Dear twenty-something-year-old,

I envy you.

And here’s why: this is the time to experience so many life-changing firsts – first job, first degree, first love (maybe), first heartbreak, and an unshakeable optimism about your life, among others.

This is the time when you are most carefree, most arrogant like I was years ago.

Be on the lookout though, the twenties go by so quickly, and with it, quite sadly, the optimism that comes with it. But you have the chance to be intentional about the exciting life you are about to embark on.

So, here’s why I am sharing my own lessons from my experience of things I wish I knew before I turned 25:

1. Enjoy life but start investing early

I wish someone had told me this earlier.

I spent a great portion of my early twenties worrying about my present and not thinking enough about the next stage of my life. I spent a lot of time battling guilt about everything I bought for myself from my meager salary while struggling to save money.

I should have invested earlier, not just saved.

Look, the steps between your current position and a life of freedom boil down to how well you can invest wisely, no matter how little you put aside. And really, the younger you start, the better.

If I were to advise you, I would say, start investing right away! Spend 20% of your income rewarding and enjoying yourself, and another 20% on investment options such as the stock market, fixed income, business, etc.

2. Make the kind of friends that stick around, not just on social media

Friendship is often underrated, but this is one of the most important lessons you would need to have a fulfilling life.

Today, we focus so much on our social media community and forget the importance of having real-life friends, the kind of friends that can jump in when trouble looms.

Real life comes with real challenges; life is not Kdrama. And when those challenges come, your friends are the ones who will hold your hand, lift you up, advise you, or just be there to listen to you.

Choose your friends wisely, because, at this time, it is so easy to be swayed by popular opinion.

3. Stop worrying, start doing

I cannot remember any time in my twenties that I was not Madam Worrier. Looking back, I feel like I spent my twenties worrying more about my future rather than doing something about those worries.

If you are in your twenties, you probably have lots and lots of concerns about your future; you probably have lots of ideas too. But ideas are only dreams. They do not manifest until you work really hard on them.

So, this is your cue to get out there and start doing. Channel your energy into thinking of solutions and options to alleviate your worries

4. Negotiate everything, especially your first salary:

When you are out of the University and done with your NYSC (in Nigeria), the world appears to be practically at your feet, but hold on…not yet.

While your first job may not determine what career you will pursue subsequently, your first salary may determine the subsequent salaries you will receive. I wish someone had told me this earlier, I would not have been quick to blurt out that silly figure I blurted out when I was asked what I wanted to earn for my first job.

Being talented is never enough. Being timid would likely work against you. Being ignorant will stall your growth.

I advise that you learn how to negotiate EVERYTHING (I wrote this in caps for a good reason) without guilt. Build your confidence and your portfolio. Volunteer when you can and aggressively focus on building your portfolio.

Just ensure you start out right so the following steps will be easier.

5. People are more willing to help than you think

If you have a morbid fear of being turned down, you are not alone. I struggle with this too even to date, and I reckon that most people have this same fear.

But I have also noticed that people are more willing to help if you ask. Sometimes, their busy schedules get in the way and sometimes, they may not even have the capacity to help you, but generally, not reaching out is more of a disservice to yourself than being turned down.

So, reach out and ask. After all, what’s the worst that could happen? A “no” won’t end your life.

Click to Read Part 2: Things I wish I knew before I turned 25 (Pt. 1)

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