Millennials nearing their 40s reveal 10 mistakes they made that they now regret

Aug 11, 2023

By: Abhiram Sajai

With age comes wisdom

We spend a good portion of our lives trying to make sense of it; But as you grow older, you realize not many really have a handle on life. While many boomers often accuse millennials of being spendthrifts and not saving money, the truth is that the costs of li...

1. Not saving enough for retirement

Not saving enough for retirement and not going to college. I have been a stay-at-home mom for 7 years now and have nothing saved for my own retirement. I have a high school degree and cosmetology license but that’s it. If my husband left me I’d be screwed beca...

2. Worrying about time running out

I'm not sure if people have experienced the same but when I entered my 30s I became convinced I was rapidly running out of time. Rather than using that as motivation, I let it paralyze me with indecision because I "couldn't afford to make the wr...

3. Experience as much as you can

Forty already. Born in 81, so I think I just make the millennial cut. Work to live, don’t live to work. You have half your working life after you turn 40 but only 20-25 years to really live it up before the responsibilities become heavy and your joints start t...

4. Being depressed

I realized the other day that at 32, I've now been depressed for more than half of my life; like depression is my default mode. I don't really even remember what was like before. I've given up on the prospect of dating. I can't with a good ...

5. Getting married too early

Getting married at 20 and having kids shortly after. A LOT of people warned me that I was starting too young, but I thought I was the exception. I spent my whole life being told by everyone that I was "mature" for my age. So certainly I wouldn't...

6. Not recognizing red flags in a relationship

Not recognizing early red flags for an abusive relationship. It can be tempting to give yourself over to someone showering you with affection after a long dry spell but pay attention to some important details - how long have they known most of their friends...

7. Didn't invest in friendships

I moved a lot as a kid and am what is called a third culture kid. I feel at home nowhere. I learned to see friendships and relationships as transactional and didn't maintain them or invest in them. My early life experience is different from those of stabl...

8. Don't let any symptoms go unchecked

Try not to get cancer. If you feel unwell go to the doctor. I felt numbness in my fingers and toes. Let that go for a few months. It turned to arm pain. Went to the hospital and it turns out I have stage 4 renal carcinoma. Don’t let any symptoms go unchecked. ...

9. Health is wealth

I'm 37. I absolutely could have taken better care of my body, but I'm in relatively good health. I'm starting to realize how important it is to maintain my health. I do also think I drank far too much in my 20 and early 30's. I'm tryin...

10. Don't get into debt

I really wish I had approached college differently. Encouraged by my elders who went to school when things were much different, I took out too many student loans and those things can't be forgiven in bankruptcy. Its a yolk around your neck at a time in li...