The Most Common Life Regrets People Have In Their 30s

1. Not spending time with parents

Image source/Project Bold LifeBy far one of the most common regrets people face by their 30s was not spending enough time with their parents. Like anything in the world, your parents won't be around forever. While we're not saying be all and doom and gloom as we're all going to die eventually, but don't miss out on them little walks, or a chance to go travelling with your parents - you may come to regret it!

2. Caring what others thought

Image source/MediumA lot of people in their 30s finally realise how much time and mental energy they wasted on worrying what others thought about them. The sooner you realise people really aren't judging you anywhere near as much as you think, the happier and more content you'll finally be in life. Don't wait until your 30s to realise this.

3. Committing to the wrong career

Image source/Monster JobsGrowing up you just want to have money, but falling into a job that pays half-decent just for a pay check  is a huge regret by many in their 30s. Once the reality hits that you will be working that job for the rest of your life, you quickly discover that working a job that isn't for you is going to be a regret. As you get older and your bills start becoming higher, it becomes even more challenging to change career - so don't wait too late!

4. Not putting yourself first

Image source/Cody ShirkAre you going through life constantly putting others first? if you are you need to snap out of it. Putting yourself first will not only make you feel much better, but it will also help improve relationships you already have - it's a win-win for everyone! Doing this will leave you with far less regrets in your 30s.

5. Not taking care of your body

Image source/DreamstimeWe can all become complacent in our early 20s and teens to think that our body will always be indestructible. However, once you get to your 30s and your body isn't the same as it use to be, you could be regretting not taking better care of it at a younger age. You're not indestructible forever you know!

6. Not saving or investing enough

Image source/Blonde and BalancedOne regret that almost every person in their 30s seems to have is not saving or investing enough money. It's very easy when you're young to spend all your money and enjoy life, but starting to save your money earlier can reap bigger rewards once you reach your 30s.

7. Not travelling enough

Image source/PsychregThe world is an incredible place, so why not go and explore it? Putting off travelling for when you're older will only make it harder to go, especially if you have your own family and other responsibilities which don't allow you the time. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed so go and explore!

8. Not taking chances

Image source/A-Z QuotesIt sounds cliche, but you don't want to get to your 30s and regret the things you did, you want to regret the things you didn't do. Maybe you had a business idea which you never went forward with, who knows what your situation would be now? If you never took that chance then unfortunately you will never know.

9. Being too negative

Image source/The MuseLife is short, so why spend all your time being negative? Many people once they reach their 30s come to realise that any time being negative is a waste. Whether you're being negative about others or you're feeling negative about yourself, there's far better things to be spending your energy on.

10. Putting work first

Image source/Vector MarketingIt is very easy when you're young to want to get out of school and into the world of work, for many this has been their dream for years. While this may be exciting, you have your whole life left to work, so don't waste your best years of your life unnecessarily sat behind a desk.

11. Smoking

Image source/The GuardianThere's no "good" amount of smoking you can do in your 20s when looking back in your 30s. You can't justify it with being "social" either as it's hard to say it's the social norm in this day and age. So if you're a smoker now, you're best giving up the dirty habit before you will come to regret it in your 30s.

12. Staying in the wrong relationships

Image source/The GuardianFar too many people in their 30s find themselves trapped in relationships they don't exactly want to be in. When you're young the feeling of being with a girl you like is exciting, but once things start becoming serious, bills are needed to pay, kids need looking after, you could find yourself unhappy in your relationship.

13. Tattoos

Image source/Everyday HealthWhat many people think looks great on them in their early 20s, will most likely regret having in their 30s. Remember trends don't last forever, while one tattoo may be high in fashion, just remember that you will still have that tattoo in your 30s and even later in life. Think before you ink!

14. Giving into social pressures

Image source/LinkedInIt's easy when you're young to feel you have to obey social norms. You hear that you need a well established job, and you have to start saving for a house, but a lot of people in their 30s will come to regret these decisions. They will regret giving in to letting other people decide how they live their life.

15. Missing out on plans

Image source/GoalcastIt's easy to skip something you planned with a few friends, but once you reach your 30s, what do you think you will look back on and remember? The time you and your friends had the craziest day out or the time you stayed in and watched a film? We aren't pressuring you to do something you don't want to, but don't miss out on making memories because you all know what you will regret more later in life.

