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20 Something Manifesto: Quarter-Lifers Speak Out About Who They Are, What They Want, and How to Get It
If you’re in your twenties, you’re likely feeling the combination of the excitement of this defining decade and the pressure to figure out your entire life. The thrill of newfound independence and opportunity can be quickly squelched by worry, disillusionment, or disappointment. Like thousands of other twenty somethings, you may have experienced what life coach and quarter-life expert Christine Hassler calls an “Expectation Hangover.” This manifesto explores the all-important questions and life choices of these turbulent yet exciting years.
Twenty somethings may commiserate about the challenges they face, but few resources offer practical lessons or suggestions. In these pages, quarter-life men and women tell their stories, sharing their successes and failures, along with their frustrations and realizations. The author’s insightful commentary and “take away” suggestions provide the tools and skills you need to create change and direction in your life. You’ll recognize and articulate your personal goals, paving the way to what you truly want.
Twenty somethings may commiserate about the challenges they face, but few resources offer practical lessons or suggestions. In these pages, quarter-life men and women tell their stories, sharing their successes and failures, along with their frustrations and realizations. The author’s insightful commentary and “take away” suggestions provide the tools and skills you need to create change and direction in your life. You’ll recognize and articulate your personal goals, paving the way to what you truly want.
400 pages, Paperback
Published January 15, 2008
34 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 31, 2013
I did not love this book, but it helped me in a round-about way by helping me realize that no one and nothing—and especially not a book—is going to be a comprehensive prescription of where I am and how I should live my life. Interestingly enough, I ended up getting out of the book the very message it intended despite my mini rebellion: realize learning is a continuum, and give myself freedom and forgiveness as I figure it out.
Despite the sometimes over-the-top, corny commentary, here were a few lines that resonated with me:
“Somehow this decade has gotten the reputation for being a time when you are supposed to figure out your entire life while having the time of your life” (xvi).
“You are probably craving expert advice from someone. Like some kind of sign from the heavens that will tell you what to do or reassure you that what you are doing is “right”” (xvii).
“Why these checklists exist: expectations and uncertainty. Checklists and plans help us feel more secure and in control” (4).
“Anxiety (anticipation about something yet to happen) lives in the future; depression (sadness over things you did or didn’t do) signs a lease in the past. That is why, if you are a checklister, you probably suffer from a mixed bag of anxiety and depression” (5).
“Be proud of your accomplishments…self-discovery is a curriculum for life, not just college..Don’t worry if college does not answer the “who I am and what I want to be”; it probably won’t” (6).
“Sometimes you just have to decide to be content with your decision, otherwise you will continue to be overwhelmed by possibilities and torn between the reality of what you have and the fantasy in your head that you think would be better” (9).
“If we really understand now that our entire life is about learning, we can free ourselves from having to be “right”” (11).
“This is your life. It’s not a dress rehearsal, and you don’t get a twenty-something do-over. If you want to be happier, more focused, more decisive—you have that choice…As Victor Frankl says…”The last of one’s freedom is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance””(34).
“Distinguish a goal from an expectation….the definition of a goal involves action…an expectation is more of an emotion…Goals refer to things we can do, while expectations refer to what we desire or hope for” (35).
“If you consistently focus on what you don’t have or what you think can’t be done, you are impairing your ability to arrive at what you want” (42).
“Twenty-somethings spend less time in the present than an atheist spends at church…Live in the moment, focus on your own short-term goals, and trust that life does have a way of working itself out” (44).
“I’m learning the art of saying no, though I still feel like I’m letting people down” (45).
“I got used to living life in the four-month sections of semesters—now everything feels so long term and overwhelming” (50).
“I’ve stopped buying into the belief that work defines who I am as a person—which is emotionally freeing!” (51).
“When you are feeling sorry for yourself, commit to finding some way to be of service to others” (52).
“My life is not a race” (54).
“We are not the roles we play in life or who other people want us to be. We are not our jobs, our relationships, our bodies, our accomplishments, or our bank accounts” (59).
“Without the well-defined “good student” identity and structure of college, I was lost. I knew who I was in the land of academia, but I struggled to know who I was as an adult out on my own” (63-64).
