10 March 2009

The Great Big 30!


“So? You’ve turned 30?”

“Huh! What’s so special about turning 30? I’ve turned all years from 1- 29, then why do they keep on harping about this 30 alone?” Turning 30 seems to be a devastating blow for the youngsters. Why is this soul searching only at 30 and not earlier or later?!!

Why do we people get stuck to this “Age 30” syndrome? Why not at 20, 40 or even 50? The truth is we do contemplate on our every birth year, but 30 seem to be a crucial number because others say so!Age 30 sends a wave of panic among the youngsters, and a feeling of dread. They think that 30 is a milestone, and one should have accomplished what he had aimed for, and he should have achieved his goal by then.

What have I done till now? What did I want to do? Is everything over? Have I settled down in my life? Education, career, marriage - What else have I left to do? Baby???So many questions running in their mind.

The underlying tensions and expectations to have them all figured out by the age of 30 surfaces during this cross over.

Life is not a neat and complete package. We do not know what is in store for us. Perhaps the past generations were a luckier lot, because by the time they reached the age of 30, they had almost fulfilled, achieved what they wanted in life. A lucrative job, and a wonderful family with kids, and they kept on going.

Though the latter generations have still a long way to go, the choices, options and opportunities being offered to them are complex, yet lucrative.

They can afford to change track at 30, switch and jump over their aims and goals, and strive to the top.

So what if people say you are old? We become older every second, every month, and every year. First accept that you are old and you are 30. Hahaha.....

30 years was an age when the older generation was married and had two kids. But now guys think of marrying only after the age of 30. So now people come to you again with the standard question, “Aren’t you married yet?” Or if you are married it would be... why no baby?? So many curious faces and anxious queries, too many personal questions are all to be faced.

However, we can say that the 20s period is a training ground where the youth have to strive to materialize their fantasies through trial and error. And 30 is the right age when one starts to make these fantasies into reality.

There are varying views that while some view 30 as a mere number, we may also consider it as a significant birthday where we can do a lot of soul-searching and self analysis, where flirtation, fun and life’s entertainment take a back seat, and the value of life, friends, relationship and other important aspects in life comes to the forefront because at this age you have earned the right to be yourself by now!

Does this "turning 30" syndrome applicable to men also? I dont think so because men have a tendency to take it all in their stride.

Happy Birthday to me!
Signed off @
10:48:00 AM