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The Rocket Years: How Your Twenties Launch the Rest of Your Life
The Defining Decade for the #Adulting generation—a book that blends storytelling and data to unpack the choices you make in your twenties, why they matter, and how to turn those critical years into a launchpad for the life you want.
We tend to think of our twenties as a playground for life: A time for low-consequence experimentation and delaying big decisions. But the truth is that while you’re muddling through those years—exploring new cities, dating the wrong people, hopping between jobs—a small shift in your flight path can mean the difference between landing on Mars or Saturn.
As the data shows, the choices we make (or put off) during this critical decade about our career, marriage, health, friends, even downtime have the greatest impact on how our lives play out. For example, did you know that people who marry between the ages of 28 and 32 have the lowest risk of divorce? And that the average 25 year old has 20 close friends, but this will shrink to 8 after age 40? And that most of us don’t acquire new hobbies after we hit our thirties?
Rather than prescribing one correct path (who are we kidding, there’s no such thing anyway!), Elizabeth Segran invites readers to think critically and holistically about the life they want to build. With signature warmth and humor, Segran is the guide we all wish we had to show us the way. Blending insightful anecdotes with research from economics, sociology, and political science, The Rocket Years is an empowering exploration of these exciting, confusing, wonderful years.
We tend to think of our twenties as a playground for life: A time for low-consequence experimentation and delaying big decisions. But the truth is that while you’re muddling through those years—exploring new cities, dating the wrong people, hopping between jobs—a small shift in your flight path can mean the difference between landing on Mars or Saturn.
As the data shows, the choices we make (or put off) during this critical decade about our career, marriage, health, friends, even downtime have the greatest impact on how our lives play out. For example, did you know that people who marry between the ages of 28 and 32 have the lowest risk of divorce? And that the average 25 year old has 20 close friends, but this will shrink to 8 after age 40? And that most of us don’t acquire new hobbies after we hit our thirties?
Rather than prescribing one correct path (who are we kidding, there’s no such thing anyway!), Elizabeth Segran invites readers to think critically and holistically about the life they want to build. With signature warmth and humor, Segran is the guide we all wish we had to show us the way. Blending insightful anecdotes with research from economics, sociology, and political science, The Rocket Years is an empowering exploration of these exciting, confusing, wonderful years.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2020
58 people are currently reading
1862 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 3, 2020
I had never heard of Elizabeth Segran before this book, but this popped up on my audiobook suggestions and thought I would give it a go!
Elizabeth breaks down 'The Rocket Years' covering one overarching theme per chapter starting with Career and finishing with Faith.
The first few chapters (Work, Fitness and Hobbies were my faves) definitely feel a lot stronger than the latter, Elizabeth uses a great combination of research and anecdotes from her own life to create an engaging narrative. I think Elizabeth does a good job of mixing these elements so that the book doesn't ever feel like a science article or like a diary entry and it lands very well.
She definitely offers some interesting insights and research which I'm glad to have read, but I can't help but feel her advice and her own experience come from a privileged position. Also at some points in the book her personal bias seems to shine through around how she thinks people ought to live their lives.
Overall, I found it an interesting read to hear someone else's perspective on what people might want to consider in 'launching' their life in their 20s and beyond, and I found it to be engaging and well written. However, as someone who doesn't live or strive for a 'traditional' lifestyle, e.g. wanting to race up the career ladder, wanting to get married or have kids, or belong to a religious community, large parts of this book felt quite irrelevant to me.
Elizabeth breaks down 'The Rocket Years' covering one overarching theme per chapter starting with Career and finishing with Faith.
The first few chapters (Work, Fitness and Hobbies were my faves) definitely feel a lot stronger than the latter, Elizabeth uses a great combination of research and anecdotes from her own life to create an engaging narrative. I think Elizabeth does a good job of mixing these elements so that the book doesn't ever feel like a science article or like a diary entry and it lands very well.
She definitely offers some interesting insights and research which I'm glad to have read, but I can't help but feel her advice and her own experience come from a privileged position. Also at some points in the book her personal bias seems to shine through around how she thinks people ought to live their lives.
Overall, I found it an interesting read to hear someone else's perspective on what people might want to consider in 'launching' their life in their 20s and beyond, and I found it to be engaging and well written. However, as someone who doesn't live or strive for a 'traditional' lifestyle, e.g. wanting to race up the career ladder, wanting to get married or have kids, or belong to a religious community, large parts of this book felt quite irrelevant to me.