“We pursue compliments like candy” (65).
“I feel like every decision I make…has a domino effect and impacts my life. I wish someone would make all of these decisions for me because I don’t have a clue as to what I am doing” (75).
“Money enables me to pursue my personal goals and does not serve to define me or indicate my future success” (95).
“Life doesn’t wait for self-enlightenment: it gives us responsibilities and forces us to make decisions whether we’re ready or not. We have to move forward—figuring out what we want and how to get it even as we’re still discovering who we are” (106).
“I was extremely motivated as a student, but when it came to planning for my future, I was paralyzed” (111).
“Your attention is to the urgent, not necessarily the important” (121).
“Enjoy and appreciate yourself, your life, and the people in it. Admire the view from where you are” (154).
“Or perhaps the Cheesecake Factory Theory applies here as we try to be “everything on the menu” to everyone. If we’re trying too hard to please others, what kind of friend are we to ourselves?” (167).
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself” (316).
Despite the sometimes over-the-top, corny commentary, here were a few lines that resonated with me:
“Somehow this decade has gotten the reputation for being a time when you are supposed to figure out your entire life while having the time of your life” (xvi).
“You are probably craving expert advice from someone. Like some kind of sign from the heavens that will tell you what to do or reassure you that what you are doing is “right”” (xvii).
“Why these checklists exist: expectations and uncertainty. Checklists and plans help us feel more secure and in control” (4).
“Anxiety (anticipation about something yet to happen) lives in the future; depression (sadness over things you did or didn’t do) signs a lease in the past. That is why, if you are a checklister, you probably suffer from a mixed bag of anxiety and depression” (5).
“Be proud of your accomplishments…self-discovery is a curriculum for life, not just college..Don’t worry if college does not answer the “who I am and what I want to be”; it probably won’t” (6).
“Sometimes you just have to decide to be content with your decision, otherwise you will continue to be overwhelmed by possibilities and torn between the reality of what you have and the fantasy in your head that you think would be better” (9).
“If we really understand now that our entire life is about learning, we can free ourselves from having to be “right”” (11).
“This is your life. It’s not a dress rehearsal, and you don’t get a twenty-something do-over. If you want to be happier, more focused, more decisive—you have that choice…As Victor Frankl says…”The last of one’s freedom is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance””(34).
“Distinguish a goal from an expectation….the definition of a goal involves action…an expectation is more of an emotion…Goals refer to things we can do, while expectations refer to what we desire or hope for” (35).
“If you consistently focus on what you don’t have or what you think can’t be done, you are impairing your ability to arrive at what you want” (42).
“Twenty-somethings spend less time in the present than an atheist spends at church…Live in the moment, focus on your own short-term goals, and trust that life does have a way of working itself out” (44).
“I’m learning the art of saying no, though I still feel like I’m letting people down” (45).
“I got used to living life in the four-month sections of semesters—now everything feels so long term and overwhelming” (50).
“I’ve stopped buying into the belief that work defines who I am as a person—which is emotionally freeing!” (51).
“When you are feeling sorry for yourself, commit to finding some way to be of service to others” (52).
“My life is not a race” (54).
“We are not the roles we play in life or who other people want us to be. We are not our jobs, our relationships, our bodies, our accomplishments, or our bank accounts” (59).
“Without the well-defined “good student” identity and structure of college, I was lost. I knew who I was in the land of academia, but I struggled to know who I was as an adult out on my own” (63-64).
“We pursue compliments like candy” (65).
“I feel like every decision I make…has a domino effect and impacts my life. I wish someone would make all of these decisions for me because I don’t have a clue as to what I am doing” (75).
“Money enables me to pursue my personal goals and does not serve to define me or indicate my future success” (95).
“Life doesn’t wait for self-enlightenment: it gives us responsibilities and forces us to make decisions whether we’re ready or not. We have to move forward—figuring out what we want and how to get it even as we’re still discovering who we are” (106).
“I was extremely motivated as a student, but when it came to planning for my future, I was paralyzed” (111).
“Your attention is to the urgent, not necessarily the important” (121).
