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You’re about to turn thirty, it’s a little scary. Psychologists tell what to expect from life at this age. They identified six characteristics of people in their forties.
Popular culture positions this age as the best in life: we are already free from the financial instability and self-doubt that are characteristic of twenty-year-olds, while we have not yet been overtaken by the problems of a more mature age. We have the perfect combination of freedom and responsibility. What else marks this period?
Major life changes
Scientists from the Stern School of Business at New York University found that the advent of the new decade inspires the search for meaning: we analyze our life path and make changes in it. After conducting a kind of life audit, on the eve of their thirtieth birthday, many decide to make drastic changes: they change their profession, move to another city, run a marathon, or cheat on their husband for the first time.
Peak sexual activity
University of Texas psychologist David Bass has found that women in their thirties are more sexual than those in their twenties. They fantasize more about sex and have more sex. Feel sexier, live in greater harmony with their body and have more fun. He suggests that this is due to nature: women are making the most of fertility, which will soon begin to fade.
Career Rise
In their twenties, many finish their studies, look for work, work to move up the career ladder. At thirty, it’s time to reap the rewards, enjoy professional and financial success.
According to payscale portal PayScale, women reach their maximum income by the age of 39. If you work in the field of science or art, then most likely, at the end of your fourth decade, a creative breakthrough awaits you.
But if you are not sure that you have chosen the right professional path, after thirty discontent will only worsen. Studies show that XNUMX year olds are less satisfied with their jobs and more prone to burnout than XNUMX and XNUMX year olds.
Completely formed character
Much of the character is genetically laid down, but in the period of early youth it undergoes serious changes. According to personality psychologist Paul Costa, these changes slow down as you approach your XNUMXs. After thirty, the main character traits are unlikely to seriously change.
quarter life crisis
The quarter-life crisis is the forerunner of the midlife crisis. It usually occurs between the ages of 25 and 35, around thirty. Often this period of existential worries and doubts arises because of stagnation in work or because of relationships that do not bring satisfaction.
“You look like one person, but you feel like another,” explains psychologist Oliver Robinson. “It creates a contradiction between behavior and self-perception.”
You seek to get out of the current situation and rebuild your life. It’s not an easy process, but it’s worth it: 80% of the people that Robinson interviewed as part of the study positively assessed the consequences of the crisis experienced.
True happiness ahead
According to a study conducted in 2012 by Friends Reunited, 70% of respondents over the age of forty did not feel truly happy until the age of 33. 42% noted that at this age they began to look to the future with great optimism. 38% said they experienced less stress compared to a younger age.
“By this age, we lose youthful naivety,” explains psychologist Donna Dawson, “but gain a real world view, combined with a sense of hope, a healthy belief in ourselves, our talents and opportunities.”