People try to make the best life choices they can based on the information they have at the time. Sometimes it works out for the best, and other times not. Fortunately, today’s younger generations can rely on the wisdom of those with more life experiences. When asked what advice they would give more youthful people, contributors on an age 40+ chat board offered valuable lessons learned from their lives.
1. Build Retirement Savings Early
Finances are one of the most discussed topics on the thread, with multiple commenters advising you to save as much as possible. At the same time, if you’re young and working for a company that matches a percentage of your retirement savings, set aside enough funds to meet the match rate.
2. It’s Never Too Late To Change
Someone on the forum acknowledges struggling with alcoholism in their twenties and not finding a real job despite having a graduate degree. In their forties, they got sober, returned to school, and landed a promising career. They advise there’s always time to turn your life around if you want something better for yourself.
3. Take Chances
Life is full of uncertainties, so making the safest choices with minimal risk is often easier. There are better ways to live for at least one participant in the chat. They recommend taking some risks, such as talking to the person you have a crush on, changing your hairstyle, relocating to someplace new, accepting that fun job offer, or whatever opportunity comes your way.
4. It’s Okay To Fail
Far too many believe failing at something makes them failures as human beings. Still, nothing could be further from the truth, say several users in the discussion. They instruct young people that it’s okay to fail and that they should use it as a learning experience for the future.
5. Spend Wisely
Spending money on a shiny new object that hits the market is too easy. Still, it’s crucial to prioritize that spending. Someone on the forum proposes putting “necessities over luxuries,” with another person adding “savings over luxuries.” Both are excellent mantras to follow.
6. Don’t Rush Through Life
Instead of being in a hurry to do everything, one adviser suggests young people should take life at their own pace and try not to grow up too fast. There’s plenty of time for adulting.
7. Develop Interactive Hobbies
One member of the over-40 generation insists that as you age, “you reach a point where you’ve seen enough movies, played enough video games, read enough books. Develop hobbies that aren’t predicated on media consumption.” Finding interests that allow you to interact with others is a healthy way to build connections.
8. Drinking
Excessive drinking is bad for your health. Drinking in moderation is okay, but if you’re drinking too much, seek help to become sober.
9. Never Stop Learning
No matter how much education you may already have, always try to learn something new, “whether it’s how to play guitar or fix your toilet. It’s easier to maintain things than it is to fix them. This applies to just about everything, from cleaning your house to how long your car lasts,” somebody volunteers. A little extra knowledge never hurt anyone!
10. Read More
It’s okay to love playing video games, but keeping up your reading skills is essential. Read something daily, whether a book, magazine, newspaper, or blog post.
11. Get Off Your Cell Phones
When talking with others in person, show interest in what they say by putting your cell phones away. Also, “Get off your phone and go out and live your life,” voices a responder to the chat.
12. Don’t Be Afraid To Live
“Most people are too afraid to live their life, let alone star in it. Don’t be that person. Make some discoveries, and find your adventure. The Internet existed before you found it. It will still be there when you leave it behind,” a contributor shares.
13. Be Ready for College
An individual in the discussion warns against going to college just for the sake of being there. Instead, try to find out what interests you first, and then pursue a college degree if that’s what you want.
14. Limit Social Media
The more time you spend on social media, the more warped your perceptions of the world around you become. Spend less time on those sites for a more realistic view of life.
15. Be Kind
Finally, be kind to others, but remember to be kind to yourself.