How did you spend your 20's?

funcoupons

WR Officer

+11

Kahluapons

I'm 29 so got one year left here but:

Early 20's: Worked at various dead end jobs and wasted my money on partying, useless possessions, and trips with friends.

Mid 20s: Attempted to figure out what I wanted to do work wise, attended college, was in a long term relationship. Still kind of bad with money but way less partying and became a bit more mature and focused.

Late 20s: When I actually felt like I had my life under control. This is when I got into my first sales role, partying was no longer a focus at all, focused more on health, hobbies, education, and maintaining a balanced life.

Advice:

- Choose the people you spend time with wisely.

- It's ok to party sometimes, but only after you've met all of your other financial obligations and it doesn't become a lifestyle. Stay away from hard drugs completely.

- Think long and hard before investing money in college. Be sure that the money you spend will result in real results down the line such as better income/better job situation. Ideally, don't go into debt to go to school.

- Treat your body well. Start eating healthy, exercising, and taking care of your mental health as soon as possible.

Hudsonsmom

Opinionated

+2

Area Sales Manager

All of this 100% 👏👏

Wo

Wolfof7thStreet

Opinionated

+5

AE

Great advice

thegrinch

Politicker

+5

SDR

Amazing advice. Thank you for sharing!

dm

dmitrij

sales

The pure wisdom

ARRisLife

Politicker

+3

Account Executive

Served overseas, finished college, got into my career gig in sales.

Drank, smoked, and partied too much. No regrets though.

Biggest advice- be smart with your money- start investing EARLY, as much as you can even if it's a small amount, build that habit and get in the mindset to contribute using whatever vehicle you want, 401, roth, ect. Don't blow money on useless image shit like fancy new cars, clothes ect.

Only thing cooler than having that new car when you're first starting off that nobody will remember is becoming financially secure not living paycheck to paycheck and retiring with a huge nest egg. I only wish I started a little earlier but it makes me sad to see my peers who are making well into 6 figures living outside their means and not having retirement front in center of their decision making.

End Rant! Just my 2cents

Chep

WR Officer

+10

Business Development Team Lead

A great 2 cents. I'm always eager to cash out my investments (especially crypto) but having the long game in mind has kept me from doing so

SteveMadden

Opinionated

+4

Sales Exec

Hit the slopes

CaneWolf

Politicker

+12

Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract

Already in sales, partied a lot. Started saving quite a bit about around 24 (when I started making decent bits of money). Moved quite a few times for work.

I think one of the big things I've learned is that nobody's life is the same. For instance, I'd generally advice waiting to get married and have kids but I know people who got married and starting having kids early and they have great lives. I know others who waited and have great lives. I know some people who are just miserable bastards no matter what.

Do what's right for you..as long as what's right for you doesn't neglect society or involve serial killing or some shit.

One last thing I cannot emphasize enough. LEARN about other people. See different places, meet different people, try to broaden your horizons.

WCK

Politicker

+8

Padre de Tequila

I'm 27, so still in it. Spent the early part of my 20's severely obese and depressed. Spent the middle part getting in shape physically and mentally, working in the school district before making the move to sales. I've done a ton in terms of travel, and learning more about myself. Mow learning to lock things in financially as well as explore my coaching career even moreso.

As funcoupons said, the people you surround yourself with matter. I hang with old friends on occasion and realize why I interact with them in small doses.

Also agree on the party on occasion. Be smart, recognize your faults and shortcomings and what you struggle with when you party and keep that in check.

Invest your money and your time into things that will help you grow as a person or allow you flexibility later in life. So much money I wish I could have back that was spent on dumb shit.

That being said, I have zero regrets traveling. I don't mind spending my money there because it creates memories and it's stuff that I'll hold on to for life. It's also led to some beautiful friendships with people across the world I never would've met if I stayed stuck inside my local bubble.

To add to that, don't be afraid to spend money on things like music festivals, or little personal joys like video games, just don't spend money you can't afford to spend if that makes sense. You shouldn't go broke to pay for a music festival or console for example. It should be something you can absorb, not stress over until then.

Take care of yourself. Mentally, physically, socially. Don't neglect your mental health or hide issues due to stigma surrounding it. You only get one mind, and only one body, so keep them both in the best shape possible. Don't be afraid to ask questions from those older than you either. They didn't get to where they are by luck(usually). And be sure to portray yourself as someone that people remember for all the right reasons. Be someone that will always be asked back around.

1nbatopshotfan

Politicker

+5

Senior Director, Enterprise Technology

36, lots of good advice in this thread. Saving money, balance fun and experiences. One other piece of advice is to live somewhere different. Try a new place and do it for a year or two if possible. I was able to do that twice in my 20s and really value those experiences.

Chep

WR Officer

+10

Business Development Team Lead

Still living them out currently, but trying to establish better habits than I had at the end of my college career

BigCheese

Big Shot

+13

Agency Recruiter

That college to real-life transition was a tough one for me lol. Lots of unhealthy habits to be broken.

