25-06-2025
17 Biggest Mistakes People Can Make In Their 30s
As someone approaching their 30s, I'm open to receiving any advice I can get. Recently, Redditor u/oghrmiatr asked those in the Reddit community to share the biggest mistakes to avoid making in their 30s to have a good life in their 40s and beyond, and they're reminders to live life with intention:
"I know this is a very capitalistic thing to say, but you need to fight like hell to earn more money. Don't get complacent with a low-paying job; improve yourself, learn new skills, and get to whatever level you need to get yourself so you can really enjoy life. So many problems can be solved with a bigger paycheck, and many people will sell themselves short and just assume that they have to be stuck in a job that pays lower wages."
—climb-it-ographer
"Don't have kids unless you're willing to give up a lot of your freedom and hobbies."
"Being in a relationship or marrying someone who is totally wrong for you. I see brilliant, promising, and good people ruin their lives in their 40s because they chose the wrong partner."
"Neglecting your teeth."
—Classic-Prior-6946
"Avoiding tough conversations and tough decisions. Trust me, the more conversations you have in your 30s, the easier life will get in your 40s. Your career, your kids, and your overall stability of life will thrive when you are willing to take the risk."
"I think the biggest mistake is not putting your finances in order before hitting your 40s."
"Don't let anyone live in your home, no matter the sob story."
"Continuing to eat like you're in your 20s. You don't have to go on some wild diet — just stop eating so much junk and change the small things, like getting more servings of vegetables every so often. Start cooking at home; it'll start making an impact. Just keep making small steps, and by the time you hit your 40s, you'll be used to eating a balanced diet. It's good to start now before your metabolism crashes."
—No-Understanding-912
"Let that cocaine be."
"Limiting yourself because of anxiety and fears. Time goes by fast — it's important to prioritize what you like and what you want in life. Do you really want something, but you keep postponing it because it stresses you out? Screw that. Just do it; you will be grateful that you did."
"Not starting a retirement account. Do it. Even $10 a paycheck or $5 — the more, the better. Do it every week, and you will not even notice it."
"Not seriously investing in building and maintaining friendships. A lot of people get divorced in their 40s and find themselves alone."
—vkurian
"Losing your functional mobility. I do a lot of kettlebell workouts now, and I've discovered that my balance has atrophied since my youth. It feels good to reclaim it."
"Paying so much attention to your career that you don't spend the time you need with your family. I'm especially referring to your children, if that's your situation. This is the decade that will end up blessing you or hurting you for the rest of your life."
"The career you love in your 30s might be something you hate in your 40s. Give yourself an out and have another skillset to fall on, just in case."
"Drinking like you're in your 20s."
Lastly: "If you start having a health problem, get it looked at and treated early before it turns into something else. I've lost friends to cancer in their 30s and early 40s. I've seen people lose their health due to problems they didn't treat. Your body isn't as resilient as it was when you were younger, and there's a bunch of stuff that might start going wrong. Look after yourself better, and don't let problems spiral if you can help it."
—BobBobBobBobBobDave
I'm taking note of all of these, TBH. What do you think is the biggest mistake someone can make in their 30s? Let us know in the comments, or you can anonymously submit your thoughts using the form below!
