8 Things You Should Know By Your Mid-20’s
Since I coach part time at a college, I see – first-hand – how a lot of college students and kids in their early 20’s act. Before you go thinking negatively, I’m often delightfully surprised that some of my girls act more mature than some of the people I know who are in their late-20’s or 30’s.
Other times….well, let’s just say some college students still have a lot to learn.
So here are a few things that I think everyone should know by the time they’re in their mid-20’s. These are only 8, so feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below!
1. What it means to CC someone on an email
This one’s a personal pet peeve of mine.
When you CC (Carbon Copy) someone on an email, it means that they are indirectly apart of a conversation. It means that when you see other people cc’ed on an email you need to click the “reply all” button and continue to keep them on the email thread!
2. How to write a text message without an “LOL” or “Haha” in it
More than likely, you’ll send a text or two to your boss, coworkers, or professional network in the future. While you may have a Haha/LOL relationship with these people, it’s simply not professional. Sure, a smiley face can always lighten the tone of a message, but stay away from twenty exclamation points and ten emoticons.
3. The joys of a reliable vehicle
I’m not suggesting that you go out and buy a $30,000 car the day you put on your cap and gown. What I am suggesting, rather, are the joys of being able to hear your car start each and every morning so that you never have to call your boss and use the “my car won’t start” excuse again.
How do you do that? Give your car (and yourself!) the gift of regular vehicle maintenance check-ups. Make sure the oil is changed when it’s supposed to be changed, make sure you get that weird knocking noise checked out, make sure all of your fluids are always filled, and stop ignoring that damn check engine light. Trust me…your car (and your boss) will thank you.
4. Own your mistakes
You screwed up at work. You missed a huge deadline because you forgot about the project.
You screwed up at home. You borrowed your roommate’s silk blouse and accidentally threw it in the wash.
We all make mistakes. It’s time to stop making excuses and own it.
5. How to communicate in a non-passive aggressive way
Ahh, passive aggressive. The communication standard by which the Millennial Generation lives.
Here’s a simple way to remember this. If you’re upset or mad at someone, you have two choices: 1) forgive and forget (and that means actually getting over it) and 2) communicating with that person (IN person) using your big girl or boy words. In other words, communicate like the adult that you are.
6. Your social security number
It’s a 9-digit number. Your phone number is longer than that. Just memorize it already.
7. How to change a tire
AAA is great…until they’re going to take an hour to get to you. Learn how to change your own tire. Trust me, it’s worth it. Plus, similar to #3, your car (and your boss) will thank you.
8. Yourself
When you’re in your mid-20’s, you’re not your fully formed self…yet. You’ll change and learn a lot throughout your 20’s and beyond. But when you’re doing as many interviews as you are when you’re just graduating, it pays to know yourself inside and out.
So let’s have ’em…what else should you know by the time you hit your mid-20’s?