5 Risks to take in your 20s and 30s

If you want rewards, chances are you’ll have to take on some level of risk. As a millennial or Gen Z, now is the time to do it. Don’t put off doing risky things thinking there is always time for that stuff later because before you know it, time will pass you by.

Your 20s and 30s is the time to travel to exotic places, follow a passion in your professional life, and really take the time to explore different things to get to know yourself a little better. Here are five risks you should take in your 20s and 30s.

Travel 

You’re young enough where you don’t have the same responsibilities you will once you reach your 40s, so make plans to become a digital nomad for a year or two. Thanks to the internet, you have amazing opportunities previous generations didn’t, so take advantage of it!

Make a plan to work remotely, stash your belongings in storage, and rent out your home or sublet your flat. You’ll not only probably have the time of your life and make some incredible memories, you’ll also have some intuitive perspective to add to any future job interview. Make every experience while you’re on the road count, you won’t regret it.

Start a business

Again, the internet affords our generation opportunities that didn’t previously exist. Is there something you’re passionate about that you can’t find a job doing? If not, just try starting the business yourself. If you’re worried about having enough cash, you don’t even have to quit your day job – at least not yet.

• Brainstorm your idea and research to see if it’s a valid one.
• Launch a crowdsourced campaign, such as Kickstarter, to help with funding.
• Figure out how your tax situation will work.

• Take your company to social media and attend trade shows to market yourself.

The best part about it all is giving yourself the ability to pursue a job you’re passionate about before you take on responsibilities like a family and a mortgage.  If it fails, big deal. You are young enough to start over with something else if things don’t work out. Take the risk now, because it could pay off big time. You don’t want to look back later in life with regret or always wonder “what if.”

Ditch the drama

In high school and college, you probably cared a lot about what other people thought of you. Between peer pressure and wanting to be accepted, you undoubtedly had to deal with drama or people who continuously gave off negative vibes or tore you down.

If you’re still friendly with any of them because you’re too nice to say no, ditch them now and don’t look back. You don’t need people in your life who will hold you back. (And who cares what they think anyway?)

Do something unusually scary

Do something totally nuts you hadn’t considered before or maybe have thought about but were too chicken to try. Go sky diving, try an extreme sport, face a phobia, move to a new city, speak in public, or – gasp – spend a few days without gadgets. Get out in the (offline) world and see what it has to offer. You don’t need to tweet or Instagram everything as it happens, instead try letting your experiences sink in for a while before you share them.

Once you get older, you’ll be more settled and less willing – or have the time to – experience zany fun. Whatever it is that is scary to you – just do it now. As a bonus, conquering any fears will boost your confidence and raise your ability to meet any challenges you’ll face down the road.

Take an internship in another location

Internships are a great way to get some work experience, network within your targeted industry, and give yourself an edge in the job market.  It’s also a terrific opportunity to “test drive” a profession to see if you even like it. While that’s all well and good, why not consider stretching out of your comfort zone and try interning in a new place?

If you grew up in a big city, spend some time in a small town, or vice versa. Explore the interior of the U.S. (There are a surprising number of tech startups in Omaha, and the rent is really affordable.) A change of scenery can expose you to new ideas, new people, and new opportunities.

Whatever risks you ultimately decide to take, make the most of each experience. Along the journey, you’re probably going to make mistakes – and in some cases, they’ll most likely be big ones – and that’s OK.

These mistakes will help you learn how to face adversity and make you a stronger person. When you’re in your 20s and 30s, you’re an adult, but it doesn’t mean you’re ready to get caught up in the day to day grind. They’ll be plenty of time for that later. So experience the riskier things in life now while you still have the time.

For more on choosing to travel click here. If you’d like to discuss your career, call us on 0207 269 6720.

By Molly Barnes, Digital Nomad Life