Men in their 30s share valuable insights for people entering their 20s and it's eye-opening

Important advice for people in their 20s

A person entering their twenties will find that it's a period of uncertainty and excitement. It's a pivotal period that involves a lot of exploration and self-discovery as an individual comes to terms with adulthood. Some people are lucky to find a steady career while others struggle. People might move around quite a bit, which means they end up meeting a lot of people. As tumultuous as one's 20s can be, it also offers immense potential for one to grow and build foundations for the rest of their adult life. A Redditor asked men in their 30s in the subreddit r/AskMen what advice they would give to someone in their 20s and the responses are insightful and interesting. 

1. Exercise every day

Doesn't have to be insane. Walk or bike an hour a day. Take little stretch breaks during the day. Don't over-indulge in alcohol. Eat healthy more often than not. If you're 20 you're a few years out from no longer being physically invincible. By the time you're 30, you'll have habits that will be extremely difficult to break. Establish good habits now, build up as much good health as you can to carry into your 30s and 40s. u/schlongtheta

2. Being okay with a smaller group of friends

Your friend circle is going to get smaller and that’s ok. Get out of your comfort zone and try to meet new people. It’s a hard thing to do initially but it’s worth it. u/Prudent-Fly-8299. This! I would expand to do things, try to go beyond your comfort zone whether it’s friends, love life, career… growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Plus you learn to be ok with 'failure.' You won’t get promoted if you don’t go for it. You won’t get that date if you don’t try to connect with the person… and so forth. u/brod1989 

3. Pay attention to your dental health

Take care of your teeth. I know this seems elementary but you'll thank yourself later in life. u/maestro3224. I pay out of pocket for dental and no way I'll use my teeth to open a beer again like my friends do. I eat some gum after every meal. I also invested in a high-quality electric toothbrush. I've become so concerned about my dental care in my 30s, I get the occasional nightmare about losing my teeth! u/mambo-nr4

4. Live abroad

If you ever dreamed of living abroad, get on it before you turn 30 you likely have access to easy-to-get and free work visas in a lot of countries. This is obviously the location dependant. u/helpnxt. I remember at uni (Spain) when an older classmate told me that he wished he could go study a semester abroad. But he had a lot of stuff holding him there: a girlfriend, a car, a dog... But I was so lucky to have none of that. Decided to do that and spent an amazing two semesters in Poland. It was one of my best decisions ever. Now I've been living in the Netherlands for over 2 years. Zero regrets. Turning 28 later this year. u/ma__ska 

5. Try to stay committed to one person

Don't take relationships for granted. Most people in their 20s are looking for fun and forget that they have to live a long life. If you find someone that works well, don't let it go over something stupid. u/Intellectually_Left. I agree, there's the temptation to always think you can do better. But if you think you are compatible and you feel like you can really grow with that person. Don't let the little things break that. IMO, good relationships get harder and harder to find the older you get and honestly, it's exhausting trying to find someone else not to mention falling in love all over again. I'm at the point in my life where I'm done. I don't want to go through all of it again. u/Knights_Ferry 

6. Be forgiving 

There's always going to be a tomorrow until there isn't. Therefore master the art of forgiving yourself and others for mistakes. Keep driving forward - push forward no matter what because life will fling sh*t at you from all directions. Drive toward the pain, the delayed gratification, and ultimately the good - good is a better driver than evil. u/AncilliaryAnteater 

7. Don't stay at one job

Switch jobs ever so often, it is currently the only viable way to increase your wage income. Hard work and putting in extra hours no longer give a reward but just hold you back instead. u/Vocem_Interiorem. Agreed and learn the toxic/red flag of bosses and co-workers so that you can manage any people in the workforce. Also, no one at work is your friend and shouldn't cuz that same person can rat you out for not doing your work one day or even use your password to steal money at work, etc. Kinda like the no dating at work rule... while yes some people end up ok just always be cautious! Also, don't over-share your personal info thats how gossip starts. u/GhostNinja1373 

8. Try to do the right thing

Do the right thing. Seriously. It seems so generic and cliche, it's not always easy (though it gets easier), but it's the best advice you'll ever hear. Most people already know what the right thing is, we just cloud our judgment with selfishness and laziness. If you work/study hard, save for the future, eat right, stay in shape, treat people well, live within your means, never be/reduce being a burden on others, leave places as good or better than when you arrived, and tell the truth, you will have a good life, you'll feel good, people will respect you, you'll respect you, and women will be attracted to you. u/stoptheshadowban

9. Avoid credit cards and live frugally 

If you can’t live on 100% of your income, you can not live just as easily on 90%. Always save 10% - ESPECIALLY if you can’t afford to save. Also, credit cards are a trap for young people. The companies are absolutely counting on your lack of maturity and self-control. Don’t just study whatever makes you happy in college. Education is a path to a career and has lifelong financial implications. Make sure that the rewards of the career are worth the cost of your education. Now, you’ve been given the information. One day, you will actually hear it. u/Imaginary-Mechanic62

10. Be careful with alcohol consumption

Alcohol addiction is easy to form during these years, especially if you’re going to college or live alone. Maybe try to limit your drinking to 1-2 days a week, and try not to drink too much. Exercise to the point you get addicted to that, and then you’ll care more about what you put in your body and when. Blacking out should never be the goal, and should never be a badge of honor. Going 'shot for shot' with someone never ends well. u/rick_rolled_you