When my mom was 30, she was married with a 10 year old and a 5 year old. She owned a grand house in a quaint little town and had found the job she still has today. That was 1988. 

Fast forward to 2013 and here I am at 30…no husband (and nary a prospect), no children, no house, no quaint little town, and I’ve had 4 “real jobs” since I left college. But, I do have a lot and for that I’m grateful. The new 30 – here in the 21st century – means doing what YOU want when YOU want it. Switch jobs ‘til you’re happy? Go for it! Live in another country? You betcha! 

I love that I’ve had such a fun and diverse life, but I often wonder what would’ve happened if I’d never had the notion to travel or if I’d married my college sweetheart. Would I have been content? Would I have been happy?

I’ll never know, but I can be glad that I lead the life I do. With good friends, a wonderful family, rent due on the 1st, and a grand ol’ dating life, I’d say I’m doing pretty well. If I’d lived this life in 1988, I’d be considered a spinster, but 2013 gives hope to the free-lovers…go have fun, then figure out your life. 

Here’s a piece I wrote when I was in HK coining “The New 30”.