Chep

WR Officer

+10

Business Development Team Lead

Amen BigCheese, but I def think my body is thanking me for cooling it on the partying🤝😂

JuicyKlay

Politicker

+9

AM

I wish I would have partied less and got more certifications

DizzyRascal

Opinionated

+5

BizDev

Finally started University and worked full-time in retail to help pay for it, moved to the other side of the world for an internship and 🖤 stayed there for a couple of years, partied hard, then 💔but accidentally build a solid CV there. Came back when I just turned 27 and got myself my first sales job at a big search internet company.

DO: When you start earning any money, automatically set aside an amount for your pension, in index funds, and in an emergency fund.

DO: Unless you are trying to become a doctor, lawyer, etc, you do not need to go to the most expensive or top-rated University in the world. Having student loans is not a rite of passage and its not cool, its messed up the amount of money it will cost you to pay back. - Get you a scholarship and go to University in Europe if you can. I know a lot of people who did that. They paid back their student loans within 2 years and only because there was no interest so they took their sweet time, education there is better and the whole international experience is life-changing.

DO: Always make sure that you are there for your family, chosen family, best friends.

DO: learn 1 or 2 additional languages - trust me that this is worth more than any MBA.

DO: Find a hobby, don't be that person who only has their career going for them.

DONT: You don't need to have it figured out yet, but try to find out what you don't like so you can eliminate that from your life.

DONT: Colleagues are not your friends

DONT: A company is not your identity

DONT: Buy things you do not need, to impress people you don't like

SammySandbags

Politicker

+5

Account Executive

Studied abroad, but full time European Uni sounds so cool

DizzyRascal

Opinionated

+5

BizDev

It is Sammy, it truly is.

ARRyouReadyKids

Politicker

+5

Sr. Account Executive

still working through my 20's and constantly learning.

I think it's to find a balance of living my life and having experiences while also being smart with my money to plan for my future.

Biggest change I made once money started to come in was automatically putting 25% away to things like 401k, stocks/investments, etc. (wasn't possible as a BDR making 32k/yr base, so once you're no longer paycheck to paycheck you can make some changes)

it's tough, but if you stay consistent/disciplined then some of those big commission checks can definitely be used for fun like trips or bigger purchases without hurting your future.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

+11

Needer of Life Alert

You expect me to remember that far back? Lots of booze etc since back in the day my friend 🤯

I graduated college and worked as a pharmaceutical sales rep shortly after. I learned fast to listen, make friends, and respect EVERY title in clinics.

Remain in control, slow down, be transparent even when it feels awkward, and be kind.

Salespreuner

Big Shot

+11

Regional Sales Director

Roam crazy, sell crazy and night out crazy on Hill side vacays!!

Used to sell Tires back then 🔥

saygrace

Valued Contributor

+5

Sales Executive

I just exited my 20s and I can say it was a great time. Spent my mid 20s traveling the world and settled down and married my wife at 30. Now we have a little one at home. Life comes at you quick.

SammySandbags

Politicker

+5

Account Executive

That last line hit me like a ton of bricks

katnissevergreendeals

Sr Enterprise AE

Worked my way up from AM to Director across a few companies. Drank tons, dated tons, worked a fair amount, slept very little.

Started aggressively saving money (finally) around 27 with the intention of taking a year off to travel abroad someday.

Those savings meant that a few years later when I finally got a promotion I had been gunning for (after too many years in an incredibly toxic work environment) and they gave me no raise (!), I held all the cards to say I'd sleep on it....then quit a week later. Best feeling ever.

Began my 30s in Asia sipping coconuts and going to sunrise dance parties on the beach. Now I'm back in sales at a new company, refreshed and happy.

Never underestimate the power of a savings account! Best thing I ever did in my 20s (though the partying was fun too).

SalesPharaoh

Politicker

+8

AM BDR

I agree with @funcoupons and @WCK i have similar stories. I consider my greatest achievements is getting early on the compound interest thing. I'm close to have saved my 1st six figures number by saving money I got from family, and always 1/2 my salary goes in the bank or some low risk investment.

Save early your money.

BigMeech

WR Officer

+11

Coors Light Advocate

I played way too many video games, and drank way too much. Wish I subbed some of those hours out for guitar practice...

MMMGood

Celebrated Contributor

+10

Senior Account Executive

I remember a lot of diapers...🥴

DadFather

Politicker

+5

Enterprise Account Executive

Mid 20’s here - going on year 4 out of college. Same company, 3 different sales roles through the ranks and now I’m moving to FL from MA for a field role.

Saw it as an awesome career opportunity but more importantly a chance to do new things, meet new people, and live somewhere else when I am single in my mid 20’s. In 10 years, I wouldn’t want to move across the country with a wife and kids so I am doing it while I can.

But, as others have said, becoming financially responsible and keeping a healthy routine (nutrition, exercise, work-life balance) are some of the greatest things i have started to pick up on.

Simo

Politicker

+7

Director of Sales

I spent all my commission in my 20s!

deviantzen

WR Lieutenant

+9

Consultant

I'm hitting the midpoint of my 20s in a week. Many peers and mentors tell me I'm at a good spot trajectory-wise but I still feel like I'm lagging behind my high achieving friends in terms of financial goals.

