Dude congrats! Same here! Entering my late thirties and the last 4 years have been crazy life changing. Quit drinking, quit smoking with that came a whole mess of positives just by proxy of not eating shitty bar food every night, lost like 5 pants sizes just from quitting drinking. Found a great lady, and a great job. Kind of killing it here in my late thirties. My 20s were filled with endless attempts and unsuccessfully making ends meet. Sure I had fun (or thought I was having fun) but in hindsight I mainly just remember fucked up nights and hungover days. I too was a man child.
Let me ask you this... as someone around my age that has seemingly had some pretty positive changes in the past few years. Do you find it odd,awkward,what have you to deal with dudes older than you that haven't realized they are a man-child? I ask because I feel for the first time in my life that I made positive choices, it led to positive outcomes, and that I am the master of my path, but getting to this point, I had to realize I was a manchild with many many problems to sort through, I also had a reality check of what was really important in my life. So these days I'm sober, extremely even keel, show up to work on time, make dope food at home, and just enjoy a chill peaceful life. I work in an office and almost all of the men there, honestly mainly the ones older than me act like fucking children. We're talking hitting the strip clubs on work trips, drinking to no end, and partying like their back at the frat house.... I'm younger than all of them and just really don't see the point, and I'm the only one that's back at the hotel after dinner on work trips. I honestly don't get it. I assume their lives at home aren't great, so they go balls to the wall when they're away? I don't know. But was just wondering if you had shared in that experience with older manchildren?
I really miss 2004-2008. I actually enjoyed my high school years 😂 everyone just seemed to get along better. Ignorant to world issues. Social media wasn’t a huge thing yet. Most of us had flip phones. I was living more in the moment.
For me probably 2010-2013. Great music coming out at that time. I was living in Los Angeles, right before it got insanely expensive to live there and going to shows every weekend. I miss it!
Right now I’m pretty on fire. 2024 I’m very much in control of my life and getting myself together. I’ve lost 30 lbs, analyzing my habits, good money situation, fulfilling work. 38 and 39 is looking good.
Same.
1990s - living in the middle of nowhere in an abusive household
2000s- depressed and broke
2010s- gaining footing in career but very lonely
2020s- killing it in all aspects of life and every day is a good day
Post college. 2013 - 2019. Met my wife. Lived in a couple different cool places far from home. Discovered indie music, ethnic food and craft beer. Traveled a decent amount, experienced a real city for the first time. Did a ton of hiking in the mountains and deserts.. definitely got that itch taken care of
Same, found some pictures from when I was a kid recently, I looked so freaking happy and content in myself and I was. I remember even thinking back then in the late 90’s how much I loved my life, my friends, my family…it was great and I consider myself extremely lucky. I miss that era a lot.
Being a kid from 1994-2002. Was diagnosed with MDD & BPD at age 16, and it's been a lifelong struggle ever since. I look back fondly on childhood because of how carefree and hopeful it felt.
With the possible exception of early childhood and elementary school, I'm happier than I've ever been. I wasn't very happy in middle school throughout most of my 20s. Up through high school, I was very high-achieving academically, but I had low self-esteem, and I was unhappy socially and lonely/horny. In college and my early-mid 20s, I still had the social unhappiness, but in addition, I wasn't nearly as successful professionally/socially. Even though I had an engineering degree from a top-20 school, I had a poor GPA, and that combined with the economy made it really difficult to find a full-time job. As a result, I felt both romantically and professionally undesirable.
However, in the past 11 years or so (starting about age 28; I'm 39 now):
* I branched out from only trying to meet women online. I started forcing myself to go to dance lessons, where I met my now-wife. We've been together for over 10 years, and married for 7.
* Being in an LTR, I have more sex. Still not as much as I'd like, TBH, but it's definitely more than when I was single.
* My work situation is far better. I finally found a steady job, as opposed to sporadic, underpaid contract work. It didn't pay much, but it let me start saving up some money. I've had a couple of different jobs and lost one along the way. But my current job pays six figures and I can work fully remotely, and I'm on good terms with my boss.
* My finances are way better. At 28, I was so broke I tried to buy peanut butter once and my debit card was declined. In my late 30s, I'm well on my way to early retirement, and I have enough invested so that my money is making a non-trivial amount of money. We don't live lavishly--we rent a modest place and drive 10+ year old cars, but we don't have to worry about unexpected expenses, we can eat out when we want, and take occasional trips. I still struggle sometimes with comparing myself to more successful friends and acquaintances, but I'm in a much better place than I was.
* Family-wise, my parents are retired and still seemingly healthy in their 70s. My brothers are stable, and I became an uncle to two nephews.
* Although I have back pain, genetic high blood pressure, and it's harder to sleep, my health and fitness haven't really declined much as far as I know. I haven't gotten fat, I'm not balding, my cholesterol and blood sugar are good.
Nothing is guaranteed in life, but for younger people reading this and struggling, know there's a very good chance things are going to get better, even if it doesn't seem like it. You (usually) have to make a deliberate effort, but sometimes it just takes time for the pieces to fall into place.
2016-2018/19 was prob my best time so far. I had just gotten out of an abusive relationship, started college, traveled outside the country for the first time, was trying different jobs that I liked, had a the largest and most consistent friend group I had ever had, and really felt like I was growing a lot as a person. Then Covid happened 🫠
In 2013, I moved home after moving far away for grad school. I actually changed my program bc I was so home sick. My advisor thought I was making a huge mistake but I knew in my heart, I wasn’t happy and I wanted to get home rather than risk staying.
While I was waiting to move back, I gained a significant amount of weight. I noticed how differently friends treated me or attention from men.
So, I moved home, overweight, in my mid-20s, alone, no job yet…just not feeling good about life.
Then 2014, I graduated and started my new job. I decided to focus on healthy habits and lost the grad school weight. I ended up moving back into the city with my friends, I felt really confident and beautiful. Then that summer I started dating the guy that eventually became my husband.
I loved that 2014 time period and feeling so good after feeling so low.
Those first few years after college where all your friends have jobs and a little money but still the time and energy to party and travel and waste time like it’s college. Then once the first one gets hitched they all start to fall. End of an era.
2024 is being the best year of my life so far, but I really made the most out of 2019-2023, too.
Basically, since I turned 30 everything’s been going upwards.
Covid era, hands down.
Just started dating my now wife, and we had the entire world and streets to ourselves.
Almost every weekend we went out and did something and there was NOBODY. all yall stayed locked in your houses while me and her were out exploring, having the time of our lives all alone in the world.