April 7, 2020
INT. CHICAGO O’HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (TERMINAL 3) - DAY
I’m in my mid-twentysomethings. I’m single. I have a college degree. I’ve moved out of my parents’ house to a new city; a fresh metropolitan area buzzing with opportunity for ambitious young professionals like myself. Certainly, I’m on my way to the destined success that I’ve always envisioned for myself! However, I have no idea how I’m going to get there. And as the everlasting advisory that my strategic management professor from senior year kindly drilled into the bonus point bandit test taker in me goes: “you’ll never get to where you’re going if you don’t know how you’re going to get there”.
Alas, conflict! But . . . I’m not a screenwriter (yet) . . . and . . . despite how strongly I may disagree at times, my life is not a motion picture (yet). Each evening, I return to some form of aloneness to assume my position at an extensive dinner table joined by my many questions and my many ideas. Across from them sit my many hopes and my many desires. All wanting to be satisfied just as much as the other, analogically speaking I’m responsible for putting food on the table.
ENTER: Elizabeth Segran PhD, wife, mother, writer, and author of The Rocket Years: How Your Twenties Launch the Rest of Your Life; the glitter and gold of an enchiridion that I was fortunate enough to discover just moments prior to the flight attendant’s command to stow my laptop and carry on items.
This self-help book packs heaps of meaningful shares from the author. The Rocket Years resembles the literary matrimony between critical data points and holistic outlooks particularly regarding millennials and their ability to create and live the life that they want. Fret not, this book is just as significant to readers that don’t fall into the twentysomething-year-old age group. As Elizabeth Segran constantly advocates: it’s never too late to correct a course! Within these roughly two hundred pages, there are countless points of connection for readers whether they need a complete reroute or whispers of encouragement.
The structure of the book is essentially an organization of themes collected around major facets of life. The first major facet is work-life balance, the second is building a life-long network of love and support, and the third is establishing enduring ties to broader communities. I know, heavy, right? Once again, fret not! Segran writes to us in a genuinely empowering voice laced with the comforting nuances of her ever so distinctive humor. Page flip after page flip, amazing discovery after amazing discovery, confidence boost after confidence boost, whenever I looked up from this book in my hands, there with me I sensed Liz Segran grinning and nodding; passing onto me trustworthy comfort and affirmation.
A TED Talk at my fingertips, The Rocket Years proved to be everything that I imagined it would be and more. Through the framework of her personal stories and experiences, Segran engineered a means to navigate the roadways of challenge and uncertainty in our respective rocket years. Supported by bundles of credible data, she arms readers with confidence, knowledge and ultimately the power to make sound decisions in order to write their own story.
Particularly encouraging for readers is the author’s explicit acknowledgment that data cannot capture every detail in every one person’s life. Ergo my overflow of appreciation for the personal insights Segran shares in this book; it undoubtedly humanizes the reading and learning experience. As Segran puts it: “My story serves as a cautionary tale”. In addition, this read does not discriminate against race, culture, sexual preference, or religious practice.
Intriguing, amusing, compelling, and relevant, The Rocket Years kept a smile on my face through and through. Be it murky waters or open roads, I’m not only more prepared to navigate the map of my future, but I’m also confident that I have what it takes to write the narrative and live the life that I want.
I’m in my mid-twentysomethings. I’m single. I have a college degree. I’ve moved out of my parents’ house to a new city; a fresh metropolitan area buzzing with opportunity for ambitious young professionals like myself. Certainly, I’m on my way to the destined success that I’ve always envisioned for myself! However, I have no idea how I’m going to get there. And as the everlasting advisory that my strategic management professor from senior year kindly drilled into the bonus point bandit test taker in me goes: “you’ll never get to where you’re going if you don’t know how you’re going to get there”.
Alas, conflict! But . . . I’m not a screenwriter (yet) . . . and . . . despite how strongly I may disagree at times, my life is not a motion picture (yet). Each evening, I return to some form of aloneness to assume my position at an extensive dinner table joined by my many questions and my many ideas. Across from them sit my many hopes and my many desires. All wanting to be satisfied just as much as the other, analogically speaking I’m responsible for putting food on the table.
ENTER: Elizabeth Segran PhD, wife, mother, writer, and author of The Rocket Years: How Your Twenties Launch the Rest of Your Life; the glitter and gold of an enchiridion that I was fortunate enough to discover just moments prior to the flight attendant’s command to stow my laptop and carry on items.
This self-help book packs heaps of meaningful shares from the author. The Rocket Years resembles the literary matrimony between critical data points and holistic outlooks particularly regarding millennials and their ability to create and live the life that they want. Fret not, this book is just as significant to readers that don’t fall into the twentysomething-year-old age group. As Elizabeth Segran constantly advocates: it’s never too late to correct a course! Within these roughly two hundred pages, there are countless points of connection for readers whether they need a complete reroute or whispers of encouragement.
