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What Every Young Professional Should Focus on Now

When we think about laying the groundwork for a successful future, the choices we make in our 20s are often the most impactful. That’s why we introduce our younger employees to The Defining Decade by Meg Jay. The book is filled with practical advice on how to build a strong foundation through career, relationships, and self-development.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the book’s three key sections: work, love, and the brain and body.

Work:

  • Identity Capital: Build your personal and professional self by getting relevant degrees, gaining diverse work experiences, and engaging in personal development. Exploring different roles helps shape who you are and enhances your career prospects
  • Avoid Underemployment: Don’t settle for jobs that don’t fully use your skills. Doing so can suggest a lack of direction and limit your growth. Aim for positions that match your abilities and ambitions
  • Weak Ties: Network with acquaintances who can introduce you to new opportunities and provide fresh perspectives. These connections can be valuable for expanding your career options
  • Career Foundations: Make key decisions about who you associate with, where you live, and the jobs you take. These choices shape your career and future

Love:

  • Early Partnership: It’s helpful to explore serious relationships in your 20s. This period is ideal for understanding what you want in a partner, and waiting too long might not always lead to better results
  • Age 30 Deadline: There’s often pressure to find a partner by age 30, which can lead to stress and rushed decisions. Focus on finding the right person for you, not just meeting societal expectations
  • Choosing Family: Selecting a partner means choosing the kind of family environment you want. Ensure your partner aligns with your long-term goals and values
  • Qualities in Partners: Identify the traits that are important to you and look for someone who matches those qualities. Knowing what you need in a relationship helps in finding a compatible partner
  • Cohabitation: Living together before getting engaged can reveal issues but also helps you see how well you fit together. Communicate openly to navigate any challenges that arise
  • Compatibility: Being with someone you genuinely like and who shares your values is crucial. Good compatibility supports both personal and shared goals
  • Pre-Marriage Work: Discuss important topics like finances, career plans, and family goals before marriage to ensure you both have aligned expectations and avoid future conflicts

The Brain and The Body:

  • Frontal Lobe Development: During the 20s, the frontal lobe of the brain is still maturing, which influences decision-making and relationship management. Individuals can expect improvements in planning and decision-making abilities as they age
  • Work Experience: Employment provides opportunities to develop essential skills such as emotional regulation and social interaction. These skills are beneficial for both career advancement and personal relationships
  • Learning Capacity: The 20s are an optimal period for learning and personal development due to the brain’s high receptiveness to new information. This is a good time for acquiring new skills and pursuing education
  • Workplace Reality: Initial job experiences can be overwhelming, but increased experience typically leads to greater confidence and comfort with job responsibilities over time
  • 10,000-Hour Rule: Mastery in any field generally requires around 10,000 hours of dedicated practice. Consistent effort and time investment are crucial for achieving high skill levels and success
  • Family Planning: Timing of having children should be considered carefully. Early family planning might facilitate a better balance between family and career responsibilities. Personal and professional circumstances should be evaluated to determine the optimal timing
  • Creating a Life: Making significant life decisions in one’s 20s can help establish a solid foundation for future career and personal satisfaction. Early decision-making is important for long-term stability and fulfillment

If you haven’t read the book yet, I’d highly recommend it. Even if you’re not in your 20’s!

Charlie Coppola 

[email protected]

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