I am getting old, it’s official now. Driving into work at 7.00 this morning, Eminem's new song was played across the airwaves to my car stereo, I believe it's called "Shake that". I am 23 years old and I guess that is normal for guy of my age to like this but I turned it down. I feel so old and I am afraid of getting old. What will happen in 30’s when I feel like this in 23?
Well, when I was a teenager, I used to whine mournfully at MTV blocking out words on songs. Being somewhat of a mini gangster, as it were, I used to hate watching 2Pac, Snoop Dog and many other videos with most of the words bleeped or faded out. The point is that we are changing. I am also 23 years old and I fell old sometimes. I guess we all have moments in out lives when we are worried or afraid of getting old. My mom said that is all in our heads and I believe she has a right.
It's kind of funny that I came across this, as I also happen to be 23 and fear greatly getting old and lame and having all my youth and hope usurped by a seemingly perpetual storm of grief. I don't know what to do. I've become so callous and depressed that I liken positivity to self-deceit. I don't think I'm too off base in inferring that...I guess it just took this level of disillusionment to fathom it. Now I feel like the quintessential modern man Kafka wrote of. I want to feel healthy and happy again but I can't immerse myself back into the web of utter mindlessness that is American life; It's a lot of wishful thinking. and yet I continue to subject myself.
At 23 you are not old. That is an undisputable fact. You are an adult, true, and I think you are confusing responsibility with age.
I'm 29. I felt that way at 23. I always felt that I should be doing more with my life.
In fact I felt that way for the majority of my 20's. In fact when I look back I I've probably spent a total of 8 months post college being content.
I've always felt old. I felt old at 23, at 26 and now, and when I look back at 23 and 26 I can't believe how old I felt and how quickly the time has passed. I know that at 33 I will feel the same way about 29.
It is weird. The 20's are tough. Really tough. You get into something that makes you feel good at 23 or 24 - a job or relationship and then boom, you are 26 and still at this job or at a failed relationship and you notice no progress and it can drive you insane. It is normal and increasingly common in this country.
I wish I could say it will get better for you, but it may not. I still get anxious about what I am doing and where I am going at 29.
When I was 23 I made 27K, lived in Boston(3rd most expensive city in the US) and could not even afford a car. I make close to 100K a year now with a bachelor's degree only and I am afraid I am on the wrong track, though many would say I have done well.
The only advice I can give you (this is advice I would have given the me of 6 years ago) is this:
You probably aren't really concerned about getting old. You are afraid about responsibility and what you will do with your life. Be grateful for what you have and be grateful for how young you are. If you are concerned about what you are doing with yourself take time to think about what really drives you and what you would like to be remembered as 80 years from now. Take steps to achieve those goals and don't be afraid to try, the only thing you have to lose is regret.
I'm 29. I felt that way at 23. I always felt that I should be doing more with my life.
In fact I felt that way for the majority of my 20's. In fact when I look back I I've probably spent a total of 8 months post college being content.
I've always felt old. I felt old at 23, at 26 and now, and when I look back at 23 and 26 I can't believe how old I felt and how quickly the time has passed. I know that at 33 I will feel the same way about 29.
It is weird. The 20's are tough. Really tough. You get into something that makes you feel good at 23 or 24 - a job or relationship and then boom, you are 26 and still at this job or at a failed relationship and you notice no progress and it can drive you insane. It is normal and increasingly common in this country.
I wish I could say it will get better for you, but it may not. I still get anxious about what I am doing and where I am going at 29.
When I was 23 I made 27K, lived in Boston(3rd most expensive city in the US) and could not even afford a car. I make close to 100K a year now with a bachelor's degree only and I am afraid I am on the wrong track, though many would say I have done well.
The only advice I can give you (this is advice I would have given the me of 6 years ago) is this:
You probably aren't really concerned about getting old. You are afraid about responsibility and what you will do with your life. Be grateful for what you have and be grateful for how young you are. If you are concerned about what you are doing with yourself take time to think about what really drives you and what you would like to be remembered as 80 years from now. Take steps to achieve those goals and don't be afraid to try, the only thing you have to lose is regret.