The structure of the book is essentially an organization of themes collected around major facets of life. The first major facet is work-life balance, the second is building a life-long network of love and support, and the third is establishing enduring ties to broader communities. I know, heavy, right? Once again, fret not! Segran writes to us in a genuinely empowering voice laced with the comforting nuances of her ever so distinctive humor. Page flip after page flip, amazing discovery after amazing discovery, confidence boost after confidence boost, whenever I looked up from this book in my hands, there with me I sensed Liz Segran grinning and nodding; passing onto me trustworthy comfort and affirmation.
A TED Talk at my fingertips, The Rocket Years proved to be everything that I imagined it would be and more. Through the framework of her personal stories and experiences, Segran engineered a means to navigate the roadways of challenge and uncertainty in our respective rocket years. Supported by bundles of credible data, she arms readers with confidence, knowledge and ultimately the power to make sound decisions in order to write their own story.
Particularly encouraging for readers is the author’s explicit acknowledgment that data cannot capture every detail in every one person’s life. Ergo my overflow of appreciation for the personal insights Segran shares in this book; it undoubtedly humanizes the reading and learning experience. As Segran puts it: “My story serves as a cautionary tale”. In addition, this read does not discriminate against race, culture, sexual preference, or religious practice.
Intriguing, amusing, compelling, and relevant, The Rocket Years kept a smile on my face through and through. Be it murky waters or open roads, I’m not only more prepared to navigate the map of my future, but I’m also confident that I have what it takes to write the narrative and live the life that I want.
February 16, 2021
Didn't really think I'd like this, but I did! Definitely a recommendation for anyone in their 20s.
This is a short little book blending Elizabeth Segran's own pretty standard life experiences (and by "pretty standard" I mean they're fairly relatable to a lot of millennials) with social science research on how your 20s affect you forever.
The title comes from something she heard from a friend-- decisions you make in your 20s might not seem especially significant, but it's like shooting off a rocket. Just a few degrees of difference in how you angle it will determine whether you're going to land on Mars or the Moon. So, Segran reasons, it would do us good to think about which planet we'd like to land on, and adjust accordingly.
It's a little scary to read the research on the ways that decisions you make in this decade can really affect you permanently-- but it's also really satisfying to take a moment, take stock of your life, see what you're doing right, and start focusing on the areas you've maybe neglected (which Segran helpfully divides into chapters: Career, Hobbies, Fitness, Marriage, Family, Politics, and Faith). For instance-- I think I'm in a good place with Hobbies, Family, Politics and Faith. I feel like I should feel good about the Career bit, I landed my dream job, but I'm also aware of the emotional toll that dream is taking, and whether I ought not "correct course" on my rocket ship there eventually. Re: Fitness, this definitely inspired me to work out more than I do. Easily the scariest section, though, was Marriage. I definitely have neglected my love life in favour of the other things, so it's a little nerve-wracking to review the statistics.
Segran is aware of the potential anxieties of her book, though, and does a good job of reassuring the reader that it's never too late to edit your life. Whether you're just beginning your 20s, or closing them out, or if, like Segran, you're completely past them-- you can still correct course. All Segran asks of her reader is to consider, and to be conscious of, their choices--not just in the context of how they'll affect your life right now, but how they form habits that endure for the rest of our lives.
And who doesn't need that reminder every now and again?
This is a short little book blending Elizabeth Segran's own pretty standard life experiences (and by "pretty standard" I mean they're fairly relatable to a lot of millennials) with social science research on how your 20s affect you forever.
The title comes from something she heard from a friend-- decisions you make in your 20s might not seem especially significant, but it's like shooting off a rocket. Just a few degrees of difference in how you angle it will determine whether you're going to land on Mars or the Moon. So, Segran reasons, it would do us good to think about which planet we'd like to land on, and adjust accordingly.
It's a little scary to read the research on the ways that decisions you make in this decade can really affect you permanently-- but it's also really satisfying to take a moment, take stock of your life, see what you're doing right, and start focusing on the areas you've maybe neglected (which Segran helpfully divides into chapters: Career, Hobbies, Fitness, Marriage, Family, Politics, and Faith). For instance-- I think I'm in a good place with Hobbies, Family, Politics and Faith. I feel like I should feel good about the Career bit, I landed my dream job, but I'm also aware of the emotional toll that dream is taking, and whether I ought not "correct course" on my rocket ship there eventually. Re: Fitness, this definitely inspired me to work out more than I do. Easily the scariest section, though, was Marriage. I definitely have neglected my love life in favour of the other things, so it's a little nerve-wracking to review the statistics.