“Enjoy and appreciate yourself, your life, and the people in it. Admire the view from where you are” (154).
“Or perhaps the Cheesecake Factory Theory applies here as we try to be “everything on the menu” to everyone. If we’re trying too hard to please others, what kind of friend are we to ourselves?” (167).
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself” (316).
July 27, 2009
At first I thought it would be another book to motivate and inspire but then as I got more into it, towards the middle and end, it was just more assuring that life is about acceptance and if you really want change to come about - you are the only one who will make that happen. It think the author hit the 20's decade head on - she was able to tell me exactly what I am going through and what I feel, and it's really made me feel better about my situation. I mean I was pretty happy with my life but not I feel ike I can accept it more and not feel so antsy to keep trying to get to the top fast. I think I love the notion of being successful being applied to all areas of your life, not just your career, because who will really be a hit success right out of college except for the very exceptional few. So now I'm feel successful in my relationships with friends, family and with love. I feel fulfilled that I've done so much already and have done things that I have sought out to do like set up some websites, and promoted my art. There are so many things we can be grateful for and I think Hassler surely spells it out for us.
I definitely recommend this to all 20 Somethings!! Even guys - cuz they go through the same crap and have the same thoughts (just maybe wouldn't admit to it).
I definitely recommend this to all 20 Somethings!! Even guys - cuz they go through the same crap and have the same thoughts (just maybe wouldn't admit to it).
July 27, 2008
I'm someone who spends a lot of time thinking about the future and what I want to do. I worry about whether I'm going to please my parents and if I will obtain the things that society says we should have. As I began to realize that there must be others going through the same thing, I came across the term 'quarter-life crisis' and looked into finding some books that could help me clarify my life as a 20-something. What I found was Hassler's manifesto and I zoomed right through it. The book features stories and quotes from hundreds of 20-somethings that are easy to read, relevant and easy to relate to. Hassler also includes concrete tips and advice on how to approach life's conundrums and how to work through this stage. She discusses our expectations of life and why we have them, and encourages us to look within us and figure out what we really want and how we really are going to get there. She includes a few exercises, asks some important questions, and focuses on work, love, money, etc. I recommend this book to anyone in their 20s who is looking for a way to focus their goals and find the first steps to fulfill their life plans.
September 26, 2011
I loved this book when I could stomach the gimicky, sticky motivational seminar writing. Also there was a lot of self- actualization theories that I don't necessarily believe in in light of my personal and religious beliefs. But it still was very helpful and encouraging to hear, "You're not alone in feeling stuck," "Keep going," "It's okay to admit that things suck." I actually stopped reading and made a list of things I'm discouraged about or feel that I did badly, and then made a list of good ways that I have responded, and good ways that I want to respond.
If you have recently graduated and feel disappointed or stuck, this is a good read.
If you have recently graduated and feel disappointed or stuck, this is a good read.
November 27, 2018
Somewhere a bit dragged, mostly a gem. 4 stars overall.
* * *
Некоторые места откликнулись очень сильно. О них и напишу.
* * *
Люди живут списками. Цели, планы, дедлайны, цифры… Живут в будущем, не в настоящем. Их цели не конкретные (уйти с работы осенью записаться на бизнес-курсы ходить на встречи ), их цели – надежды (быть богатым, ездить отдыхать 10 раз в году, купить машину и т.д.). Таким образом возникает похмелье от ожиданий. Ты не получаешь того, что хочешь так быстро, как ты этого хочешь, сравниваешь себя с другими людьми, у которых абсолютно своя дорога (!), заглушаешь проблему другими часто нездоровыми действиями, двигаешься по накатаной.
* * *
Проблема 20-летних ещё и в том, что слишком много чем и кем можно быть. Кажется, невозможно выбрать. Мы бежим за успехом, потому что до 30 обязательно нужно (!) быть успешным/жить в Х/быть Х, иначе ты неудачник. Бежим пропуская свою жизнь, пытаясь догнать, что вполне может быть и не есть тем, что сделает нас счастливым. Бежим, потому что нас завели. Мы завелись. И уже нельзя останавливаться. Эти 23 уже не вернешь пока ты убивал себя на работе, так зачем пропускать ещё год жизни?
