Your early 20s are an incredibly exciting time. You’re starting your career, meeting so many new people and generally making the most of being young and free. Of course, it’s also a time in your life that comes with its dilemmas – you’re dealing with big life changes, after all – but these gems of advice will help you take it all in your stride.
1 If they’re into you, they’ll find a way to get in touch
“Sorry I’ve had a really long few days and had to save a cat from up a tree, and then I passed out,” is a lie. Everyone has time to check their phone. While it may mean that they’re just not that into you, that’s totally OK because there are plenty of other people out there who will be. You’re you after all, in all your early 20s glory.
2 Stay friendly with your former colleagues
People tend to move around jobs a fair bit, and because of this you might be able to recommend a great former colleague to your new workplace, or vice versa. Set aside your horror of networking and connect with them right now, in fact.
3 Moving into a shared house? This is the most important thing to remember
Depending on who you cohabit with, living in a shared house can either be one of the greatest experiences of early adulthood – full of laughs, late nights and the possibility of making lifelong friends – or one of the most challenging. So it pays to give a decent amount of thought to who you choose as your housemates. Plenty of people have moved in with their BFF only to find that, for the survival of the friendship, someone has to move out. On the flipside, you may take a punt on a complete stranger (or a group of them) and discover, joyously, that you’ve met your new family. If there is one unfailing piece of advice to keep in mind, it is this: always be the first to do the dishes.
4 It’s time to start managing your money a bit more like an adult
This one literally pays off. Perhaps one of the most important things you can start doing – if you’re not doing it already – is to start managing your money effectively. This means doing things like setting up a budget, keeping track of your spending, putting some money aside each month for an emergency fund, and saving a bit more for those big ticket items like a holiday or flat deposit. The good news is that if you’re a NatWest customer, you can access the NatWest app**, which has been designed to make all these things a little easier. The app can help you get in control of your finances thanks to tools such as Spending Tracker***, which sorts your outgoings into 12 categories so you can see where your money is actually going. Think of it as a power move for your finances.
5 Never ignore a tooth twinge
Cavepeople and ancient humans used to tap out when they were about 30, and teeth have managed to just big-fat-not-evolve over the many thousands of years since. If you have a bit of pain, get it seen to or you’ll end up ignoring it until it becomes a root canal that results in your losing a tooth – so do yourself a favour and book a checkup with the dentist.
6 You don’t have to accept an invite to every event/celebration/night out that you do not have the funds to attend
Sometimes it’s just not possible to make it to every single social engagement. The main thing to remember is to be confident when saying no. Your friendship is strong enough to withstand declining a night out here or there – they can end up costing quite a lot of money after all! Another feature of the NatWest app, if you’re a customer, is the ability to set up a Savings Goal****. Just tap in how much you need to save and by when and the tool will tell you what you need to save each month to get there. That way you can decide if the cost of an outing is a priority. By being mindful and staying on top of what you spend, you could be able to live the life you want sooner.
7 Nobody actually knows what they’re doing
Potential employers giving you a job interview are wondering if they’re doing an OK job at the job interview. Your friends are probably often wondering whether they’re good enough to land a great first job or, indeed, if they are doing a good enough job as a friend. And it’s also rare for someone to have both a stocked fridge and a clean house at the same time. Once you realise that no one knows exactly what they’re doing 100% of the time, impostor syndrome really loses its sting.
8 Nothing has your back like your bed
You’ll spend more time in your bed than on any other piece of furniture you ever own or rent. Sleep is crucial to being less cranky, more productive, seductive, and generally able to function. There are gorgeous soft pillows, sheets, duvets and even mattresses now that are pretty affordable and daaaaamn worth it.
9 Ask for a promotion
Sitting down with your boss and highlighting your achievements, the impact you’ve made on the business and how you’re excelling is a sign you are confident in who you are and proud to let others know about it. It also shows you’re serious about your job, keen to improve and to make a positive difference, and to hopefully hang around long term. If your boss refuses, ask for a clear set of objectives that you should achieve in order to get a promotion within six months. Feeling wild? Put time in their calendar to talk it through six months from now.
And if you only remember one thing…
Make it this: doing one small thing today can set you up for a better tomorrow. Whether it’s saving a fiver or watering your plants, every small win can have the power to shape the future you want to have.
Visit NatWest today to find out more
**NatWest app available to customers aged 11+ with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.
***You must be aged 16+ to view Spending in the NatWest App. Spending feature only available for Personal and Premier accounts.
****NatWest Savings Goal Tool available within mobile or online banking. Only available with Instant Access Savings accounts.
