The defining decade
by Meg Jay · first published 2012
67% recommend33% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Psychologist's argument for why the twenties matter and how to use them deliberately, with practical advice on career and life choices. Suited to twentysomethings who feel lost or want motivation to build a career.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
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A few have stood out: - "The Defining Decade: Why Your 20's Matter and How to Make The Most of Them Now": it motivated me to find a fulfilling a career in tech (among other things). - "On the Shortness of Life" (Seneca) - Really made me take a…
on “Ask HN: Life Changing Books?” ↗This article reminds me of a book I recently read: "The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter" by Meg Jay– I highly recommend it to anyone in their 20s. Some portions of it apply more to the 20-something working at Starbucks while waiting for his band to make it big,…
on “Why Developing Serious Relationships in Your 20s Matters” ↗…introspection was Clayton Christensen's book "How to measure your life" [1]. Also, for those in the mid-twenties and unsure about career, family, relationships and body/mind, I highly recommend "The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter" [2]. It may not be relevant for you anymore (I read in my almost forties), but I wish I had read two decades earlier. Here's a short summary I wrote on Quora [3]. Good luck…
on “Ask HN: Why do Silicon Valley documentaries get me stirred up?” ↗"The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter" by Meg Jay
on “Ask HN: What three books impacted your career the most?” ↗I suggest people in their twentysomething should read this book: "The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now" - http://www.amazon.com/Defining-Decade-Your-Twenties-Matter/d...
on “Why time is not running out” ↗"The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now" - by Meg Jay. I'm glad that I read this book while I'm still in my twenties.
on “Ask HN: Best books you read in 2012” ↗…started after 30 (or 40, or 50), so that option always exist. Different challenges, but still doable. You mentioned that you like to read. Here's some references that I wish I had when I was 25: [1] The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now http://smile.amazon.com/The-Defining-Decade-Twenties-Matter-... [2] Search Inside Yourself: The Unexpected Path to Achieving Success, Happiness…
on “Ask HN: Do I give up now?” ↗"The Defining Decade" by Meg Jay to anyone in their twenties. Shameless plug -I posted a summary here: https://rkirti.wordpress.com/2015/12/05/learnings-from-the-d...
on “Ask HN: What book have you given as a gift?” ↗…into account more consciously. It probably wouldn't have changed the decisions I made but still.. Meg Jay writes more about the practical implications of potentially delaying common life goals in "The Defining Decade" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13523061-the-defining-de...
on “Older fathers have 'geekier sons'” ↗Dr. Meg Jay creates a compelling argument on why putting in the work during your 20's is so important. Her book, The Defining Decade, [0] is a fantastic read that goes into the psychology behind this. She also has a Ted Talk (Although I can't speak to this as I have only read her book). [1] [0]: https://megjay.com/the-defining-decade/ [1]:…
on “When I left my nine-to-five to follow my passion, my life fell apart” ↗For people who feel a little lost I highly recommend reading the book "The Defining Decade: Why your twenties matter" by Meg Jay.
on “Ask HN: How did you decide what problems to solve in your lifetime?” ↗Omg, please do me a favour and read this book: Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter And How To Make The Most Of Them Now I only read it when I was 30. It has a a typical self-help title but honestly it has all you need to succeed in the next decade. I wish…
on “Ask HN: What book should I buy for my 18th birthday?” ↗Outliers, definitely the freakenomics books, I enjoyed Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Lean Startup, Power of Habit, Defining Decade (if your in your 20's, fantastic book), The Happiness Advantage, Great by Choice from Jim collins...
on “Ask HN: What habit have you dropped or picked up that improved your life?” ↗This is great advice, recommended by a clinical psychologist in the book "The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter." From the book: "One thing this has taught me is that a good story goes further in the twentysomething years than perhaps at any other time in life. College is done and résumés…
on “Ask HN: Burnt-out, directionless but want to turn it around” ↗This is a good book. Another one I would recommend from this genre is "The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now".
on “Ask HN: Any interesting books you have read lately?” ↗