Жить и наслаждаться сейчас! Не пропускать жизнь, не откладывать на потом! Ставить краткосрочные промежуточные цели. Наслаждаться процессом их достижения. Планировать бюджет. Жить по средствам. Иметь время ПОДУМАТЬ, остановиться, не бежать каждый день, жить КАЖДЫЙ день, а не только на выходных! Не ждать отпуска за коктейлем в барах, не плакать из-за того, что понедельник, не считать дни до субботы, встречать рассвет! Встречать закат! Иметь чистый дом и чистую голову. Говорить! Обогащать себя людьми, их опытом, историями, энергией! РАЗВИВАТЬСЯ в НОВЫХ направлениях!
* * *
В процессе пробования нового – получишь опыт и понимание того, что тебе нравится, а что нет. Это лучше, чем вцепиться в хорошую работу (но не ТВОЮ) из-за соцпакета и хорошей зп, и жить от отпуска к отпуску. Это десятилетие самое время для пробования разных сфер деятельности, безбашенных поступков. Что, серьёзных работ больше не будет, если ты возьмёшь год офф?
Автор саджестит найти работу, которая держит на плаву, и исследовать разные области. Они дадут новые идеи, новую мотивацию. 6 месяцев – 1 год. Если тебе не нравится то, что ты делаешь, зачем там оставаться? Зачем тратить время – самый свой драгоценный ресурс?
Стрессовая работа не даёт времени подумать и оценить своё настоящее положение. Не даёт развиваться по-другому.
Мне жить эту жизнь. МНЕ. МНЕ. МНЕ. Мне каждое утро вставать и делать это. Так мне и выбирать это ЭТО.
Часть 4.
Любовь! Любимая часть книги!
Нет теории половинок. Ты не половина, ты один целостный человек, индивидуальность. Тебе не нужен половинчатый партнёр. Тебе нужна единица. Такая же как и ты, с которым ты разделишь это путешествие под названием жизнь.
'Єдина людина , яка гарантоано любитиме мене безпідставно, завжди мене підтримуватиме і буде моїм компаньйоном до моєї смерті – це я сама. '
Это ГЕНИАЛЬНО!
* * *
Самые важные отношения в твоей жизни – это отношения с собой. Их нужно культивировать, над ними нужно работать, на них нельзя жалеть денег и времени. Типсы: пойти в ресторан одной, заказать блюдо и наслаждаться едой! Одной! Попросить кого-то сфоткать тебя когда ты одна на отдыхе, распечатать и повесить в рамке на стену!
Наслаждаться этим временем без отношений. Исследовать себя, развиваться, ходить на свидания, флиртовать, наряжаться, знакомиться с новыми людьми, проявлять любовь к себе!
* * *
"То, что мы думаем о себе – это чувство, которое передается. ''
Абсолютно.
''То, во что ты веришь, и энергия, какой ты живешь, создает твою жизнь.''
Чтобы привлечь хорошего партнёра нужно сначала быть единицей. Ты единица?
* * *
Работа
Твоя работа поддерживает твою жизнь или твоя жизнь поддерживает твою работу?
Жизнь без присутствия жизни. Работать столько, что нет сил и энергии делать что-то ещё в своей жизни. Теряешь возможность встретить новых людей из-за своего настроения или отсутствия желания выходить из дома или пробовать что-то новое. С детства многим дают установку, что жизнь тяжелая и несправедливая, что надо терпеть. А надо ли? Те, кто это сказал, какая их жизнь сейчас? Такая какой ты её хочешь видеть, будучи в их возрасте? В жизни не нужно воплощать надежды других.
* * *
Тело
Тело – это транспорт. Тело – это святыня. Инвестиции в него так же ценны, как и инвестиции в разум и дух. Не нужно гнаться за совершенством – его всё равно нет. Прислушиваться к нему, к своему внутреннему состоянию и меньше обращать внимание на свой внешний вид.
Если мы относимся к себе с любовью, мы чувствуем умиротворение и энтузиазм.
* * *
Другое
Танцевать голой в комнате под Sexy back – быть наедине с собой и чувствовать свободу!