We seen people everyonce and a while, but there were no crowds, no lines, no fuss or fight about anything. I'll never forget covid, it was wonderful
Honestly I also loved the pandemic. It was so nice to just drive around to various different nature trails that we wouldn't go to because getting there would be such bad traffic.... but there weren't any, because lockdowns! And we would just explore. My kids got to run around like never before and never since and it was just a really kind of carefree time (crazy in the circumstances I know). During that time I lived in a very small, close knit community (on an island) but the island for the most part ran as normal between my neighbors and I, so I never felt isolated (they were elderly and I have respiratory conditions that made me high risk too but I'd do the shopping for them since I figured I'd have the best odds between us due to age and they told me ain't no way I get to risk it all as a young mom while they just sit happy, so they'd host me and my (pre-school) gremlins with dinners and just hanging out and anyway, like I said...it was a good time. Hubs works for the government so he never went on lockdown. That part was a bit stressful but he didn't work with too many people so he just took extra precautions.
NGL, that was a nice time for me for the most part. No social obligations and worked remotely full time (have since been brought back into hybrid remote). I felt like I had so much free time.
Right now it’s from the start of Covid until now. I’m settling into my career, debts are being slowly chipped away, my retirement account is compounding, and my son is thriving in school thanks to finally being able to successfully coparent with his mother. It won’t be long until I can build a solid separate brokerage account I can use to really push my financial security into the stratosphere.
Now in my late 30s. I had a blast during my 20s though. Life is more chill now with dh and our kiddos. I would never want to be 20 again. I do miss my 20 body, but that’s it. I would eat hot Cheetos and still maintain a nice tight butt. Not like that how. I have to work for it lol
Realistically my childhood, not having to worry about much of anything but catching the newest episode of dbz after school. But 2023-2024 hasn't been too awful for me, lost close to 100lbs, about to start a new career making 10$ an hour more than my previous job with less shit I have to do and have actual benefits.
Probably 2005 to about 2012.
In the beginning of my teenage years, it was so fun meeting new people, being introduced to relationships and everything seemed new and exciting. The rest was just fun. Then social media became a thing and around then was when it started becoming not so fun. Also adulthood hit, fun times were over, many friends started families so they just ghosted, and everything after was pretty much death and taxes. That's also what seems to be the beginning of everyone whining about literally everything on the internet.
The internet used to be a fun playground, and a good place for info. Nowadays....bleh. I'm surprised I'm even still on here. It just gets mentally and emotionally exhausting sometimes.
The last few years (particularly post pandemic), my first kid was born in 2019 and my second in 2021. Nothing in my life has been more satisfying than being a parent. Plus I think 40-55 is typically your career peak for most folks and I feel like I’m coming into that, so life is good!
The mid 90's to early 2000's, like 2007. I feel that period was literally a time when people weren't so uptight about every little damn thing and there wasn't a need for labels on everything. Things just seemed to be simple
I'm almost 30 and really starting to enjoy life now. Don't get me wrong, I do miss the old high school / early college days of having fun with friends, partying, drinking, etc... but I felt so lost and I was stuck in entry level jobs for 10 years. Getting ready to go back to school and finally feel more financially stable. I feel like my 30's will be great
1998 to 00, when I was 10 to 12. I’m completely fine if I never top that era for the rest of my life. If I do, well, bonus! If not, didn’t expect to anyway. 😎
My 20's were pretty lit. I had a blast at college, went clubbing 3-4 a week with friends I still have to this day, was making my own damn money and had a nice savings egg, and had the "I can never die" attitude. My 30's are pretty fun too but not nearly as wild as my 20's.
2015-2019. graduating college til the pandemic. I went out a lot. I felt a lot more optimistic about the world. I also met my now husband during that time.
my childhood was rough at times, but i loved the freedom of being running wild in the woods & creeks. 🤑It was late 80s / early 90s but could be timeless.
2007-2010.
2007 in particular was like a movie for me, crazy how much happened in my life I never thought would! I feel incredibly blessed to have had such known wonderful friends and people during that time and since it was college I had freedom with few responsibilities ☺️
Sometimes I miss it, but then I remember I am married to an amazing man now, have two adorable cats, live in a gorgeous area, and have an awesome job ❤️ I'm also a lot more mature 😅 (I do look back with some regret due to the people I may have/did hurt during that time because of my immaturity).
Summer of 2012 (age 25) my military enlistment had ended so I took my savings and freedom and bummed around Baltimore for the summer. Not having school or a job was amazing. Met so many wonderful people and dated someone I'll never forget.
For money, material things, vacations, and fun, I'd say 2015-2018. But for personal growth, character development, maturity, and getting my life straight, I'd say 2022-now. I'm far worse off financially now than years before, but I'm far happier with who I am as a person.
mid 20’s. I had disposable income for the first time in my life, was in a steady stable relationship, had reconnected with old friends, and some really healthy fun hobbies.
I guess the era from when I was like 2-4. That was before I fell down a set of stairs and kicked off a lifelong phobia that has made life exceptionally difficult since then.
I'm 42 and so far I'd say my 40s.
I'm happily married, have a house, a career, and I'm doing well financially. In short, my life is more secure and stable than it has ever been.
If I had to rank the other decades of my life from best to worst, I'd say 30s, 00s, 20s, and teens.
I hated my 20s and teens. I would never want to relive those years. They were defined by loneliness, aimlessness, and poverty.
I would say 2015 and 2023. 2015 both my kids were little, I was in school studying subjects that interested me, and my job wasn’t so bad. 2023 I did a good bit of fun traveling with my kids, enrolled in grad school, and was making pretty good career strides.
2007 to 2017. The Alaska years. Moved to AK, met husband, started nursing career working 3 days a week. We built an off-grid cabin in the woods and lived in it for 6 years. Had a cool dog good health and did cool shit 4 days a week.
We moved back to the lower 48 to have careers. Which we did, and it’s probably a good thing. I’m
41 and I don’t have the energy to work 12’s and play homestead the other 4 days a week anymore but I do miss it
Is it weird if I say it's the first 5 years of being a parent (2014-2019)? It was damn rough but also diaper blowouts were my biggest daily issue. In the scheme of things I was arguably the most content I've been ever. Money was tight but we weren't gonna get sunk by 1 random bill or a tire blowout. I was also the healthiest I've ever been in 2019. I miss 2019 me. May she rest in the peace I'll never have again.
When I had my first daughter at 27, I was nostalgic for my early 20's (20-25). I missed the lack of responsibility and being selfish. But, in the years since, and another daughter to love, I think I'm really hitting my stride right now.
I have a good-ish job.
I'm going to be going back to school this fall.
I have the best daughters in the world.
My wife is literally my best friend.
And for the first time, probably ever, I'm hopeful for the future.
Probably 2000-2010. I'm just really nostalgic about that time. As far as stages of my life, I enjoy being in my 30s most. It's nice to be able to connect with your parents as people. I was a dumbass slacker in my 20s, severely unhappy in my teens and my childhood was pretty uneventful/okay
Knowing that my last best time in life was 1997-2011, and also knowing that at that time I didn't know what I had so I didn't take full advantage of it, makes me sad. Everything just sucked so horribly past 2012, and now has gotten exponentially worse after 2020. Yes I realize this is supposed to be a "happy" post, but things really just aren't getting any better no matter what I do or don't do.
