about exploring life, so it’s tempting to blow cash on spontaneous trips, dinners out, or impulse gadgets.
No one’s saying you have to skip every indulgence.
Just prioritize putting aside a little slice of your paycheck.
Even if you can only manage $50, that small, consistent effort can turn into something meaningful later. Think of it as future-proofing your financial health.
2. Learn a second language
Wishing you’d stuck with high school Spanish or actually gone deeper into French? You’re not alone.
Many folks in their 30s or 40s lament not picking up another language earlier when their brains were more malleable and responsibilities were fewer.
Beyond the cool factor, bilingual skills can open doors in your career and give you a richer travel experience.
If you start now, language-learning apps and online tutors make the process way more accessible than it used to be. You won’t become fluent overnight, but if you commit daily, you’ll surprise yourself.
Plus, connecting with new people in their native language can be deeply rewarding — it shows respect for their culture and can spark friendships in unexpected places.
3. Travel outside your comfort zone
The big regret here is not traveling enough — or limiting travel to the same familiar spots.
People who’ve ventured beyond their usual orbit often say it changed their worldview and gave them a better grasp on how other cultures live. It’s about growth, perspective, and a pinch of wanderlust all rolled into one.
You don’t have to become a digital nomad or live out of a backpack. Even short international trips or exploring a different region of your own country can shift your mindset.
If you have limited funds, start small.
Look for budget flights, off-peak deals, or plan a group trip to split costs. Traveling when you’re young and relatively free from big commitments (like mortgages or kids) can be an irreplaceable experience.
4. Build a network (not just for work)
Networking sounds so corporate, but think of it more as building genuine relationships.
Sure, you might connect with someone who helps you land a job or collaborate on a project. But it can also be about finding mentors, creative partners, or simply peers who challenge you to grow.
By the time you’re 30, having a supportive community can make life’s transitions smoother.
Don’t limit yourself to the standard “networking events” either.
Community workshops, local meetups, volunteering activities — these can all bring together people who share your interests.
The point is to foster real connections, where you’re helping each other out, learning new skills, and sharing life’s highs and lows. The older you get, the more you’ll appreciate those bonds.
5. Prioritize your health (body and mind)
Many older folks say they wish they’d started a consistent exercise routine or healthier eating habits sooner.
Yes, your metabolism may still be kind at 25, but it’s laying the groundwork for your 30s and 40s.
A bit of mindful eating, a regular workout schedule, and a reasonable bedtime can pay off big time later.
Mental health is just as crucial.
Therapy, meditation, journaling — whatever helps you stay balanced. Stress tends to build as responsibilities pile up. Learning how to cope early can prevent burnout and keep you resilient.
You don’t want to hit your 30s feeling drained when a few proactive habits in your twenties could’ve helped you coast more smoothly.
6. Experiment with careers
This is the decade to job-hop, pivot, or dive into side projects if you’re not sure what your true calling is.
People often regret sticking to a comfortable but unfulfilling role for too long. They say, “If only I’d explored different fields before settling down.”
Sometimes, a side hustle or an internship-like gig can reveal passions you never considered.
Your twenties are a lower-risk window.
Once life milestones like mortgages, kids, or major debt appear, changing paths can feel much harder.
So use this time to sample industries, start that weird but exciting business idea, or collaborate on a friend’s startup.
Sure, there’s a chance it might not pan out. But the lessons you learn often guide you to something better.
7. Make memories with friends and family
We can get so caught up in chasing career goals or personal achievements that we forget the people around us.
Folks who’ve been there say one of their biggest regrets is not spending enough time with loved ones — especially older relatives or close friends who eventually moved away.
Your twenties might seem eternal, but life changes quickly.
People relocate, relationships evolve, and health can shift. Make those phone calls, plan those weekend getaways, go home for the holidays.
Moments shared with people who matter can’t be replicated later if you miss them now. Plus, these connections anchor you when life gets turbulent.
8. Face your fears, big or small
That could mean public speaking, learning how to code, performing at an open mic, or even conquering a fear of heights by trying rock climbing.
Many people regret letting fear hold them back in their twenties. They realize later it’s a time meant for trial and error—even messing up spectacularly is a learning experience.
Confidence builds each time you tackle something that intimidates you. Don’t wait until your 30s to start pushing those boundaries.
By then, the stakes might feel higher, and regrets can pile up.
So pick a fear that’s been nagging at you—however trivial it might seem—and take the first step toward beating it.
9. Establish healthy boundaries
Self-care isn’t just about face masks and bubble baths.
It’s also about saying “no” when you’re overwhelmed and asserting your needs in relationships, at work, and with friends.
Plenty of thirty-somethings regret letting people walk all over them in their twenties or constantly overcommitting to tasks they had no energy for.
Setting boundaries can feel awkward if you’re used to people-pleasing, but it protects your mental and emotional space.
If you start now, you’ll have a more balanced life by 30 — one where you’re not resentful about being stretched too thin.
Boundaries also teach others how to treat you, which can lead to more respectful and fulfilling connections.
10. Have some fun (responsibly)
Finally, a classic regret is not enjoying your twenties enough. Yes, save money.
Yes, be mindful of your career. But also realize it’s a unique period where your responsibilities might be lighter than they’ll ever be again.
People often wish they’d allowed themselves more adventure, spontaneity, or even silly nights out.
That doesn’t mean blowing your savings on nonstop partying.
The sweet spot is responsible enjoyment: going on that last-minute road trip, throwing a memorable party, or saying yes to a random opportunity that sounds thrilling. It’s about collecting stories and experiences, not regrets.
When you’re older, these memories become a big part of who you are and how you view life.
Wrapping up
Closing it out, but it’s still a big deal — your twenties can be a roller coaster, but it’s also a time ripe for experimentation, growth, and setting a foundation you’ll thank yourself for later.
If you tackle even a few of these suggestions, you’ll likely dodge the most common “wish I had done that” regrets people face once they cross 30.
So go for it:
Build that nest egg, explore new paths, and soak in the moments with the people who matter. You only get one shot at this particular decade, so make it count.
Until next time, friends.
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