*
Следует доверять интуиции. Если вона мне говорит двигаться вперёд, то надо двигать.
*
''Знаете, как я понимаю, что человек достиг умиротворения и гармонии? Когда он рассказывает о худшем, что с ним случилось с улыбкой на лице и искорками в глазах.''
And finally,
Мы не знаем, что нас ждёт. Это и делает жизнь настолько захватывающей!
* * *
Некоторые места откликнулись очень сильно. О них и напишу.
* * *
Люди живут списками. Цели, планы, дедлайны, цифры… Живут в будущем, не в настоящем. Их цели не конкретные (уйти с работы осенью записаться на бизнес-курсы ходить на встречи ), их цели – надежды (быть богатым, ездить отдыхать 10 раз в году, купить машину и т.д.). Таким образом возникает похмелье от ожиданий. Ты не получаешь того, что хочешь так быстро, как ты этого хочешь, сравниваешь себя с другими людьми, у которых абсолютно своя дорога (!), заглушаешь проблему другими часто нездоровыми действиями, двигаешься по накатаной.
* * *
Проблема 20-летних ещё и в том, что слишком много чем и кем можно быть. Кажется, невозможно выбрать. Мы бежим за успехом, потому что до 30 обязательно нужно (!) быть успешным/жить в Х/быть Х, иначе ты неудачник. Бежим пропуская свою жизнь, пытаясь догнать, что вполне может быть и не есть тем, что сделает нас счастливым. Бежим, потому что нас завели. Мы завелись. И уже нельзя останавливаться. Эти 23 уже не вернешь пока ты убивал себя на работе, так зачем пропускать ещё год жизни?
Жить и наслаждаться сейчас! Не пропускать жизнь, не откладывать на потом! Ставить краткосрочные промежуточные цели. Наслаждаться процессом их достижения. Планировать бюджет. Жить по средствам. Иметь время ПОДУМАТЬ, остановиться, не бежать каждый день, жить КАЖДЫЙ день, а не только на выходных! Не ждать отпуска за коктейлем в барах, не плакать из-за того, что понедельник, не считать дни до субботы, встречать рассвет! Встречать закат! Иметь чистый дом и чистую голову. Говорить! Обогащать себя людьми, их опытом, историями, энергией! РАЗВИВАТЬСЯ в НОВЫХ направлениях!
* * *
В процессе пробования нового – получишь опыт и понимание того, что тебе нравится, а что нет. Это лучше, чем вцепиться в хорошую работу (но не ТВОЮ) из-за соцпакета и хорошей зп, и жить от отпуска к отпуску. Это десятилетие самое время для пробования разных сфер деятельности, безбашенных поступков. Что, серьёзных работ больше не будет, если ты возьмёшь год офф?
Автор саджестит найти работу, которая держит на плаву, и исследовать разные области. Они дадут новые идеи, новую мотивацию. 6 месяцев – 1 год. Если тебе не нравится то, что ты делаешь, зачем там оставаться? Зачем тратить время – самый свой драгоценный ресурс?
Стрессовая работа не даёт времени подумать и оценить своё настоящее положение. Не даёт развиваться по-другому.
Мне жить эту жизнь. МНЕ. МНЕ. МНЕ. Мне каждое утро вставать и делать это. Так мне и выбирать это ЭТО.
Часть 4.
Любовь! Любимая часть книги!
Нет теории половинок. Ты не половина, ты один целостный человек, индивидуальность. Тебе не нужен половинчатый партнёр. Тебе нужна единица. Такая же как и ты, с которым ты разделишь это путешествие под названием жизнь.
'Єдина людина , яка гарантоано любитиме мене безпідставно, завжди мене підтримуватиме і буде моїм компаньйоном до моєї смерті – це я сама. '
Это ГЕНИАЛЬНО!
* * *
Самые важные отношения в твоей жизни – это отношения с собой. Их нужно культивировать, над ними нужно работать, на них нельзя жалеть денег и времени. Типсы: пойти в ресторан одной, заказать блюдо и наслаждаться едой! Одной! Попросить кого-то сфоткать тебя когда ты одна на отдыхе, распечатать и повесить в рамке на стену!