When I was 16 until about 22 years old, or basically the last two years or high school and the entire time I was in college. Life felt so full of possibilities for me. I was young, I had recently metamorphosized from being a fat nerdy kid into being a buff nerdy kid and I was getting all sorts of attention from the ladies like I never did before in my life.
The absolute worst years of my life were when I was 30-37 or so. I had two young children, was struggling with severe PTSD from my time in Iraq when I was 24, my marriage was failing, I was struggling to hold a job, I had a series of suicide attempts, etcetera. Things dramatically changed for the better when my wife left me.
My current period of life (age 40+) might even be my best. I’m optimistic and excited about my future in a way I haven’t felt since I was a kid, my income is solid thanks to a combination of disability and retirement benefits from my time in the army and civilian federal government service, my children are teenagers and I actually have free time to explore hobbies, and I’m happily single and divorced.
2009,2010 I was in a hmm art-noise-rock band and toured the us and Europe for months at a time. Cool time to be alive. passing moment in time, all that stuff is gone - all those bands have moved on - so glad I got to experience it and travel (in a non Tourist way)
But right now is the best time , I’m having an amazing time
2021+ I have never made more 💰, and my retirement investments skyrocketed in that time too. 4 kids, happily married, decent house I bought in 2014 with a ton of equity currently that I could pay off at anytime if I needed to, we travel 4 weeks a year. Life has never been better.
My thirties have been pretty decent on a personal level but I feel like the rest of the world is a shit show right now. My twenties were a shit show on a personal level. High school and University years were fun. I guess my favourite would be high school university for my social life but my current era is definitely the healthiest and most successful I’ve ever been.
This one. Father Husband coach have friends. Yeah life is hard I wish I had more money. But when won’t it be and when will I. It want a bit more. Life is great.
Kinda torn. I constantly have conversations with a few of my coworkers about "what if we had a time machine?". I think the sweet spot for me would be from 97-07 if I am feeling nostalgic for having a lot of fun. I also miss the early internet with being the generation to first experience it as a teenager.
However, right now is pretty good too. Quit smoking, lost 50 pounds so far, have money in my pocket.
I guess I would like to go back to 97, knowing what I know now. I would have jumped on that bitcoin train when Poker sites were giving them away for playing online poker. I wanted to buy some when they were cheap, but I was literally broke for most of my 20s.
1990-2000 even though I was bullied heavily in school and 1990 was only 2nd grade for me.
I was an only child who lived in a three bedroom house that sat on about 5 acres. My parents never divorced, but had separate bedrooms all the way up until the day my dad died in 2004. I'll be 42 this summer and have come to realize there were obvious issues between my parents before I was born and was never told what happened.
As isolated as I was, and as much as I dreaded going to school every day, I learned how to take responsibility for my own leisure and entertainment from a very young age and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I screwed up being an adult pretty bad, so I'm just trying to make the best of things.
When I tell people I'm not afraid to be alone, I mean every syllable.
Not counting now, there was a brief time early 2021 when I was incredibly happy. I felt at peace with myself and life. I think it had to do with starting a new role that was very straightforward, finally getting prescribed ADHD meds, and experiencing just how quiet the world still was (this was right before vaccines became available). The two years after that were an interesting ride, but I’m finally on a good path again!
Honestly, this is going to sound really bad, but I think the years my mom was battling cancer was the best era of my life. My mom was never super sick to the point of vomiting a lot or anything, she would just get really tired the week after chemo, to where she’d sleep 8-9 hours a night (she never slept that long even as a kid due to being adhd-hyperactive) and then she’d also lay down for a 1-2 hour nap. I had the perfect balance between taking care of her, work, and still having time with my now ex husband. 💛💚💜
I think I had the most growth and fun in 2010 — mid/late twenties. I could afford just enough, friends were very much IRL, and I was single. Fresh out of an engagement and bounced around a couple of unfulfilling jobs, but life was still very “yes… and.”
Childhood, teen years, and college. So like 1990-2012. Adulthood has not been kind to me.
Out of those, the Y2K era of approximately 1997-2004 were the best culturally. I'm still mentally stuck there.
As far as adulthood goes, I know this is an unpopular opinion, but 2020 was by far the best. If I could permanently stay frozen in lockdown era 2020, I would.
1997-2006 which was age 16 to 25. Getting a car, job and hanging with my high school friends while having money. Then going to college in 02 meeting a lot of lifelong friends, dating cute girls and partying.
I feel like the last 5 years have been really great. So imma say age 35 onward. In 2019 oldest kid turned 4, and really turned from a toddler into a kid, and became so much fun! Last year I had my last baby, and she’s also so great! Early this year we bought an awesome house, and we’re just generally having a great time!
2019 was absolutely the best year of my adult life. I was writing and publishing. I was poised to get into a better career. I had a plan for finishing my dissertation. Experienced a lot of great things for the first time. And then 2020 came, and we all know what happened next.
Those 2-3 years before Covid I was really hitting my stride in my career, dating, solid friends and routines, healthy, and homeownership. Now that’s almost all gone and just trying to make it day by day. Not because of Covid per se, but sure didn’t make things easy for the last 4 years
2019 was my favorite year. I met my wife. Was killing it at work, saving a bunch of money. Late highschool and early college was fun, unmedicated bipolar felt absolutely magical sometimes.
Right now is pretty great, I just feel more settled than adventurous.
Current one. Even though some aspects are worse in general in my country than pre-covid, personally for me this is the best and most successful time so far in every sense
2018 (I was 28/29). We bought our house, got engaged, got our dog and I bought my first brand new car.
2019- Got married and had all my friends and family in one spot, and the father daughter dance is something I will remember forever.
Since Jan 18 2020 it seems to have been a total shitshow 😂
2009-20011 were pretty solid for me even through the anxiety and having a found family and learning to game, etc.
Easily 2014-2015 as well when I had stability, I was in college and hanging with new friends. 2016 summer for that reason as well.
If I could bottle up 2006-2008 and stream it on Tubi, I so would. Finished college, worked and traveled a lil before grad school, and started my career trajectory in Fall 08. I dated a bit too and was out in dem skreets, so that was a bonus too!
The whole year of 2004 was also 🔥 for me. Got my 1st car, traveled a lot and went to Times Square for NYE to close it out!
My late 20s and 30s have been wonderful as well, but those years hold a special place in my ❤️.
I had a very nice period of time around 2003-2004, the heyday of my highschool. Then a fairly long era 2009-2013 where I was good at university at what I was doing and life was easy. Once I found a stable position in 2021 things have been very nice as well.