Segran is aware of the potential anxieties of her book, though, and does a good job of reassuring the reader that it's never too late to edit your life. Whether you're just beginning your 20s, or closing them out, or if, like Segran, you're completely past them-- you can still correct course. All Segran asks of her reader is to consider, and to be conscious of, their choices--not just in the context of how they'll affect your life right now, but how they form habits that endure for the rest of our lives.
And who doesn't need that reminder every now and again?
July 29, 2021
While I was excited to receive this book for my 21st birthday, I found it overall lackluster. Author Elizabeth Segran breaks down your twenties into several different topics including marriage, family, politics, faith, career, hobbies, and exercise where she provides data points about these stages of life. I really appreciated the research she put into the book and all of the interesting statistics she provided. For instance, I enjoyed learning about secular churches which is something I didn't know existed but is something I would love to learn more about. However, other than that, she really did not add much to the conversation of personal development. Segran did not come up with any original insights or pieces of advice and she did not create a shift in my thinking. The concept was a great idea but it needed better execution.
January 21, 2021
People who thrive simply refuse to accept situations that make them miserable: they choose to keep learning, growing, and working toward happiness all their lives.
Quite frankly I needed this book. I’m in my early 20s already trying to navigate what it means to be an adult on top of a pandemic when I came across The Rocket Years: How Your Twenties Launch the Rest of Your Life.
Now more than ever, I wonder if my peers are struggling with the same questions I am: is job-hopping detrimental to my career, how do I meaningfully interact with my community, what relationships do I need to be happy? This book doesn’t just give you answers, it backs them up with data. Author Elizabeth Segran has researched and compiled tons of information about how millennials, Gen Z and Boomers navigate(d) the world at this age.
She does it in such a compelling way! She is now in her 30s, but in each chapter, she reflects on a story from her life before segueing into what the general trends for current young adults are.
This book felt validating; like no, I’m not the only 20-something pondering how to have a happy life and failing so miserably! She recognizes that modern young adults want more than just a paycheck for work — we want purpose and a mission too!
She explains how happier adults don’t just have a strong relationship with their significant other, but they have a strong core of close friendships. Happy adults have hobbies, and working out is easier to establish as a hobby when you are still young.
I’ve read other books like this, most notably The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now, but this novel is getting my rare five-star rating. Whereas Defining Decade was written by a counselor who drew on her own experiences advising young adults in therapy sessions, The Rocket Years is more factual, less advisory and more about the options you take to have a life that research shows will be a happier one.
Most self-help books seem to only cover career and love, but I love the holistic approach Segran took by making the primary sections career, hobbies, fitness, marriage, family, friendship, politics and faith. Life isn’t just work and family anymore for people my age, and I love how Segran understands that.
I absolutely recommend this to people my age and would definitely consider giving it as a gift to friends.
Quite frankly I needed this book. I’m in my early 20s already trying to navigate what it means to be an adult on top of a pandemic when I came across The Rocket Years: How Your Twenties Launch the Rest of Your Life.
Now more than ever, I wonder if my peers are struggling with the same questions I am: is job-hopping detrimental to my career, how do I meaningfully interact with my community, what relationships do I need to be happy? This book doesn’t just give you answers, it backs them up with data. Author Elizabeth Segran has researched and compiled tons of information about how millennials, Gen Z and Boomers navigate(d) the world at this age.
She does it in such a compelling way! She is now in her 30s, but in each chapter, she reflects on a story from her life before segueing into what the general trends for current young adults are.
This book felt validating; like no, I’m not the only 20-something pondering how to have a happy life and failing so miserably! She recognizes that modern young adults want more than just a paycheck for work — we want purpose and a mission too!
She explains how happier adults don’t just have a strong relationship with their significant other, but they have a strong core of close friendships. Happy adults have hobbies, and working out is easier to establish as a hobby when you are still young.
I’ve read other books like this, most notably The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now, but this novel is getting my rare five-star rating. Whereas Defining Decade was written by a counselor who drew on her own experiences advising young adults in therapy sessions, The Rocket Years is more factual, less advisory and more about the options you take to have a life that research shows will be a happier one.
Most self-help books seem to only cover career and love, but I love the holistic approach Segran took by making the primary sections career, hobbies, fitness, marriage, family, friendship, politics and faith. Life isn’t just work and family anymore for people my age, and I love how Segran understands that.
I absolutely recommend this to people my age and would definitely consider giving it as a gift to friends.
December 30, 2020
4 stars for the first half and 2 stars for the second half, averaged out to 3 stars overall.
I enjoyed the sections on career, hobbies, and fitness most. Though the data is often simplified and Segran sometimes over-generalizes entire swaths of people, there is some good discussion on patterns of millennial job-hopping, roadmaps for long-term career paths, and methods for building a life you can love.