Наслаждаться этим временем без отношений. Исследовать себя, развиваться, ходить на свидания, флиртовать, наряжаться, знакомиться с новыми людьми, проявлять любовь к себе!
* * *
"То, что мы думаем о себе – это чувство, которое передается. ''
Абсолютно.
''То, во что ты веришь, и энергия, какой ты живешь, создает твою жизнь.''
Чтобы привлечь хорошего партнёра нужно сначала быть единицей. Ты единица?
* * *
Работа
Твоя работа поддерживает твою жизнь или твоя жизнь поддерживает твою работу?
Жизнь без присутствия жизни. Работать столько, что нет сил и энергии делать что-то ещё в своей жизни. Теряешь возможность встретить новых людей из-за своего настроения или отсутствия желания выходить из дома или пробовать что-то новое. С детства многим дают установку, что жизнь тяжелая и несправедливая, что надо терпеть. А надо ли? Те, кто это сказал, какая их жизнь сейчас? Такая какой ты её хочешь видеть, будучи в их возрасте? В жизни не нужно воплощать надежды других.
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Тело
Тело – это транспорт. Тело – это святыня. Инвестиции в него так же ценны, как и инвестиции в разум и дух. Не нужно гнаться за совершенством – его всё равно нет. Прислушиваться к нему, к своему внутреннему состоянию и меньше обращать внимание на свой внешний вид.
Если мы относимся к себе с любовью, мы чувствуем умиротворение и энтузиазм.
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Другое
Танцевать голой в комнате под Sexy back – быть наедине с собой и чувствовать свободу!
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Следует доверять интуиции. Если вона мне говорит двигаться вперёд, то надо двигать.
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''Знаете, как я понимаю, что человек достиг умиротворения и гармонии? Когда он рассказывает о худшем, что с ним случилось с улыбкой на лице и искорками в глазах.''
And finally,
Мы не знаем, что нас ждёт. Это и делает жизнь настолько захватывающей!
July 23, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed reading 20 Something Manifesto. I am 23 years old and unhappy with the way my life has turned out so far. This book helped me by letting me know I am not alone. Christine Hassler shares her own experiences as well as stories from several other 20-somethings like me who are having trouble adjusting to the real world. She gives advice on dealing with friends, family, love, and career aspirations. I spend a lot of my time thinking about the future without being sure how to make that future happen, but she helps me feel as though I can actually accomplish the goals I have laid out for myself. Hassler lays out several exercises in the book which help you to figure out your thoughts in a clear way, set up legitimate plans to get your life on track, and gives you instruction on ways to get over those bumps in the road. I felt so lost and alone before reading this book, and now I see that I accomplish anything and everything I put my mind to, as long as I am willing to put in the work. If you are a lost 20-something like I was, whose life is just not turning out how you planned, then this book is for you.
January 21, 2013
As a 20-something, you’re often dealing with not having a logical “next-step” for the first time as you finish college, trying to find a job, and figuring out both who you are and what you want from life. In The 20 Something Manifesto, Christine Hassler has collected a bunch of short essays by 20-somethings at various stages of their lives and combined these with her insightful commentary. Throughout, she manages to sound authoritative and give good advice while never sounding condescending or judgmental. She’s also often very funny. There are sections on various topics of concern to 20-somethings’ from career and money to romance, each with suggestions for ways to find out what you want and how to get there. The only thing keeping this from also being a 5 star review is the author’s belief in “The Secret”, a silly but popular belief that simply visualizing something will make it so. Fortunately that idea, which in my opinion is the worst of self-help, appears very little in this otherwise exemplary book.
This review first published on Doing Dewey.
This review first published on Doing Dewey.
July 27, 2008
I didn't realize this until a couple chapters in, but this is actually a self-help book. Since I had already gotten through some of it, I decided to finish it. This book gives tips for people who are in their 20's and evaluating their life journey. It has all these lists of mental exercises to do and questions to ask yourself to get you thinking about what you really want out of life. A bit on the dry side.
July 1, 2008
It's good to know that there are a lot of other people out there that feel the way I do, but it's also very depressing.