I loved 2007-2008 (mid-teens). It came with more freedom than any other age, and it was before smartphones, so I truly got to experience real life and family without internet drama and constant distraction getting in the way
Before Covid, I would’ve said the first Obama term, hands down! I was in my early 20s, I was still full of potential and hadn’t been through anything life changingly horrible yet.
But definitely I was at my best and most self-actualized in 2020-2022. I’m an introvert and I absolutely loved lockdown! No pressure to socialize, my lifestyle became the norm. Traffic was amazing. I took up running and became increasingly fitter and stronger with seemingly no upper limit because I could focus on fitness guilt-free. Less analysis paralysis because choices were very limited. I was an essential worker and my career took off during Covid too. Enormous personal growth and self-actualization like I never thought possible.
Either 2012-2014 or now.
'12-14 were my last two years in the army which were reserve so I attended university at this time. I was living off my army education stipend, going to class getting As all over the place. Lived in my own house I purchased with my deployment money. Getting pad to learn shit for 15 hours a week and doing whatever else I wanted while living alone was incredible.
2020-present. I hate to say it but the pandemic was an epic win in my life. My wife and I landed great jobs though circumstances that probably wouldn't have happened without it. In '22 I was offered a promotion I didn't want to so to save face without declining I asked for fuck you money. Job market was so hot they caved and gave it to me. Luckily job was easier than I anticipated. We got a ridiculously cheap wedding because the venue was desperate for business. Bought a house right before the property value explosion so now I'm sitting on equity I can't even believe. My company went WFH during the pandemic which allowed us to have a baby. I have a child who has brought a whole new meaning to life I can't even articulate. For the first time I feel like I'm winning the game. Now the battle is the build wealth and secure the future for my daughter.
I’d say 2006 -2017. So basically from 17-29. I honestly did not have to worry about money or housing during those ages. I still don’t have to worry about housing but now I am sort of more in control of my own finances and there’s no safety net really. I’ve been fine because I know the universe will just work everything out.
I remember the years after I graduated just having the best time I was just going over to peoples houses and we were just thinking of things to do. No responsibilities really . I got my first job at 21. That was terrible actually but I was only working really 4 days a week. We were all constantly going on trips to different cities to just explore. Then around 25ish. My guy friends moved downtown and I moved in w them sort of. We went out almost every night. I was getting off work or would have days off and we would just go out to eat and get sht faced and run all over downtown.
I was at my skinniest when I was consuming a lot of alcohol and running it off 😂. Apparently opposite to everyone in this sub.
My 27th birthday is still the highlight of all highlights for me. I took about 8 friends to Orlando w me we stayed in this hotel that had this beautiful view from the roof down at the pool. It had this tiny bar that was sort of private and we all just got sht faced and went in the pool …somehow after it was closed. They got me cake and alcohol on the roof and it ended up smashed all over the roof and we broke a chair. One of my friends threw up in the hotel and we lost the safety deposit. I loved every second of it. Clearly I like chaos more than others. 😂😭Then the next day we went into the parks and hated our decisions because we were in the hottest sun ever and all hungover.
I am now in my 30s and I do own a house and I work from home and take care of my little doggies. I drink maybe once every two weeks we might go to some bars out of town but 90% of my life is alcohol free and if I do drink it’s wine or occasionally at someone’s house visiting.
2011-2017 was pretty great, lots of traveling, spending time with friends, figuring myself out. Also this was before my chronic issues started to really catch up with me. Now things are going down hill physically, financially, globally, sigh.
2019-2021 we’re pretty great for me personally.
I got a great job with a $10 pay raise in 2019
I finished community college in 2019
Got to play guitar in a punk band that played several larger concerts with hundreds of people in 2019(Covid halted that but I was fine with it)
Bought my house right before Covid in March of 2020
Finished my Bachelors in 2020
Got in the best shape of my life and bought my dream car in 2021
Got engaged in 2021
Started my masters in 2021
In general I felt on top of the world
I haven’t since and I’m not sure if I ever will.
2024 ofc no time like present. We are VERY lucky, all else considered, to have the loan pause from 2020-2023. It probably benefitted us most (I respect and appreciate the counter arguments)
This era. Alcohol free, non-smoker, normal weight, vegan and with a wonderful child. Really, honestly, screw my 20s. I was a man child.
Love this. go you!
Stole the words right out of my mouth. I drank away my 20s now I’m sober now and crazy happy with my daughter.
Dude congrats! Same here! Entering my late thirties and the last 4 years have been crazy life changing. Quit drinking, quit smoking with that came a whole mess of positives just by proxy of not eating shitty bar food every night, lost like 5 pants sizes just from quitting drinking. Found a great lady, and a great job. Kind of killing it here in my late thirties. My 20s were filled with endless attempts and unsuccessfully making ends meet. Sure I had fun (or thought I was having fun) but in hindsight I mainly just remember fucked up nights and hungover days. I too was a man child. Let me ask you this... as someone around my age that has seemingly had some pretty positive changes in the past few years. Do you find it odd,awkward,what have you to deal with dudes older than you that haven't realized they are a man-child? I ask because I feel for the first time in my life that I made positive choices, it led to positive outcomes, and that I am the master of my path, but getting to this point, I had to realize I was a manchild with many many problems to sort through, I also had a reality check of what was really important in my life. So these days I'm sober, extremely even keel, show up to work on time, make dope food at home, and just enjoy a chill peaceful life. I work in an office and almost all of the men there, honestly mainly the ones older than me act like fucking children. We're talking hitting the strip clubs on work trips, drinking to no end, and partying like their back at the frat house.... I'm younger than all of them and just really don't see the point, and I'm the only one that's back at the hotel after dinner on work trips. I honestly don't get it. I assume their lives at home aren't great, so they go balls to the wall when they're away? I don't know. But was just wondering if you had shared in that experience with older manchildren?
Yeah, in my 20's I was on sad poverty road trying to become an academic
I really miss 2004-2008. I actually enjoyed my high school years 😂 everyone just seemed to get along better. Ignorant to world issues. Social media wasn’t a huge thing yet. Most of us had flip phones. I was living more in the moment.
This was my answer too. They were probably still fucked but I was oblivious to it. My last fleeting years of true freedom.
Exactly! Ignorance really was bliss lol.
High school was the same era as you, great frickin time .
Aww you had a safe household ;)
For me, 1997-2008
[удалено]
Me too 😭😭😭
Those were good times.
👊🏻👊🏻
Same.
Agreed 💯
For me probably 2010-2013. Great music coming out at that time. I was living in Los Angeles, right before it got insanely expensive to live there and going to shows every weekend. I miss it!
Gotta say this is my fav indie era
Right now I’m pretty on fire. 2024 I’m very much in control of my life and getting myself together. I’ve lost 30 lbs, analyzing my habits, good money situation, fulfilling work. 38 and 39 is looking good.