The sections on marriage, family, and politics lost me. It started to feel less like a book about being a twenty-something and more like a memoir of her specific experiences of marriage and motherhood. The politics section especially was repetitive and lacking depth.
As with many non-fiction books (or self-help books? not sure how to categorize this), I think this probably would have been better suited as a long-form article.
I enjoyed the sections on career, hobbies, and fitness most. Though the data is often simplified and Segran sometimes over-generalizes entire swaths of people, there is some good discussion on patterns of millennial job-hopping, roadmaps for long-term career paths, and methods for building a life you can love.
The sections on marriage, family, and politics lost me. It started to feel less like a book about being a twenty-something and more like a memoir of her specific experiences of marriage and motherhood. The politics section especially was repetitive and lacking depth.
As with many non-fiction books (or self-help books? not sure how to categorize this), I think this probably would have been better suited as a long-form article.
August 30, 2020
I felt like i learned a lot of actionable things in this book. It was a little difficult to read in 2020 because this sort of feels like a lost year, but I think I can still implement a lot.
January 30, 2023
“Now put this book down and get out into the world. You have a masterpiece to create.” Really enjoyed this book. It was well organized, easy to read, & most importantly, not overwhelming.
June 13, 2020
Started out okay and I appreciated the chapter about advanced education and statistics she has used to support her data. But about half way through the book the quality started to dwindle and when we got to the chapters about politics and faith I got down-right angry.
The author claims to be a Christian but the abortion stance and homosexual views aside (she is pro-abortion and believes homosexuality is biblical) she decided that alternative views such as finding any kind of church is also godly. That you can worship just about anything. This is a exact replica of what we see in the book of Judges from the Bible when "everyone did what was right in their own eyes" and all throughout the kings of Israel when people where building high places to God and Baal and any other deity that took their fancy. This is not the Christianity of the Bible. This is a idol worshipping Christianity that caused the exile of the nation of Israel.
I would not recommend this book.
The author claims to be a Christian but the abortion stance and homosexual views aside (she is pro-abortion and believes homosexuality is biblical) she decided that alternative views such as finding any kind of church is also godly. That you can worship just about anything. This is a exact replica of what we see in the book of Judges from the Bible when "everyone did what was right in their own eyes" and all throughout the kings of Israel when people where building high places to God and Baal and any other deity that took their fancy. This is not the Christianity of the Bible. This is a idol worshipping Christianity that caused the exile of the nation of Israel.
I would not recommend this book.
December 25, 2023
I'm pleasantly surprised! Honestly found it very comforting and informative!
I think it'd be best for people in their mid-twenties - might get a copy for my sisters to read when they approach that age!
I think it'd be best for people in their mid-twenties - might get a copy for my sisters to read when they approach that age!
November 22, 2020
Could have been good, but, 1) I think the author needed more distance between the time she was in her twenties and writing this (she's in her early thirties as she wrote this, which means she's barely out of her twenties herself) and 2) the political stuff started to annoy me after a while. Not all millennials agree with her politics. Also, I was tired of the old canard about the "motherhood penalty" at work. I fully admit I am one person and have a grand total of three data points (in one industry, no less), but in my experience, women at work who have kids can basically get away with murder. They do less work and reap more rewards (read: promotions and raises) than those of us (myself included) who don't have kids. There's no motherhood penalty—in fact, from what I've seen (and yes, I do recognize that I'm just one person sharing my experience), there's a "motherhood bonus."
Anyway, this book does have an interesting premise, but definitely needed some more work.
Anyway, this book does have an interesting premise, but definitely needed some more work.
December 13, 2023
had an embarrassing pace on this book, and my ebook had a different percentage than actual book content, so it was all a bit jilted - i had a 10 month break where i thought i had 40% left where i really had like 10-20 pages left lol.
it’s always an interesting question thinking about who is an authority on writing about this decade of our lives. i suppose anyone who has lived through their 20s! (not my first time thinking about this as i often listen to the podcast “the psychology of your 20s”, and the host is… in her 20s. which feels unqualified in some ways but at least she can relate or identify topics of interest?)
there’s a lot of content that was inspirational and helped open up my perspective and outlook on life. she does alternate between personal anecdotes/evidence and actual statistics and data of society at large to support her points and advice.
but the experience of “one’s” 20s cannot possibly account for the varied experiences that different people in the world have in their 20s. so i suppose i am skeptical about the basic premise of the book. did she deliver to a specific audience based on her own experiences? yes! i know i said parts of this book opened up my outlooks, but basing a whole how-to book based on her own experiences and supporting figures may be inherently limiting in ways i can’t even identify because i have more in common with her than not (highly educated woman of color.)
