People are sharing 10 common mistakes they made in their 30s and it's thought-provoking

A turbulent period

For many individuals, their 30s can be a very turbulent period because of all the changes in life that one has to come to terms with. While many find some grounding in their personal life and work, the period sees many people make many mistakes. Some mistakes have to do with an individual's career while others might be related to their personal lives. Reddit user u/cthulhu34 asked, "What's a common mistake people make in their 30s?" Here are 10 of the most insightful answers that people shared.

1. Being in unhealthy toxic relationships 

Stay in unhealthy toxic relationships. u/Lavenderplatte. I lost all of my 20s seeking validation from “friendships” and dating. I switched college majors because my grades were slipping due to these things and spent the remaining of that decade coasting along. Now in my 30s I’m turning that around but doing so with a full-time job and a healthy relationship. Not enough time to relax but just am grateful I can get back on track. Just often feel so regretful and annoyed I wasted my time back then. u/spooky_cookie13

2. Making comparisons to other people 

Comparing their lifestyle to other 30-somethings. u/Affectionate_Item_51. This is a good one. Your peer’s success can seem perfect from afar and make you feel inadequate. But if you sit down and talk with them you will learn all sorts of shortcomings and difficulties in their life that will make you appreciate something about yourself and your situation. In other words, we are all just out here tryna function. u/ThunderBobMajerle

3. Believing it's too late

Thinking they are too old. Never too late to switch career paths or look for a new relationship or start taking care of your health. u/Mans_Got_Cheaks. Good on you man. I had this realization when I was 12. Was a letdown to all of my friends and worked through my childhood and teen years to change it. If I'd let it run, I'd hate to think how I'd have turned out in later years. So hard, but so effing worth it. People come to truly appreciate you when you're good to them, especially when you develop a reputation for being a good person. Best of luck mate. Your problems are just challenges to overcome. u/bayleynator

4. Not enjoying your youth 

The biggest mistake I made in my 30's was not enjoying them more. Young enough to party, still play some sports, and perfectly in place in any bar. You have energy, you have a circle of friends (that will get smaller, trust me). Try to carpe diem every once in a while, the decade passes VERY quickly. u/hockeynoticehockey. Do whatever you can while you are young. 30s is a peak time. I'm 64 now, forced into early retirement, and I can't do half the things I "thought" I would be able to do in "retirement". Can't bend to do gardening, can't climb the ladder to get into the pool, can't handle a walk for more than a few minutes due to arthritis, and more. I'm mentally "still young" but my body is telling me otherwise. u/saywhat1206 

5. Medical problems 

Taking care of your body. Once I turned 31 lots of medical issues arose for me from various things but contact sports leave more damage than you know. Go to the dentist go to the doctor be active. I say all this as I’m about to be in a hospital during a hurricane in Florida. Take care of yourself physically mentally and spiritually. u/brownie1225. Ankle sprain in high school? Call a timeout and I’ll sub back in. Ankle sprain in the 20s? Ugh, I’ll see you in a day or 2. Ankle sprain in 30s? Yeah, let’s go schedule an MRI. u/Actually-Yo-Momma 

6. Not using sunscreen 

Not wearing sunscreen and taking care of your skin. Especially your face. u/EarthLoveAR. I started wearing sunscreen on my face every day when I was 25, and at 32 there’s already a visible difference between me and my brother (one year younger) and some friends. I’m happy to try to age naturally and (hopefully) gracefully, and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Also had a skin cancer scare (on my back) earlier this year that has reinforced how important sunscreen is everywhere. Just do it. u/chemical_sunset

7. Going on autopilot 

I think the biggest mistake I made in my 30s was kind of going on autopilot. I'm 42 in a month, and, to be dead honest, I'm not sure my 30s even happened. It feels like I went from 29 to 40. And I think it's because I just kind of kept my head down and carried on as usual. I should have spent that time being more proactive. Stupid me, but it doesn't have to be stupid you! u/MothraWillSaveUs

8. Getting married for the sake of it

Getting married for the sake of getting married to someone who isn't the right partner, just because the majority of their friends tied the knot and they don't want to be different. Marrying without sharing a connection and common values is definitely a mistake. Then comes the usual mess: having kids to fix the marriage, maybe cheating happens, or the family becomes dysfunctional, somehow. Marriage is not the only way to find a place in the world. u/Rare_Hovercraft_6673

9. Not exercising 

They don’t stay active and let American car culture and office life take a toll on them. In America, a majority of 30-year-olds become overweight. This has a huge impact on mental health, confidence, and quality of life. It’s wild the difference between the health and happiness of a 30-year-old in Europe vs America, and it seems mostly due to lifestyle. u/HotdoghammerOG. I am exactly the American you’re speaking of. 36 here and I’m obese and have been since about 30. Mental health, confidence and quality of life are all suffering. I am determined to turn this around. I started yesterday. Wish me luck, internet strangers. u/BigWoolySamson

10. Buying a costly house 

Buy houses they don't need and aren't ready for. If you listened to Reddit, you'd think your life was over and you were doomed forever if you didn't buy a massive suburban McMansion by the time you were 30. In reality, you do not need to and should not buy a home unless you are confident you will live in a location for 5-10 years at the minimum. And you have a very stable and high-paying job with lots of savings to handle unexpected expenses. Otherwise, you need to rent someplace within your budget and use your disposable income to build wealth in other ways. u/TheMaskedSandwich