Also, I didn't feel the book offered any real solutions to the problems presented, but maybe it was more of a fine whine thing than a self help thing.
Also, I didn't feel the book offered any real solutions to the problems presented, but maybe it was more of a fine whine thing than a self help thing.
December 30, 2015
Take everything you already know about life in your 20s by 22, and put it in a book. Please read The Defining Decade and skip this one. I'm abandoning it after 250 pages of suffering and 18 months.
July 23, 2021
Geez, this book is just not it… If you want to have some common sense spelled out to you through words, perhaps you will like it. If you want to hear success stories while you are in a crisis without relating to anyone because you are in a crisis while many interviews are from people who are employed, have a great dating experience and live independently, perhaps you will like this book. If you get hyped up from motivational speeches that do not really provide you with any solution except from “keep calm and carry on”, perhaps you will like this book.
Honestly, everything I read in this book is so obvious, you don’t need to buy a book to already understand it. If you need a lengthy book with an only idea that you need to take things slow, don’t make unrealistic expectations and be kind to yourself, then this is your read. But for real, why is it so lengthy with so little substance?!
Honestly, everything I read in this book is so obvious, you don’t need to buy a book to already understand it. If you need a lengthy book with an only idea that you need to take things slow, don’t make unrealistic expectations and be kind to yourself, then this is your read. But for real, why is it so lengthy with so little substance?!
August 4, 2021
It was hard to read it at the beginning. Probably, the wrong time and circumstances.
I've found a lot of useful exercises while reading the second part of the book.
Non of the books will be helpful unless you'll use the practices it suggests.
I've found a lot of useful exercises while reading the second part of the book.
Non of the books will be helpful unless you'll use the practices it suggests.
February 20, 2021
I loved every page of this book. It is the best book for people in their 20s, I cannot recommend it enough.
May 23, 2022
It was helpful but it is very outdated.
April 15, 2008
They are many things. The Millennials. The Entitlement Generation. The Boomerang Generation. Whatever label you use, the twenty somethings have entered the work force and are now facing the trial and tribulations of growing up and becoming an adult.
I am a mother with a bunch of twenty somethings. From my perspective, I see a world of possibilities for my children. Given their many talents, interests, and amazing potential, I have troubles understanding why they are so afraid of the future. I can't fathom why they are afraid to leave home, sacrifice, work hard, and build a good life for themselves.
I'm glad that I read 20 Something Manifesto. I think I understand a bit more about this generation now. I remember being young and feeling the pressure of finding the right job, the right relationship, and the right home. For these adults, the choices are wide open which only makes the process that much more difficult. Becoming paralyzed with indecision or finding themselves stuck while they try to catch their bearings is a very real possibility.
I intend to leave this book lying around in hopes that my twenty somethings pick it up. I think this book will give them comfort while presenting them with some important tools.
I am a mother with a bunch of twenty somethings. From my perspective, I see a world of possibilities for my children. Given their many talents, interests, and amazing potential, I have troubles understanding why they are so afraid of the future. I can't fathom why they are afraid to leave home, sacrifice, work hard, and build a good life for themselves.
I'm glad that I read 20 Something Manifesto. I think I understand a bit more about this generation now. I remember being young and feeling the pressure of finding the right job, the right relationship, and the right home. For these adults, the choices are wide open which only makes the process that much more difficult. Becoming paralyzed with indecision or finding themselves stuck while they try to catch their bearings is a very real possibility.
I intend to leave this book lying around in hopes that my twenty somethings pick it up. I think this book will give them comfort while presenting them with some important tools.
December 29, 2014
I wish I had had this book three years ago.
A lot of the lessons it holds are now things I have figured out on my own. Having this wouldn't necessarily have displaced them, but I think it would definitely have made enduring them easier.
I plan on referring my younger sisters to this book as they graduate to help them navigate the uncertainties of going out on your own and living life for the first time. Some of this advice is obvious, but it's extra helpful to hear it from someone else sometimes.
A good check in for any time you're stuck in a rut, this book is a great gift for recent college grads.
A lot of the lessons it holds are now things I have figured out on my own. Having this wouldn't necessarily have displaced them, but I think it would definitely have made enduring them easier.