at this point i feel like i’m being pedantically critical. this was nice and easy to read!! i’m glad i finished it before my 20s are over lol
it’s always an interesting question thinking about who is an authority on writing about this decade of our lives. i suppose anyone who has lived through their 20s! (not my first time thinking about this as i often listen to the podcast “the psychology of your 20s”, and the host is… in her 20s. which feels unqualified in some ways but at least she can relate or identify topics of interest?)
there’s a lot of content that was inspirational and helped open up my perspective and outlook on life. she does alternate between personal anecdotes/evidence and actual statistics and data of society at large to support her points and advice.
but the experience of “one’s” 20s cannot possibly account for the varied experiences that different people in the world have in their 20s. so i suppose i am skeptical about the basic premise of the book. did she deliver to a specific audience based on her own experiences? yes! i know i said parts of this book opened up my outlooks, but basing a whole how-to book based on her own experiences and supporting figures may be inherently limiting in ways i can’t even identify because i have more in common with her than not (highly educated woman of color.)
at this point i feel like i’m being pedantically critical. this was nice and easy to read!! i’m glad i finished it before my 20s are over lol
November 29, 2022
As a 20 (and about a half) year old, Segran's telling of just how impactful being in your 20s is makes it less scary and more of a worthy challenge. I greatly appreciated her neutrality instead of asserting her own personal beliefs as law and the way to go when navigating this crucial time of life.
Segran touches on some aspects of life that, when looking back on it, most think that the decision was made much later than it actually was. I loved the way this book was written because it really made me look at my 20s a lot better. At first, I was terrified of making the wrong decisions and establishing doom for my 30s and forward, but Segran actually addresses the time periods past our 20s as well. This was crucial, not only as a point of looking forward, but also for some retrospective thoughts for those who may be reading this when they're older as a question of "Where did I go wrong?" You didn't go wrong and you still have time to make great decisions for yourself, and Segran ensures you of that by normalizing the deep deep DEEP changes we go through with every decade.
Her Faith chapter really spoke to me because I have been questioning a lot about God and Christianity lately, but it was enlightening (and vastly comforting) to see that I'm not alone in this.
This was definitely worth the read!
Segran touches on some aspects of life that, when looking back on it, most think that the decision was made much later than it actually was. I loved the way this book was written because it really made me look at my 20s a lot better. At first, I was terrified of making the wrong decisions and establishing doom for my 30s and forward, but Segran actually addresses the time periods past our 20s as well. This was crucial, not only as a point of looking forward, but also for some retrospective thoughts for those who may be reading this when they're older as a question of "Where did I go wrong?" You didn't go wrong and you still have time to make great decisions for yourself, and Segran ensures you of that by normalizing the deep deep DEEP changes we go through with every decade.
Her Faith chapter really spoke to me because I have been questioning a lot about God and Christianity lately, but it was enlightening (and vastly comforting) to see that I'm not alone in this.
This was definitely worth the read!
September 16, 2024
Quotes that stuck to me:
“Life was like a rocket. In your twenties, you are very early in your trajectory, with millions of miles left to go. A few degrees’ difference at launch could change where you will land”
“…on an emotional roller coaster, feeling liberated one second and burdened the next.(If you find yourself on a similarly bumpy ride, please know it’s a completely normal experience!)”
“Work has evolved “from a means of material production to a means of identity production.”
“…people who succeed in loosing weight have a couple of things in common: They restrict their calorie intake, stay away from high-fat food, and watch their portion size.”
“It takes 50 hours of personal interaction to go from being an acquaintance to being a superficial friend and another 40 hours to solidify that bond. It takes a total of 200 hours of spending time together for friends to feel close.”
“…people who are capable of human connection are not scared to appear imperfect to other people”
“…tragedy and trauma are among the most important learning experiences from humans. They teach us that life is sometimes uncontrollable and uncertain.
“But there are plenty more chapters of your story to write.”
“Life was like a rocket. In your twenties, you are very early in your trajectory, with millions of miles left to go. A few degrees’ difference at launch could change where you will land”
“…on an emotional roller coaster, feeling liberated one second and burdened the next.(If you find yourself on a similarly bumpy ride, please know it’s a completely normal experience!)”
“Work has evolved “from a means of material production to a means of identity production.”
“…people who succeed in loosing weight have a couple of things in common: They restrict their calorie intake, stay away from high-fat food, and watch their portion size.”
“It takes 50 hours of personal interaction to go from being an acquaintance to being a superficial friend and another 40 hours to solidify that bond. It takes a total of 200 hours of spending time together for friends to feel close.”
“…people who are capable of human connection are not scared to appear imperfect to other people”
“…tragedy and trauma are among the most important learning experiences from humans. They teach us that life is sometimes uncontrollable and uncertain.