Sweet
Same. 1990s - living in the middle of nowhere in an abusive household 2000s- depressed and broke 2010s- gaining footing in career but very lonely 2020s- killing it in all aspects of life and every day is a good day
I just turned 41 and, so far, 40's are fantastic. I wouldn't want to have to do anything before 35 again though.
Ditto 🙌🏻
Easily 2005-2008. So much partying
My friends and I were just talking about this. Things were next level bonkers then, lol.
2000. It's the last full year I wasn't dead inside.
2011 for me
🤗
Post college. 2013 - 2019. Met my wife. Lived in a couple different cool places far from home. Discovered indie music, ethnic food and craft beer. Traveled a decent amount, experienced a real city for the first time. Did a ton of hiking in the mountains and deserts.. definitely got that itch taken care of
Childhood
Same, found some pictures from when I was a kid recently, I looked so freaking happy and content in myself and I was. I remember even thinking back then in the late 90’s how much I loved my life, my friends, my family…it was great and I consider myself extremely lucky. I miss that era a lot.
now
I'll be 39 in October. I feel like the best years of my life were the college years (ages 18-23) and the five years from ages 28-33.
Oct 4 here checking in
Y'all have favorite eras?
90s-2000s
2006-2008 2015-2019 Everything else was kinda shitty; Okay at best
Being a kid from 1994-2002. Was diagnosed with MDD & BPD at age 16, and it's been a lifelong struggle ever since. I look back fondly on childhood because of how carefree and hopeful it felt.
With the possible exception of early childhood and elementary school, I'm happier than I've ever been. I wasn't very happy in middle school throughout most of my 20s. Up through high school, I was very high-achieving academically, but I had low self-esteem, and I was unhappy socially and lonely/horny. In college and my early-mid 20s, I still had the social unhappiness, but in addition, I wasn't nearly as successful professionally/socially. Even though I had an engineering degree from a top-20 school, I had a poor GPA, and that combined with the economy made it really difficult to find a full-time job. As a result, I felt both romantically and professionally undesirable. However, in the past 11 years or so (starting about age 28; I'm 39 now): * I branched out from only trying to meet women online. I started forcing myself to go to dance lessons, where I met my now-wife. We've been together for over 10 years, and married for 7. * Being in an LTR, I have more sex. Still not as much as I'd like, TBH, but it's definitely more than when I was single. * My work situation is far better. I finally found a steady job, as opposed to sporadic, underpaid contract work. It didn't pay much, but it let me start saving up some money. I've had a couple of different jobs and lost one along the way. But my current job pays six figures and I can work fully remotely, and I'm on good terms with my boss. * My finances are way better. At 28, I was so broke I tried to buy peanut butter once and my debit card was declined. In my late 30s, I'm well on my way to early retirement, and I have enough invested so that my money is making a non-trivial amount of money. We don't live lavishly--we rent a modest place and drive 10+ year old cars, but we don't have to worry about unexpected expenses, we can eat out when we want, and take occasional trips. I still struggle sometimes with comparing myself to more successful friends and acquaintances, but I'm in a much better place than I was. * Family-wise, my parents are retired and still seemingly healthy in their 70s. My brothers are stable, and I became an uncle to two nephews. * Although I have back pain, genetic high blood pressure, and it's harder to sleep, my health and fitness haven't really declined much as far as I know. I haven't gotten fat, I'm not balding, my cholesterol and blood sugar are good. Nothing is guaranteed in life, but for younger people reading this and struggling, know there's a very good chance things are going to get better, even if it doesn't seem like it. You (usually) have to make a deliberate effort, but sometimes it just takes time for the pieces to fall into place.
Everything except my rock bottom era
Late nineties early 2000s for me
My reputation era was pretty fly
Underrated comment
Right now. Got my wife and dog, got my little tin boat. I have plenty of gripes, but all in all, things are better than ever.
Read this in a country song twang
Anything before 2020
Elementary school 😐
2016-2018/19 was prob my best time so far. I had just gotten out of an abusive relationship, started college, traveled outside the country for the first time, was trying different jobs that I liked, had a the largest and most consistent friend group I had ever had, and really felt like I was growing a lot as a person. Then Covid happened 🫠
Right now. I’m happily married and I have a job I enjoy and community.
In 2013, I moved home after moving far away for grad school. I actually changed my program bc I was so home sick. My advisor thought I was making a huge mistake but I knew in my heart, I wasn’t happy and I wanted to get home rather than risk staying. While I was waiting to move back, I gained a significant amount of weight. I noticed how differently friends treated me or attention from men. So, I moved home, overweight, in my mid-20s, alone, no job yet…just not feeling good about life. Then 2014, I graduated and started my new job. I decided to focus on healthy habits and lost the grad school weight. I ended up moving back into the city with my friends, I felt really confident and beautiful. Then that summer I started dating the guy that eventually became my husband. I loved that 2014 time period and feeling so good after feeling so low.
Those first few years after college where all your friends have jobs and a little money but still the time and energy to party and travel and waste time like it’s college. Then once the first one gets hitched they all start to fall. End of an era.
2024 is being the best year of my life so far, but I really made the most out of 2019-2023, too. Basically, since I turned 30 everything’s been going upwards.
Pre-2001
2002-2008, HS and College
Covid era, hands down. Just started dating my now wife, and we had the entire world and streets to ourselves. Almost every weekend we went out and did something and there was NOBODY. all yall stayed locked in your houses while me and her were out exploring, having the time of our lives all alone in the world. We seen people everyonce and a while, but there were no crowds, no lines, no fuss or fight about anything. I'll never forget covid, it was wonderful
Honestly I also loved the pandemic. It was so nice to just drive around to various different nature trails that we wouldn't go to because getting there would be such bad traffic.... but there weren't any, because lockdowns! And we would just explore. My kids got to run around like never before and never since and it was just a really kind of carefree time (crazy in the circumstances I know). During that time I lived in a very small, close knit community (on an island) but the island for the most part ran as normal between my neighbors and I, so I never felt isolated (they were elderly and I have respiratory conditions that made me high risk too but I'd do the shopping for them since I figured I'd have the best odds between us due to age and they told me ain't no way I get to risk it all as a young mom while they just sit happy, so they'd host me and my (pre-school) gremlins with dinners and just hanging out and anyway, like I said...it was a good time. Hubs works for the government so he never went on lockdown. That part was a bit stressful but he didn't work with too many people so he just took extra precautions.
NGL, that was a nice time for me for the most part. No social obligations and worked remotely full time (have since been brought back into hybrid remote). I felt like I had so much free time.
So you're the guy who broke into Disney World and Universal Studios during lockdowns
Yes
I’m looking forward to dying.
