Chill. You’re Not Supposed to Have It All Figured Out Yet.

Alright, listen up. If you’ve been feeling like you’re failing at life because you haven’t secured a six-figure salary, bought a house, or launched a TED Talk-worthy business by 25, let me say this loud and clear: You’re fine. You’re exactly where you need to be.

The pressure to have everything figured out in your 20s is a scam. Nobody actually knows what they’re doing, even the ones who pretend they do. This decade is a test kitchen, a wild experiment, a time to make mistakes, pivot, and collect data on what the hell you actually want out of life. So let’s talk about some real truths that’ll keep you from spiraling into self-doubt.

1. The “Dream Job” is a Scam (For Now)

That fairytale job where you get paid to “follow your passion” and love every second of your work? Yeah, that’s cute but unrealistic—at least in the beginning. Your first few jobs will probably be stepping stones, not dream destinations.

Instead of obsessing over finding your dream job, focus on building the skills and connections that will lead you to one. You might stumble into a career you never expected but absolutely love. And if you don’t? Guess what—you can always pivot. Careers aren’t tattoos; you’re allowed to change your mind.

2. Your Degree Won’t Automatically Make You Rich

This is a tough pill to swallow, but that expensive piece of paper? It’s not a golden ticket. Employers care more about what you can do than what you majored in.

Instead of clinging to your degree like a lifeline, develop skills that actually pay bills. Learn how to analyze data, run a meeting, manage a budget, write persuasively, or lead a project. Even if you have a fancy title, if you can’t communicate, organize, or problem-solve, you’ll get passed over for promotions.

Free/affordable online courses in high-demand skills.

3. Networking Is Just Making Friends, But Smarter

Forget the stiff, awkward networking events where people shove business cards in your face. Real networking is building relationships with people you actually like and respect.

Talk to people. Connect with coworkers. Ask questions. If someone’s doing something interesting, shoot them a DM on LinkedIn and tell them you admire their work. You don’t need a formal “mentor” to learn from people—just be curious, engaged, and open.

4. Stop Comparing Your Career to Someone’s Instagram Feed

You know that girl you follow who seems to have it all together? The one traveling every month, running her own business, and getting feature articles written about her? She’s struggling with something too—she just doesn’t post about it.

Comparison is the thief of joy. Your timeline is not supposed to look like hers. Run your own race.

5. Get Comfortable Being Broke (Temporarily)

Most people in their 20s are broke. You’re not alone. It’s the decade of eating ramen, having mismatched furniture, and splitting Uber rides because nobody wants to pay the extra $3.50.

This doesn’t mean settle—it means be strategic. Live below your means while building wealth. Start investing early, even if it’s just $20 a month. Set boundaries with your money so you’re not draining your account trying to keep up with everyone’s brunch plans.

Beginner-friendly budgeting and investing resources.

6. Your First Salary Isn’t Your Forever Salary

I don’t care if your first paycheck barely covers rent. You will not be making that money forever. The key is to negotiate, level up, and keep learning. Every skill you master makes you more valuable—and more valuable means more coins.

7. Side Hustles Aren’t Just for Extra Cash—They’re an Exit Strategy

If your job doesn’t pay enough or fulfill you, build something of your own. A side hustle can be anything—a blog, a consulting gig, selling digital products, flipping thrift store finds, or creating content. It’s not just about making extra money; it’s about giving yourself options.

A 9-to-5 is great for stability, but multiple income streams? That’s security.

8. Failure Is Data, Not a Death Sentence

You’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to take the wrong job, trust the wrong person, and maybe even mess up in a big way. And guess what? You’ll survive. Failures are just lessons in disguise.

If something flops, don’t dwell—analyze. What went wrong? What can you do differently next time? The faster you can learn from failure, the faster you’ll grow.

9. Take Care of Your Mental Health Like It’s a Full-Time Job

Burnout is real. Anxiety is real. Feeling lost? Also real. You can’t grind your way out of stress. You have to take care of yourself, not just when things get bad, but always.

Prioritize sleep. Set boundaries at work. Make time for hobbies that have nothing to do with money. Therapy isn’t just for crisis mode—it’s a cheat code for life.

10. Nobody Has It Figured Out—Even in Their 30s & 40s

The biggest secret nobody tells you? Adults are just winging it. We’re all figuring it out as we go, making adjustments, and hoping for the best.

You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re just in your 20s, and that’s exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Dance to your own beat, for your journey unfolds on a timeline uniquely yours.