I plan on referring my younger sisters to this book as they graduate to help them navigate the uncertainties of going out on your own and living life for the first time. Some of this advice is obvious, but it's extra helpful to hear it from someone else sometimes.
A good check in for any time you're stuck in a rut, this book is a great gift for recent college grads.
December 26, 2012
Uplifting review of the 20-something decade. The author consistently offers not only a wide analysis of the struggles faced by this age-group at this point in time, but what I particularly appreciated was her practical help at the end of the discussion time. When the questions of "Now what? Where do I go from here?" arise, she has created very workable exercises for the reader to self-evaluate, create a plan, and take next steps forward.
Don't just navel-gaze or fret. Add the 20 Something Manifesto to your game plan for life. Great tool.
Don't just navel-gaze or fret. Add the 20 Something Manifesto to your game plan for life. Great tool.
September 14, 2013
I got this one because the library didn't have her first book; it was ok. Kind of turned into a "Chicken soup for the 20-something" soul with all the stories from people, but Hassler's insights and inclusions of different exercises was pretty neat. I skipped the stuff that didn't pertain to me, but it was cool reading about people going through similar things that I am. Will remember and pick it up if I get into a life slump again!
April 21, 2016
I just finished reading this book, and can say that I am glad I did. The book is filled with many personal anecdotes and accounts that help twenty something readers recognize that they are not alone in their fears and anxieties. Although I had hoped there would be more depth exercises to do, I still found the book enjoyable because it didn't. It read more easily and I liked how the sections were organized.
April 1, 2022
+ has lots of stories of young people who managed to change their lives
+ has a long list of reasonable advice for young people which can help them navigate through their late teens and early 20s.
- if you’re 25+ it will most likely be too boring for you because of ‘obvious’ recommendations
- has a lot of whining of readers who don’t want to do anything with the problems they have, and rather want sb else to solve them instead
+ has a long list of reasonable advice for young people which can help them navigate through their late teens and early 20s.
- if you’re 25+ it will most likely be too boring for you because of ‘obvious’ recommendations
- has a lot of whining of readers who don’t want to do anything with the problems they have, and rather want sb else to solve them instead
December 25, 2010
Enlightening. Great book with essays and memoirs of 20-somethings' struggles and accomplishments through this uncertain period. Definitely made me not stress out as much (almost relieved) that I was not alone in my anxiety attacks and pity parties. Good read for those who need a little pick me up --- especially during trying times. Recommended!
May 7, 2012
Not that I didn't know a lot of this stuff already, but I think it was well put together and well thought out. I also love the idea of the Expectation Hangover - basically a great book for people (like me) who thought they'd have it all figured out by the time they hit 25 only to realize they really don't even have the first clue about how to be an adult.
March 7, 2012
This book was exactly what I needed; not so much a self-help book, more of a life experience from your contemporaries book. I seemed to put it down and pick it up again at precisely the time when I needed that particular piece of advice and understanding.
August 23, 2012
I loved this book! It let me know that my "expectation hangover" was common and ok! I know I will be rereading this one and suggesting it to friends. I think this should be handed to every person as they graduate from college.
November 14, 2013
Overall good book, helpful insights, moments that sound so exactly like my life it's scary. Lots of anecdotal tales to demonstrate different concepts (not my favorite, think Chicken Noodle Soup type tales).
February 5, 2015
The excerpts of other 20 something's are priceless!
Love the interviews, manifestos and real life examples from other 20 something's. This book flows long quite easily and I guarantee you will find plenty to take away!
Love the interviews, manifestos and real life examples from other 20 something's. This book flows long quite easily and I guarantee you will find plenty to take away!
Read
May 11, 2017So far, I feel a little more clarity and empowerment while I'm reading it. I need to start sitting down and doing some of the evaluation exercises. Yay self help!
July 14, 2008
Excellent, everyone should read it. Especially people who think too much.
Currently reading
August 31, 2009It goes along nicely with the starter book, just makes you realize you are totally not alone!
August 5, 2010
From this book tell to people, there is no answer for their life, but there are lots experience what they did. So, it's a good book for every ages.
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