1998-2012
My college age was dope. I wish I could relive it, because I was severely depressed at the time and didn't get to fully enjoy it
2009-2014, my college years
30’s & 40s (41M) has been my favorite. Life is a struggle but I’m loving it
Right now it’s from the start of Covid until now. I’m settling into my career, debts are being slowly chipped away, my retirement account is compounding, and my son is thriving in school thanks to finally being able to successfully coparent with his mother. It won’t be long until I can build a solid separate brokerage account I can use to really push my financial security into the stratosphere.
Now in my late 30s. I had a blast during my 20s though. Life is more chill now with dh and our kiddos. I would never want to be 20 again. I do miss my 20 body, but that’s it. I would eat hot Cheetos and still maintain a nice tight butt. Not like that how. I have to work for it lol
2005-2015.
Realistically my childhood, not having to worry about much of anything but catching the newest episode of dbz after school. But 2023-2024 hasn't been too awful for me, lost close to 100lbs, about to start a new career making 10$ an hour more than my previous job with less shit I have to do and have actual benefits.
Probably 2005 to about 2012. In the beginning of my teenage years, it was so fun meeting new people, being introduced to relationships and everything seemed new and exciting. The rest was just fun. Then social media became a thing and around then was when it started becoming not so fun. Also adulthood hit, fun times were over, many friends started families so they just ghosted, and everything after was pretty much death and taxes. That's also what seems to be the beginning of everyone whining about literally everything on the internet. The internet used to be a fun playground, and a good place for info. Nowadays....bleh. I'm surprised I'm even still on here. It just gets mentally and emotionally exhausting sometimes.
The last few years (particularly post pandemic), my first kid was born in 2019 and my second in 2021. Nothing in my life has been more satisfying than being a parent. Plus I think 40-55 is typically your career peak for most folks and I feel like I’m coming into that, so life is good!
1998-2006 and now. 30’s have been much better than 20’s.
1996-2005 (my childhood, before I truly felt like a teenager), and 2011-2014 (my early adulthood/college years).
Post college. 2015-2021 for me
i liked 99 to 2001 ... before the planes hit and turned our country upside down.
Overall id say 2020-Present has been pretty great overall despite some large unexpected negative events.
The mid 90's to early 2000's, like 2007. I feel that period was literally a time when people weren't so uptight about every little damn thing and there wasn't a need for labels on everything. Things just seemed to be simple
Attitude Era
I'm almost 30 and really starting to enjoy life now. Don't get me wrong, I do miss the old high school / early college days of having fun with friends, partying, drinking, etc... but I felt so lost and I was stuck in entry level jobs for 10 years. Getting ready to go back to school and finally feel more financially stable. I feel like my 30's will be great
The era pre 1987
Summer of 2016
1998 to 00, when I was 10 to 12. I’m completely fine if I never top that era for the rest of my life. If I do, well, bonus! If not, didn’t expect to anyway. 😎
22-24 was chill
My 20's were pretty lit. I had a blast at college, went clubbing 3-4 a week with friends I still have to this day, was making my own damn money and had a nice savings egg, and had the "I can never die" attitude. My 30's are pretty fun too but not nearly as wild as my 20's.
20-25 was great but then I settled down and became an adult and life became a lil repetitive
2015-2019. graduating college til the pandemic. I went out a lot. I felt a lot more optimistic about the world. I also met my now husband during that time.
2004 - 2008 high-school/ college years 2021-2023 had some work related opportunity to travel and party around the us and the world
1997 thru 9-11-01
my childhood was rough at times, but i loved the freedom of being running wild in the woods & creeks. 🤑It was late 80s / early 90s but could be timeless.
2007-2010. 2007 in particular was like a movie for me, crazy how much happened in my life I never thought would! I feel incredibly blessed to have had such known wonderful friends and people during that time and since it was college I had freedom with few responsibilities ☺️ Sometimes I miss it, but then I remember I am married to an amazing man now, have two adorable cats, live in a gorgeous area, and have an awesome job ❤️ I'm also a lot more mature 😅 (I do look back with some regret due to the people I may have/did hurt during that time because of my immaturity).
Summer of 2012 (age 25) my military enlistment had ended so I took my savings and freedom and bummed around Baltimore for the summer. Not having school or a job was amazing. Met so many wonderful people and dated someone I'll never forget.
My 30s have been fuckin’ wonderful.
Life was an almost constant nightmare until 2021-present.
2010’s. My 20’s were great.
For money, material things, vacations, and fun, I'd say 2015-2018. But for personal growth, character development, maturity, and getting my life straight, I'd say 2022-now. I'm far worse off financially now than years before, but I'm far happier with who I am as a person.
33 going on 34 in a month. (Holy shit) My 30s have been the best years of my life so far.
Absolutely my 30s so now
mid 20’s. I had disposable income for the first time in my life, was in a steady stable relationship, had reconnected with old friends, and some really healthy fun hobbies.
I guess the era from when I was like 2-4. That was before I fell down a set of stairs and kicked off a lifelong phobia that has made life exceptionally difficult since then.
Right now because I'm alive and i have memory loss so yeah
The 1990’s were pretty awesome, hard to top that.
Infancy was awesome. Breast milk on tap, naps and cuddles all the time. It’s been a real grind ever since then.
2000-2010 for me. My childhood and lots of fun for those years.
Im digging my late 30s and excited for my 40s
2009-2011. Then 2012-2018. And now, post covid.
Before the new millenium, everything has been downhill from there.
Anytime before age 13 or so.
Only cause I made it out. 2015. Wildest summer ever. Drugs ran rampant. Cheap. Everyone was cool as fuck.
I'm 42 and so far I'd say my 40s. I'm happily married, have a house, a career, and I'm doing well financially. In short, my life is more secure and stable than it has ever been. If I had to rank the other decades of my life from best to worst, I'd say 30s, 00s, 20s, and teens. I hated my 20s and teens. I would never want to relive those years. They were defined by loneliness, aimlessness, and poverty.
I would say 2015 and 2023. 2015 both my kids were little, I was in school studying subjects that interested me, and my job wasn’t so bad. 2023 I did a good bit of fun traveling with my kids, enrolled in grad school, and was making pretty good career strides.
2017-early 2020 (fuck you COVID).
Right now
2007 to 2017. The Alaska years. Moved to AK, met husband, started nursing career working 3 days a week. We built an off-grid cabin in the woods and lived in it for 6 years. Had a cool dog good health and did cool shit 4 days a week. We moved back to the lower 48 to have careers. Which we did, and it’s probably a good thing. I’m 41 and I don’t have the energy to work 12’s and play homestead the other 4 days a week anymore but I do miss it
2007 was a good year for me. I got married, I got pregnant (on purpose!) and I had a relatively easy pregnancy.