Started out in sales right out of college. Massively overachieved early on thanks to no-lifing my job and good luck. paid off a ton of debt early on but I know jack shit about investing and still don't really know it that well. Not making enough for an advisor or money manager. I don't plan on having children or a family though.

Ended up burning out so hard I decided to not work for someone else for a while and am enjoying that journey. Did the usual blow money on partying and image stuff but I don't really regret it since it satisfied certain wants at the time and now I don't have any FOMO.

I don't have any advice outside of leverage your youthful energy to GRIND, NETWORK, and set yourself up for more opportunities down the line. You don't have as much value as a fresh grad so really it boils down to how much and how well you show up. Eventually you will age more and lose a ton of energy so the groundwork you laid out with your sweat equity will pay dividends once you physically can't work 80-90 hours a week.

countingmyinterest

Politicker

+2

Account Executive

I'm 26 and doing decently for myself. Got a 6 figure net worth, have some real estate and crypto investments.

22-24, bounced around and tried creating my first couple companies.

25+ stared working at a "big boy company" and made big boy bucks and invested in real estate and heavily adding to my 401k.
I lived at home so it definitely helped build up my nest egg.

Incognito

WR Officer

+10

Master of Disaster

In a semi truck and trailer, driving around North America selling my shit, competing in my sport and making friends with billionaires 😎

thegrinch

Politicker

+5

SDR

Ex-pro what? Who's the dopest billionare you became friends with?

Incognito

WR Officer

+10

Master of Disaster

🤔

Hunter Harrison probably. Evan Greenberg had his douche moments but I genuinely cared about him like family for a time. Always been close with the Southern family, Nancy is very kind and I adore her daughter. Charlie and Katie Jacobs are super cool (during playoffs he dresses all of his staff and animals in bruins jerseys. Yes, cats and chickens too 😂).

have some good stories from others but I was probably closest to those few.

But yeah. I know everyone mentioned in this article on a first name basis:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kerryadolan/2012/03/28/bill-gates-and-the-other-rich-dads-funding-their-daughters-equestrian-dreams/amp/

Show 1 more replies

HappyGilmore

Politicker

+7

Account Executive

I'm 27 now and have some time left, but here's where I am to date.

Early 20's: working lots of hours for little pay in sales role (different industry than what I'm in now), living paycheck to paycheck for the most part. Most money saved during that time outside of normal expenses was used to party & a little travel.

Mid-20's: decided to switch industries and enter the tech industry. Still partied and traveled a decent amount however at this point I could start to save and invest money across savings/401k/stocks. Started to really focus on diet & exercise and lose weight.

Now at this stage in my life I just got promoted, and now focused on saving/investing more money. Any vice I have has switched from partying to the occasional sports gambling, and still saving on the side for travels. Continue to lift/run/exercise and tinker with my diet, and love to get into the outdoors as well and have gotten into reading.

Advice:

-Save/invest early, something I always wish I started doing the moment I left college, even though I am investing and saving to date.

-Careful with the partying, as someone who has struggled with how to limit how much to drink and consume while partying, it can add up physically/mentally/financially.

-Create long-term goals, have fun, don't live outside your means, surround yourself with good friends & hobbies, and travel when you can.

sketchysales

Politicker

+7

Sales Manager

Im still spending my 20s. Im 24.

At 20 i became a AE.
21 I became area sales rep
22, i travelled like hell. For work and personally. Flew over 150 times in 1 year and visited 11 different countries (8 for work, 3 for pleasure)
23 - did covid stuff. I.e. bugger all.
24 - moving country and continent.

manunited007

Sales Development Rep

I am in my late 20s (still feels weird to say) but if i could go back and talk to my younger self I would say along the lines of what everyone else is saying. Invest NOW!! Whether you are 18, 21, 50, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE. Our country fails to teach us basic financial knowledge but don't worry a^2+b^2=c^2. No kids yet but was recently engaged!

devopsdude

Opinionated

+1

Account Executive

Absolute shit show from 20-25 years old. Took me a total of 9 years to graduate with a bachelors degree (9 credit semesters the entire time, drink/smoke/drugs, no direction, mental health issues, etc). My transcript should be framed for the laughs alone (I can now finally look back and laugh). At one point there is 3 semesters straight of W's. I took time off in between and landed two separate sales jobs, one of them insurance and the other SaaS at F500 companies (how I got these as a college dropout at the time, I have no idea). Absolutely killed it at my SaaS job for the 6 months I was there, went back to school to finish my last year of undergrad, and returned once I graduated at the ripe age of 27. Moved from SMB/MM sales to Enterprise after that and I will finally crack 100k+ at age 31. Not bad for only officially being out of school for 4 years. If only I had my head on straight and got in the sales game at 22. I'm engaged now, have two dogs, in a great financial situation, and reserve partying to maybe once a month at best.

Tip: Invest at least 20% in your fucking 401k and don't make partying a lifestyle. RIP to my brain cells and wallet.

SalesPharaoh

Politicker

+8

AM BDR

I try to travel as much as possible and see new places.

Wolfe

Politicker

+4

BDR

In quarantine

How did you spend your 20's?

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