16. Not reading more books

Image source/We Are RestlessReading books is something you may wish you did a lot more once you reach your 30s. The thought of all the hours potentially wasted scrolling mindlessly through social media, when instead you could have been reading may turn out to be a big regret. The benefits of reading are endless, so don't be afraid to pick up a book and read.

17. Not flossing

Image source/UIC College of DentistryYou may think that you're older self is just being picky when they regret you not flossing, you're probably thinking "at least I brushed my teeth twice a day, right?" Whatever you think - just floss! Once you do it a couple of times and you're into the habit of doing it you will thank us later.

18. Thinking your 30s was old

Image source/The IndependantIt's very easy when you're in your late teens/early 20s that you're going to be so grown up and mature by the time you reach you're 30s. People in their 30s will regret being so naive to think that once you hit 30 you are all of a sudden incapable of doing anything, because I can guarantee those in their 50s and 60s would disagree.

19. Ignoring mistakes

Image source/RedboothNobody is perfect and we all make mistakes, but what's more important than anything is learning from your mistakes. You don't want to make it to your 30s and still be regretting making the same mistakes. Of course it's much easier said than done, but learning from your mistakes is essential if you want to progress in life.

20. Not using sunscreen

Image source/Water's Edge DermatologySunburn may seem like a pretty minor injury at the time, as it will go away after a few days. However, the damage it can cause to your skin will stick around forever. Sunburn also can make your skin age faster, so no doubt you will be kicking yourself in your 30s for every time you forgot your sunscreen.

21. Not learning a foreign language

Image source/Medline EuropeAs the world evolves, many people in their 30s will kick themselves for not learning a foreign language. With English being such a universally spoken language, it's very easy for us to become complacent when travelling abroad. Being able to speak another language opens up so many different opportunities which simple couldn't be explored otherwise.

22. Not staying in touch with friends

Image source/NBC NewsAs we progress in life we all have our own different paths, but it's important that we don't forget about our friends. It's easy to be caught in the stresses of adulthood and neglect your old pals, but its even easier to just send a simple message or make a 10 minute phone call.

23. Not learning to drive

Image source/RACIn this day and age, being able to drive is not that important if you're living in the city. Even so, those who put off driving until their 30s will regret not passing sooner. Learning to drive isn't necessarily that difficult a task, but time and stress is handled much better when you're younger than in your 30s.

24. Not finishing college

Image source/ForbesCircumstances can change and there can be a whole bunch of reasons that you could drop out of college, but you don't want to be regretting that decision in your 30s. While you're young you may as well grind out college just for the final qualification. It may not be exactly what you want but it could be extremely useful later in life.

25. Not standing up to bullies

Image source/BetterHelpIt doesn't matter if you have been bullied as a kid, or even in your workplace, one thing that people in their 30s regret is not standing up to them. It might seem frightening at the time standing up to your bully, but you would rather do that and potentially stop them, then never doo anything and continue to put up with the torment.

26. Avoiding paying off credit card debt

Image source/ForbesLetting your debts pile up is only going to become a huge regret once you reach your 30s. Enjoying your 20s is obviously important, but financially ruining yourself and maxing out on credit cards which you can't afford to repay will leave your older self in a terrible position.

27. Binge drinking

Image source/Live ScienceBinge drinking is an increasing problem across America and is affecting millions annually. A large contingent of Americans in they 30s will generally regret excessive binge drinking in their early years. Not only is it damaging for your body, but getting blackout drunk generally ruins your night and the following day - so be smart about drinking!

28. Not trying new foods

Image source/ShapeIt's a awful feeling when you first try a food in your 30s only to discover it's absolutely delicious and regret never trying it earlier. Trying new foods and experimenting with foods is something thats not only great for your palate, but has also shown signs of improving your mental health.

29. Not letting your loved ones know how much you appreciate them

Image source/MensXPUnfortunately tragedies happen, and when they happen they can't always be predicted. That's why many people in their 30s massively regret not letting their loved ones know how important they are to them. Whether its a giving your mates a hug or saying I love you every time you see your parents, make sure you do it because you never know if it could be your last.

30. Not advocating for yourself at work

Image source/UW-La CrosseSometimes in life you have to be bite the bullet and go for things. If you feel you're over qualified for your job and want a promotion - speak up and say. People will wait until their 30s to ask for a simple promotion only to find out they could have got one years ago. Don't be having the same regret!