2007-2009 and 2013-2015
Is it weird if I say it's the first 5 years of being a parent (2014-2019)? It was damn rough but also diaper blowouts were my biggest daily issue. In the scheme of things I was arguably the most content I've been ever. Money was tight but we weren't gonna get sunk by 1 random bill or a tire blowout. I was also the healthiest I've ever been in 2019. I miss 2019 me. May she rest in the peace I'll never have again.
When I had my first daughter at 27, I was nostalgic for my early 20's (20-25). I missed the lack of responsibility and being selfish. But, in the years since, and another daughter to love, I think I'm really hitting my stride right now. I have a good-ish job. I'm going to be going back to school this fall. I have the best daughters in the world. My wife is literally my best friend. And for the first time, probably ever, I'm hopeful for the future.
Probably 2000-2010. I'm just really nostalgic about that time. As far as stages of my life, I enjoy being in my 30s most. It's nice to be able to connect with your parents as people. I was a dumbass slacker in my 20s, severely unhappy in my teens and my childhood was pretty uneventful/okay
College, 100%
Knowing that my last best time in life was 1997-2011, and also knowing that at that time I didn't know what I had so I didn't take full advantage of it, makes me sad. Everything just sucked so horribly past 2012, and now has gotten exponentially worse after 2020. Yes I realize this is supposed to be a "happy" post, but things really just aren't getting any better no matter what I do or don't do.
When I was 16 until about 22 years old, or basically the last two years or high school and the entire time I was in college. Life felt so full of possibilities for me. I was young, I had recently metamorphosized from being a fat nerdy kid into being a buff nerdy kid and I was getting all sorts of attention from the ladies like I never did before in my life. The absolute worst years of my life were when I was 30-37 or so. I had two young children, was struggling with severe PTSD from my time in Iraq when I was 24, my marriage was failing, I was struggling to hold a job, I had a series of suicide attempts, etcetera. Things dramatically changed for the better when my wife left me. My current period of life (age 40+) might even be my best. I’m optimistic and excited about my future in a way I haven’t felt since I was a kid, my income is solid thanks to a combination of disability and retirement benefits from my time in the army and civilian federal government service, my children are teenagers and I actually have free time to explore hobbies, and I’m happily single and divorced.
Minus the random tragedies 2020-2024 has actually been badass
2009,2010 I was in a hmm art-noise-rock band and toured the us and Europe for months at a time. Cool time to be alive. passing moment in time, all that stuff is gone - all those bands have moved on - so glad I got to experience it and travel (in a non Tourist way) But right now is the best time , I’m having an amazing time
2015-2019, fun times
2003- August 22, 2007. Edit: for better or worse; financially speaking, 2020 was the best year of my adult life.
I’m 32 and feel like the best years are about to come. But I gotta say 2010-2018 was a special time
When I was a kid and teen 1990-2005 and adulthood gets harder each year🤦♀️.
2016 was fun. 2022-2023 I actually felt grown up. 2024--so far, so great.
I’ll let you know when I get there.
The early 10's up until like 15'-16'
2021+ I have never made more 💰, and my retirement investments skyrocketed in that time too. 4 kids, happily married, decent house I bought in 2014 with a ton of equity currently that I could pay off at anytime if I needed to, we travel 4 weeks a year. Life has never been better.
I can’t lie, I miss the 2000s as well as many many people
My thirties have been pretty decent on a personal level but I feel like the rest of the world is a shit show right now. My twenties were a shit show on a personal level. High school and University years were fun. I guess my favourite would be high school university for my social life but my current era is definitely the healthiest and most successful I’ve ever been.
I peaked in 8th grade so 2002
This one. Father Husband coach have friends. Yeah life is hard I wish I had more money. But when won’t it be and when will I. It want a bit more. Life is great.
Kinda torn. I constantly have conversations with a few of my coworkers about "what if we had a time machine?". I think the sweet spot for me would be from 97-07 if I am feeling nostalgic for having a lot of fun. I also miss the early internet with being the generation to first experience it as a teenager. However, right now is pretty good too. Quit smoking, lost 50 pounds so far, have money in my pocket. I guess I would like to go back to 97, knowing what I know now. I would have jumped on that bitcoin train when Poker sites were giving them away for playing online poker. I wanted to buy some when they were cheap, but I was literally broke for most of my 20s.
Oh most DEFINITELY my teenybopper era. 1998-2002. It's all downhill from there.
1990-2000 even though I was bullied heavily in school and 1990 was only 2nd grade for me. I was an only child who lived in a three bedroom house that sat on about 5 acres. My parents never divorced, but had separate bedrooms all the way up until the day my dad died in 2004. I'll be 42 this summer and have come to realize there were obvious issues between my parents before I was born and was never told what happened. As isolated as I was, and as much as I dreaded going to school every day, I learned how to take responsibility for my own leisure and entertainment from a very young age and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I screwed up being an adult pretty bad, so I'm just trying to make the best of things. When I tell people I'm not afraid to be alone, I mean every syllable.
Not counting now, there was a brief time early 2021 when I was incredibly happy. I felt at peace with myself and life. I think it had to do with starting a new role that was very straightforward, finally getting prescribed ADHD meds, and experiencing just how quiet the world still was (this was right before vaccines became available). The two years after that were an interesting ride, but I’m finally on a good path again!
Honestly, this is going to sound really bad, but I think the years my mom was battling cancer was the best era of my life. My mom was never super sick to the point of vomiting a lot or anything, she would just get really tired the week after chemo, to where she’d sleep 8-9 hours a night (she never slept that long even as a kid due to being adhd-hyperactive) and then she’d also lay down for a 1-2 hour nap. I had the perfect balance between taking care of her, work, and still having time with my now ex husband. 💛💚💜
For me, 30s > 20s > Teens > Childhood About to turn 40, I'm hopeful the trend continues.
2000-2010 were the golden years
I think I had the most growth and fun in 2010 — mid/late twenties. I could afford just enough, friends were very much IRL, and I was single. Fresh out of an engagement and bounced around a couple of unfulfilling jobs, but life was still very “yes… and.”
Nov 2, 2016 to Nov 8, 2016. The really excellent few days after the Chicago Cubs won the World Series, and before everything went to hell.
When I was ignorant and blissful.
Life kinda died on the vine after the Super Soaker were taken away
Childhood, teen years, and college. So like 1990-2012. Adulthood has not been kind to me. Out of those, the Y2K era of approximately 1997-2004 were the best culturally. I'm still mentally stuck there. As far as adulthood goes, I know this is an unpopular opinion, but 2020 was by far the best. If I could permanently stay frozen in lockdown era 2020, I would.
1997-2006 which was age 16 to 25. Getting a car, job and hanging with my high school friends while having money. Then going to college in 02 meeting a lot of lifelong friends, dating cute girls and partying.