“But there are plenty more chapters of your story to write.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2022
This book started out good but slowly went downhill with the last two chapters regarding politics and faith (naturally). I was already concerned when she stated she went to Berkeley. Her politics were way left and she could have counterbalanced by including right views as well. It’s funny really, the people who tend to be about diversity and inclusion aren’t really inclusive when it comes to different mindsets. Per her point of view, conservatives are the reasons behind all of the problems and the older generation are causing the problems with their conversation voting habits. Trump was not elected because left millennials failed to show up to vote. He was elected because the Obama Administration FAILED miserably and the American people were done with that. Additionally, going to church doesn’t make you a Christian anymore than sitting in a garage makes you a car. To truly be intertwined with our lord and savior is to submit to His will and ways for mankind...not pretend you know better lol. I will be reading The Defining Decade and comparing the two. I am not willing to recommend this to others.
October 9, 2021
I was recommended this book by an author in their 30s that I connected with last year. During the pandemic, I've found it hard to grasp the concept of my own aging. It feels like time is at a standstill. Simply thrust into adulthood. How am I supposed to be figuring out what I want out of life? This book does a really good job at compartmentalizing things like career, hobbies, and friendships to the basic idea "what do I really want out of life?"
Overall, the book was good. I liked how the sections added structure to the looming existential question. And gave some details, statistics, and anecdotes. I don't think I really learned anything new from this book, more that it helped guide my existing inner-head-naggings. Stay connected to friends. Maintain hobbies. Shoot high but be realistic. I think I might appreciate it more once my twentysomething days are over, but for now, it was just a good book.
Overall, the book was good. I liked how the sections added structure to the looming existential question. And gave some details, statistics, and anecdotes. I don't think I really learned anything new from this book, more that it helped guide my existing inner-head-naggings. Stay connected to friends. Maintain hobbies. Shoot high but be realistic. I think I might appreciate it more once my twentysomething days are over, but for now, it was just a good book.
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May 18, 20222.5?
Some good data and ideas about careers, hobbies, and fitness/habits. She hits a true point home: our decisions in our twenties have immense reverberations on our future.
But your mileage will vary on most of the other chapters, especially marriage and having children. She comes at it from a relatively secular worldview, so if you don't share that, there won't be much there.
Likewise, the chapters on politics and faith are mostly autobiographical with sprinkles of her own opinions. I had the impression the book was for a general audience, so it confused me when she seemed to speak to people who had her worldview/opinions.
Still, some of this is expected given the subject matters, and I thought I wouldn't relate to it much at all. Yet, it ended up giving me some pointers and thoughts to mull over.
Some good data and ideas about careers, hobbies, and fitness/habits. She hits a true point home: our decisions in our twenties have immense reverberations on our future.
But your mileage will vary on most of the other chapters, especially marriage and having children. She comes at it from a relatively secular worldview, so if you don't share that, there won't be much there.
Likewise, the chapters on politics and faith are mostly autobiographical with sprinkles of her own opinions. I had the impression the book was for a general audience, so it confused me when she seemed to speak to people who had her worldview/opinions.
Still, some of this is expected given the subject matters, and I thought I wouldn't relate to it much at all. Yet, it ended up giving me some pointers and thoughts to mull over.
March 28, 2020
Elizabeth Segran uses a combination of anecdotal evidence and research data to examine critical aspects of our lives (careers, hobbies, fitness, relationships, families, friendships, politics, and faith) and how the choices we make as young adults influences them for a lifetime. I found this book to be both engaging and informative. Segran’s writing is relatable and hopeful- it should be noted that while the focus of this book is our behavior and decision-making in our 20s, she’s reiterated frequently that this does not mean that changing or creating new habits isn’t possible later in life. While this book is obviously geared towards those in their 20s, readers of all ages will find something meaningful in “The Rocket Years.”
*I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*
*I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*
January 17, 2021
I really do think this is a great book for any twenty something to read. After 2020 and during a pandemic I think we can all feel lonely but this book puts so many things into perspective and I can appreciate that.
Segran thoughtfully sections the book into faith, politics, marriage, family, career, hobbies friendships and fitness. All things that I care deeply about; and I’m sure you do too. I felt lost and confused at the beginning of many of these chapter but Segran always makes sure that the decisions don’t have to be made in your twenties but if they do this is how they play out. You’re still in charge of your life, is a theme throughout the book and I do feel better and well equipped after reading The Rocket Years.
Segran thoughtfully sections the book into faith, politics, marriage, family, career, hobbies friendships and fitness. All things that I care deeply about; and I’m sure you do too. I felt lost and confused at the beginning of many of these chapter but Segran always makes sure that the decisions don’t have to be made in your twenties but if they do this is how they play out. You’re still in charge of your life, is a theme throughout the book and I do feel better and well equipped after reading The Rocket Years.
