The Defining Decade
Why Your Twenties Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now
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4.6 • 779 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
The Defining Decade has changed the way millions of twentysomethings think about their twenties—and themselves. Revised and reissued for a new generation, let it change how you think about you and yours.
Our "thirty-is-the-new-twenty" culture tells us the twentysomething years don't matter. Some say they are an extended adolescence. Others call them an emerging adulthood. In The Defining Decade, Meg Jay argues that twentysomethings have been caught in a swirl of hype and misinformation, much of which has trivialized the most transformative time of our lives.
Drawing from more than two decades of work with thousands of clients and students, Jay weaves the latest science of the twentysomething years with behind-closed-doors stories from twentysomethings themselves. The result is a provocative read that provides the tools necessary to take the most of your twenties, and shows us how work, relationships, personality, identity and even the brain can change more during this decade than at any other time in adulthood—if we use the time well.
Also included in this updated edition:
Up-to-date research on work, love, the brain, friendship, technology, and fertilityWhat a decade of device use has taught us about looking at friends—and looking for love—online29 conversations to have with your partner—or to keep in mind as you search for oneA social experiment in which "digital natives" go without their phonesA Reader's Guide for book clubs, classrooms, or further self-reflection
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The professional and personal angst of directionless twentysomethings is given a voice and some sober counsel in this engaging guide. Drawing on research and case studies from her clinical psychology practice, first-time author Jay shows how the decisions we make in our twenties radically affect the rest of our lives. Jay's twentysomething clients are well-educated, yet they lack focus and resist making decisions about love, work, family, and the future. Jay blames popular culture, the media, other researchers, and parents for spreading the idea that the twenties are a time for free exploration, not settling down. In clear but occasionally alarmist prose (e.g., "It would be reckless for us to focus on Kate's past when I knew her future was in danger"), Jay warns that lack of direction in one's 20s leads to cramming major life experiences (graduate school, marriage, children, professional success) into one's 30s. Stressed, over-burdened thirtysomethings end up in Jay's office, regretting their previous decade of deferring serious relationships, career-building jobs, and other life-defining events. While Jay maintains that facing difficulties in one's 20s "is a jarring but efficient and often necessary way to grow," the author is sincere and sympathetic, making this well-researched mix of generational sociology, psychotherapy, career counseling, and relationship advice a practical treatise for a much-maligned demographic.
Customer Reviews
See AllLoved it
Freaking incredible. Such a short book with such wisdom, and confidence. So grateful for Dr. Jay writing this book.
Insightful for people in 20’s
Really great! I loved this book because I’m 25 and it’s realistic with sound advice that can be encouraging.
Buy THIS!
10/10 all ages should read.