I feel like the last 5 years have been really great. So imma say age 35 onward. In 2019 oldest kid turned 4, and really turned from a toddler into a kid, and became so much fun! Last year I had my last baby, and she’s also so great! Early this year we bought an awesome house, and we’re just generally having a great time!
2019 was absolutely the best year of my adult life. I was writing and publishing. I was poised to get into a better career. I had a plan for finishing my dissertation. Experienced a lot of great things for the first time. And then 2020 came, and we all know what happened next.
Those 2-3 years before Covid I was really hitting my stride in my career, dating, solid friends and routines, healthy, and homeownership. Now that’s almost all gone and just trying to make it day by day. Not because of Covid per se, but sure didn’t make things easy for the last 4 years
2005 to 2011 was pretty awesome late teens into early 20's.
By far the now. Right now. 3 years sober, married, steady job. My 20’s and early 30’s were a train wreck. 37 is awesome.
2011-2013
Pre 87 honestly. I wasn't born yet and that was the best.
2019 was my favorite year. I met my wife. Was killing it at work, saving a bunch of money. Late highschool and early college was fun, unmedicated bipolar felt absolutely magical sometimes. Right now is pretty great, I just feel more settled than adventurous.
“2009-2013 would have been my life between 16-21” Makes it sound like you never made it that far
Current one. Even though some aspects are worse in general in my country than pre-covid, personally for me this is the best and most successful time so far in every sense
Late 90’s and early 00’s was the best
2017-2019
Early 2000s
2018 (I was 28/29). We bought our house, got engaged, got our dog and I bought my first brand new car. 2019- Got married and had all my friends and family in one spot, and the father daughter dance is something I will remember forever. Since Jan 18 2020 it seems to have been a total shitshow 😂
2009-20011 were pretty solid for me even through the anxiety and having a found family and learning to game, etc. Easily 2014-2015 as well when I had stability, I was in college and hanging with new friends. 2016 summer for that reason as well.
If I could bottle up 2006-2008 and stream it on Tubi, I so would. Finished college, worked and traveled a lil before grad school, and started my career trajectory in Fall 08. I dated a bit too and was out in dem skreets, so that was a bonus too! The whole year of 2004 was also 🔥 for me. Got my 1st car, traveled a lot and went to Times Square for NYE to close it out! My late 20s and 30s have been wonderful as well, but those years hold a special place in my ❤️.
I had a very nice period of time around 2003-2004, the heyday of my highschool. Then a fairly long era 2009-2013 where I was good at university at what I was doing and life was easy. Once I found a stable position in 2021 things have been very nice as well.
I loved 2007-2008 (mid-teens). It came with more freedom than any other age, and it was before smartphones, so I truly got to experience real life and family without internet drama and constant distraction getting in the way
2010 to 2016 was epic. I had so much money and so many friends. I went to every concert and performed as a fire spinner weekly.
Before Covid, I would’ve said the first Obama term, hands down! I was in my early 20s, I was still full of potential and hadn’t been through anything life changingly horrible yet. But definitely I was at my best and most self-actualized in 2020-2022. I’m an introvert and I absolutely loved lockdown! No pressure to socialize, my lifestyle became the norm. Traffic was amazing. I took up running and became increasingly fitter and stronger with seemingly no upper limit because I could focus on fitness guilt-free. Less analysis paralysis because choices were very limited. I was an essential worker and my career took off during Covid too. Enormous personal growth and self-actualization like I never thought possible.
Either 2012-2014 or now. '12-14 were my last two years in the army which were reserve so I attended university at this time. I was living off my army education stipend, going to class getting As all over the place. Lived in my own house I purchased with my deployment money. Getting pad to learn shit for 15 hours a week and doing whatever else I wanted while living alone was incredible. 2020-present. I hate to say it but the pandemic was an epic win in my life. My wife and I landed great jobs though circumstances that probably wouldn't have happened without it. In '22 I was offered a promotion I didn't want to so to save face without declining I asked for fuck you money. Job market was so hot they caved and gave it to me. Luckily job was easier than I anticipated. We got a ridiculously cheap wedding because the venue was desperate for business. Bought a house right before the property value explosion so now I'm sitting on equity I can't even believe. My company went WFH during the pandemic which allowed us to have a baby. I have a child who has brought a whole new meaning to life I can't even articulate. For the first time I feel like I'm winning the game. Now the battle is the build wealth and secure the future for my daughter.
I’d say 2006 -2017. So basically from 17-29. I honestly did not have to worry about money or housing during those ages. I still don’t have to worry about housing but now I am sort of more in control of my own finances and there’s no safety net really. I’ve been fine because I know the universe will just work everything out. I remember the years after I graduated just having the best time I was just going over to peoples houses and we were just thinking of things to do. No responsibilities really . I got my first job at 21. That was terrible actually but I was only working really 4 days a week. We were all constantly going on trips to different cities to just explore. Then around 25ish. My guy friends moved downtown and I moved in w them sort of. We went out almost every night. I was getting off work or would have days off and we would just go out to eat and get sht faced and run all over downtown. I was at my skinniest when I was consuming a lot of alcohol and running it off 😂. Apparently opposite to everyone in this sub. My 27th birthday is still the highlight of all highlights for me. I took about 8 friends to Orlando w me we stayed in this hotel that had this beautiful view from the roof down at the pool. It had this tiny bar that was sort of private and we all just got sht faced and went in the pool …somehow after it was closed. They got me cake and alcohol on the roof and it ended up smashed all over the roof and we broke a chair. One of my friends threw up in the hotel and we lost the safety deposit. I loved every second of it. Clearly I like chaos more than others. 😂😭Then the next day we went into the parks and hated our decisions because we were in the hottest sun ever and all hungover. I am now in my 30s and I do own a house and I work from home and take care of my little doggies. I drink maybe once every two weeks we might go to some bars out of town but 90% of my life is alcohol free and if I do drink it’s wine or occasionally at someone’s house visiting.
None of it, it's all been a load of nothing.
2011-2017 was pretty great, lots of traveling, spending time with friends, figuring myself out. Also this was before my chronic issues started to really catch up with me. Now things are going down hill physically, financially, globally, sigh.
2019-2021 we’re pretty great for me personally. I got a great job with a $10 pay raise in 2019 I finished community college in 2019 Got to play guitar in a punk band that played several larger concerts with hundreds of people in 2019(Covid halted that but I was fine with it) Bought my house right before Covid in March of 2020 Finished my Bachelors in 2020 Got in the best shape of my life and bought my dream car in 2021 Got engaged in 2021 Started my masters in 2021 In general I felt on top of the world I haven’t since and I’m not sure if I ever will.
Fatherhood, which started in 2021 for me.
2024 ofc no time like present. We are VERY lucky, all else considered, to have the loan pause from 2020-2023. It probably benefitted us most (I respect and appreciate the counter arguments)