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Your 20s To-Do List
Plus: Managers gone + Your Twenties Matter
🎙️ Did You Know? On this day in 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, graduating from Geneva Medical College.
Her groundbreaking achievement was the result of unwavering dedication and intentionality. Despite facing widespread skepticism and opposition, Blackwell's belief in her purpose carried her through, proving that even the loftiest goals can be realized with perseverance and determination.
Your 20s To-Do List
Balancing Life and Career Growth
Your 20s are the time to start building the future you've always dreamed of, and what it takes to do it implies more fun than you may think. While building a career is certainly important, there's so much more to life! Nurturing your whole self, embracing new challenges, and expanding your world beyond the office can be just as crucial.
The following are our honest suggestions, no affiliate links or kickbacks apply.
Here's a curated to-do list for success that goes beyond the desk.
🌍 Travel Solo. Take the time to travel alone; group, couples, and family trips are fun, but there is something about traveling alone that will help you gain confidence, increase your adaptability, and give you fresh perspectives.
💡 Learn a New Language. Whether you're aiming for international opportunities or just want to broaden your cognitive abilities, mastering a new language can give you an edge and boost your memory and problem-solving skills.
💼 Start a Side Hustle. Dive into entrepreneurial ventures, freelancing, or even turning your hobbies into income streams. You'll diversify your skills, develop business acumen, and build an impressive network that can also fuel your career growth.
📚 Take an Online Course. It’s as simple as it sounds. Upskill in areas you're passionate about. You’ll not only expand your knowledge but also strengthen your ability to think outside the box.
📝 Write a Blog or Book. Start sharing your thoughts and experiences, this can help you build your personal brand and attract opportunities aligned with your expertise.
🤝 Volunteer Abroad. Giving back while immersing yourself in new cultures expands your worldview and develops your empathy and communication, qualities that will make you a standout leader in the workplace.
💻 Build a Personal Website. Create an online portfolio, showcase your projects, or write a blog. It’s a practical way to give your future employers a quick snapshot of your achievements.
Success is achieved through intentionality, but this success is holistic, encompassing all areas of your life and the experiences you accumulate. Each experience nourishes you to face new challenges and helps you to achieve and create new goals.
💡RoadMap Tip: The next time you are doubtful about going on that trip or investing in your hobbies, it can help to think about whether it might be a good hidden inversion!
Vanessa Fuhrmans
Corporate America is cutting management layers to boost efficiency, with middle-management ranks shrinking by 6% and senior roles down nearly 5% since the pandemic hiring peak. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Citi have reduced supervisory roles, leaving aspiring managers with fewer promotion opportunities and displaced bosses scrambling for jobs in a crowded market.
Managers now oversee nearly three times as many employees as in 2017, leading to stress and reduced support for teams. The rise of AI is further accelerating this trend, automating tasks and potentially eliminating half of middle-management roles within two years.
Some professionals are embracing individual contributor roles, finding fulfillment and advancement outside traditional management tracks. Experts suggest companies focus on empowering managers to develop talent rather than simply overseeing processes to avoid rebuilding bureaucratic hierarchies.
We all know that we reap what we sow, but sometimes we need to hear it from an expert.
Dr. Jay, a clinical psychologist specializing in young adults, makes a compelling case for why your twenties are the foundation for the life you want to create. Through relatable stories and keen insights, she emphasizes the importance of taking intentional steps in your career, relationships, and personal growth.
Why It Matters
This book is a wake-up call to approach your twenties with purpose. It offers a playbook for avoiding common pitfalls, such as drifting through unfulfilling jobs, and instead, proactively creating a life that aligns with your goals.
Dr. Jay's advice resonates with young professionals balancing ambition with uncertainty. By focusing on practical strategies, The Defining Decade empowers readers to build a career and life they'll be proud of in their thirties and beyond.
RoadMap is a private network for recent college grads embarking on their job search and early career journey.