Women in their 30s, how has life gotten better?

holy god, all of the ways. the 20s was a period of trying to figure things out, financial struggle, and having to learn lessons about people the hard way. i know many others who feel the same, that they’re finally ready to be themselves, take no shit, and achieve some tranquility in life.

In my late 20s, I was clinically depressed and finishing up a PhD, which was stressful and debilitating for my mental health. I felt like my life hadn’t started yet, and wasn’t even sure what I wanted to do with my life. I realized I want to live in a big city, have a decent paying job, get married, and have kids—some of which wasnt feasible staying in academia. When I finished my degree, I moved back home to the city, met my boyfriend on my 30th birthday, and a few months later, was offered a great job. Things are slowly falling into place, and I could’ve never foreseen that things could get better when I was majorly depressed.

I’m 34. A lot of things still suck for me, but I’m more self-reliant than I’ve ever been before. I’m also better at balancing the things I give a fuck about. I care SO MUCH LESS about the stupid petty things I used to get hung up on, like what people I don’t care about think of me, or feeling embarrassed for liking “childish” things. I think I’ve mostly figured out how to be mature and responsible without pretending to be someone I’m not.

My body image and like… face image are also better, but it doesn’t hurt that I lost a lot of weight in my late 20s. IDK if that would be true if I was still fat. I’d like to think I wouldn’t hate myself quite as much either way.

Definitely give less of a fuck without the guilt

I have all the things I want. Beautiful husband and kids, our own home, financial stability, and a job I enjoy. I don’t need much else.