April 16, 2020
This was a fantastic read. Segran offers the playbook for decision-making in your twenties and beyond. Although the book targets those in their twenties, there are plenty of pearls of wisdom in this book for a reader of any age. For example, how do you make new friends or pick up a new hobby. She takes a structured approach to thinking through each of the major decisions we make in our twenties and helps readers understand the implications of those decisions on their long term trajectory. I appreciated how she weaves together her own personal narrative with big data analysis to create an enjoyable reading experience for any age.
June 7, 2020
I'm long past my twenties but I found this book to be an enjoyable read. Elizabeth Segran combines research and anecdotes from her own life to create a powerful and interesting narrative. The book doesn't feel too academic nor does it feel like journal entries. Has just the right tone and is very engaging.
It gave me a chance to reflect on my own life and to be able to advise a younger person should the occasion arise.
I wish this book was available when I was in my twenties. Would recommend it as a birthday or graduation present for a college or grad student. Would also recommend it to people in their 30s who may want to correct the course where they might be falling short.
It gave me a chance to reflect on my own life and to be able to advise a younger person should the occasion arise.
I wish this book was available when I was in my twenties. Would recommend it as a birthday or graduation present for a college or grad student. Would also recommend it to people in their 30s who may want to correct the course where they might be falling short.
November 10, 2020
There's not a ton that this book brings to the table, but it's pleasant enough to read someone else's reflection on how their 20s fed into their 30s. Segran mentions how she did a lot of research and sought out data on the subjects she discusses, but those details are sparse and integrated in a pretty haphazard and brief manner. Most of the advice is fairly generic, but not universal. It also assumes a comfortable level of social and economic privilege. I did appreciate that she delved into topics such as friendship, faith, and hobbies though. These aspects of your 20s might not always be front of mind, but they warrant being explored further.
July 6, 2023
Though this was an admirable concept in theory, the execution was lackluster. I did not learn anything new or leave with any actionable advice that I can implement in my own life. She provided a mix of personal anecdotes and science-backed research to explore a variety of topics, but there were no clear conclusions or novel ideas to try. Ultimately, I actually left this book learning nothing. I'm still giving it two stars because it had potential, and I appreciated the effort she put into the book.
And I'm out.
And I'm out.
August 14, 2020
I wish I had read a book about being in your 20s when I was 20. It took me a long time to realize that it is normal for your 20s to be filled with so many highs and lows. I thought the book had some good insights, but I was hoping for more concrete advice. The author's life is also very different from my own and probably for a lot of her readers so at times, it was hard to relate. For example, she was able to do a lot of international travel in her 20s.
March 27, 2021
A TEDtalk in book form; Segran's relatable story of twenties angst feels almost like a pep talk from your resident 30-something year old. A good reminder that yes, the experiences of our youth start to lay the trajectory for the rest of our lives, and it's important to consciously consider where we want to go, but we get to choose our path every day and all the chaos and confusion of our early adulthood is normal and healthy and it's going to be ok.
February 2, 2022
I was very intimidated by this book because I was given the impression from the title that it was going to make me feel guilty for the lack of progress I feel that I’ve made by my age. After finishing, I don’t feel that way at all. There is a good balance between relatability and encouragement to take hold of your life in your most transformative years. I do believe that this book is more enjoyable the more you are able to relate your life experiences or opinions to the author.
September 12, 2020
Insightful & informative. I read this before giving it to my 20-something sons who are finding their ways in the world of adulthood. It has given me fresh new ways to answer their questions with thoughtful, purposeful questions for them to ponder as they make their choices along the way to the lives they are making for themselves -- whether they ever get around to reading the book!
February 9, 2021
An easy read on the turbulence of your 20s. There are no earthshattering or new insights, but I still enjoyed this nonetheless. Didn't vibe with the latter half of the book as much once it got into religion and politics, but I think the first few chapters on career and relationships were most meaningful & relatable (based on my own stage in life).
February 23, 2021
Was not the biggest fan of this book. As someone in their late 20s, I was left feeling like there are many things that are getting to be “ too late” for me to fix. There were some good parts that were insightful surrounding finding friends and keeping friends through your 20s and 30s but overall not best book. Don’t think I’d recommend. Maybe I would enjoy more if I were just starting my 20s.
February 26, 2021
I found the concept better than the content. I’m not a skinny 20 year old, I’m not in the position to travel, I’m not even in the position to job hop as I’ve been doing. I don’t have parents that provide me housing and I don’t have some secret passion that will help me with work. Oh well. It just felt like this wasn’t very applicable to me.
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