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The Defining Decade
Book

The Defining Decade

Why Your Twenties Matter – And How to Make the Most of Them Now

Twelve, 2012 more...

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Editorial Rating

6

Qualities

  • Concrete Examples
  • Insider's Take

Recommendation

The media have embraced a “30-is-the-new-20” culture that treats ages 20 to 29 as an extended adolescence. Parents, professors, hiring officers and other onlookers view the 20s as a fun period for young people to experiment before they find real jobs, get married, buy houses or have kids. Many twentysomethings believe they’re supposed to have a good time while avoiding adult responsibilities. Instead, clinical psychologist Meg Jay urges people in their 20s to get busy and make the most of this critical growth period that, she contends, will define the adults they’ll become. Jay refers to case histories from her practice to discuss what people in their 20s think about career and relationships. She also explains how their brains develop. Jay may help managers and HR professionals better understand young entry-level employees, but her treatise lacks workforce practicality, such as tips to recruit or retain them. Yet, 20- to 30-year-olds may find her thoughts a useful prod. getAbstract recommends Jay’s work to those in the under-30 set who need motivation, and to the parents, professors and managers who deal with them.

Take-Aways

  • Your formative years between the ages of 20 and 30 are precious; don’t waste them.
  • Exploit your “identity capital” – how you define yourself, what your talents are, and how you move and speak – to find the right profession or romantic partner.
  • “Weak ties” – acquaintances beyond your inner circle – can help you reach outside of your comfort zone, connecting you to dates or jobs.

About the Author

Clinical psychologist, author and speaker Meg Jay is an assistant clinical professor at the University of Virginia.


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