In your twenties, you will have the chance to pick up new hobbies. It’s critical to choose these wisely. Your twenties are a time for growth, gaining new perspectives on life, and building new relationships.
However, this young age also often comes with niche extracurricular activities you never thought you’d try before. Call it a quarter-life crisis or a “healing era,” but here are the main types of people you meet or become in your twenties:
1. The Marathon Runner
For some strange reason, once people graduate from college, they feel the urge to train for a marathon. Maybe they were runners before, maybe not. It doesn’t matter. The desire to accomplish this great feat remains, regardless of athletic ability. Is this a coping mechanism or simply a way to become a healthier version of yourself?
In the simultaneously exhilarating and confusing time that is your twenties, a marathon can seem like a healthy distraction from a flood of adult responsibilities. And, sure, randomly spending $100 and signing up for that race might be impulsive, but it lets you commit to something and prove a point—show yourself that you can actually cross that finish line. The challenge is just as mental as it is physical. A good race requires both a strong body and a strong mind. And the adrenaline rush of finishing the race? That thrill is nearly as satisfying as getting a promotion at work or finally buying a new car.
Overall, marathon running is a great way to get outside, be active, and reset the mind. In terms of hobbies to over-invest in, this one isn’t too bad. Just make sure that you actually train instead of showing up on race day with nothing but your running shoes and blind optimism.
2. The Engaged Friend
Perhaps the lover you met in college gave you the “ring before spring,” or you’re finally tying the knot with your high-school sweetheart, but your magical day has finally arrived. You were proposed to. Congrats. I say, “I’m so happy for you,” but inside, I am in utter disbelief. As a girl in my early twenties, I cannot believe everyone around me is getting engaged or married. And if they’re not doing that, they are at least moving in together.
If you, like me, are shocked at all the engagement posts flooding your Instagram feed, welcome to your twenties. It only gets worse from here.
3. The Entrepreneur
For some people, maturing means starting their own business. Whether it’s a part-time side hustle to make some extra cash or a full-time job, entrepreneurship can be very rewarding for someone in their twenties. I mean, what’s better than being your own boss?
Starting a business can be an exciting career choice for a recent graduate with a business degree or a switch for someone tired of climbing the corporate ladder. No matter why you started your own business, it’s still an accomplishment. Keep it up, girlboss.
4. The World Traveler
The option I chose, and arguably the most appealing on this list of twenty-something hobbies, is international travel. Why settle down and buy a house when you can travel the world instead?
Some choose to backpack through Asia, while others opt for South America or Europe. I decided to move to Spain after graduating from college. The Spanish lifestyle is much more relaxed and simultaneously lively than in America. You’re telling me I get to take a siesta after lunch and then go clubbing until 5 AM on a random weekday? That is a life I simply can’t resist.
5. The Grad-School Student
Many people in their early twenties decide to pursue further education by attending graduate school. While this means taking on more student loans and debt, it also offers more time to explore future careers and ultimately earn a higher salary in their chosen field.
I admire those who choose to pursue further education instead of jumping straight into a career after earning a bachelor’s degree. This is no easy feat, but it is worth it in the long run.
Whether you’re in your early, mid, or late twenties, there’s no denying the changing personality and habits you develop during this pivotal time. You might identify with one of these groups, or perhaps you fall into a more unique category. Either way, make sure to enjoy your twenties. Run that marathon if you want to, pursue an extra degree, travel—do it all. You’re only this young once.
