ADVERTISEMENT

As exhilarating as it can feel to be young, it's easy to also feel lost and unsure. Let's face it, without life experience, it’s pretty darn hard to know what to do and, just as importantly, what not to do. Mistakes are good teachers, but seldom fun to go through. 

A netizen asked people 30 and older “What advice can you give to people in their early 20s or younger?” and folks from across the internet gave their best suggestions. So get comfortable as you scroll through and take note if you are on the younger side. Upvote your favorites and share some wisdom if you happen to be thirty or older. 

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

“You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z If you feel like college isn't for you or you have no idea what you want to do, you can make a very respectable living and have far more job security if you learn a trade. The world will ALWAYS need electricians, carpenters and plumbers...etc.

When I was growing up, college was pushed on us so hard that we would feel like failures if we went into a trade. Buying into that mentality is something I will always regret.

OkaySureBye , Nick Karvounis Report

Final score:
195points
Add photo comments
POST
glennschroeder avatar
Papa
Papa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's excellent advice. Pretty much the only requirements for entering those fields is to be willing to work and willing to learn.

Vote comment up
38
38points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
RELATED:
    #2

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Don't take criticism from someone you wouldn't ask for advice. Why would you let a bunch of basement-dwellers' DMs make you feel bad about yourself?

    throwtheclownaway20 , Dev Asangbam Report

    Final score:
    135points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #3

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Take care of your teeth.

    Status_Fact_5459 , Diana Polekhina Report

    Final score:
    135points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    jonconstant avatar
    ConstantlyJon
    ConstantlyJon
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be more specific, if you're like me and find yourself without insurance in your early 20s, find your nearest free clinic to keep up with this. I did not do this, and a root canal, an extraction, and like 20 fillings later I wish I had kept up with the dentist and flossed waaaay more.

    Vote comment up
    16
    16points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #4

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z It's okay to keep things private and live offline. As you get older, you might regret how 'open' you were with the world.

    randombeing222 , Erik Lucatero Report

    Final score:
    128points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    kcmilholland avatar
    Justme
    Justme
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Be careful what you post. Recruiters usually check social media to get a sense of who you are. A pic of you puking behind a dumpster in Vegas isn’t a good look.

    Vote comment up
    15
    15points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #5

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Don’t start using tobacco products. Your health will thank you.

    willi3blaz3 , Pawel Czerwinski Report

    Final score:
    119points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    jaredrobinson avatar
    Jared Robinson
    Jared Robinson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have never met a single nicotine user that doesn't wish they had never started, including myself. seven months nicotine free.

    Vote comment up
    58
    58points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #6

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z For guys especially - don't be afraid to seek help if you feel you're struggling mentally (male s*icide rates remain shamefully high in Western societies). Also, no matter how embarrassing you may find it, if you have medical concerns about your d**k, balls, prostate, etc., then for f***s sake go see a doctor.

    DavosLostFingers , Austin Kehmeier Report

    Final score:
    110points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    kcmilholland avatar
    Justme
    Justme
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seriously. Here in the ER, we don’t care what’s *up there* or how it got there… just let us help you.

    Vote comment up
    38
    38points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #7

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Don’t keep toxic people in your life based on brief memories of good deeds. It’s temporary and probably manipulative tactics. Friendship is a two-way street, it’s a mutual giving. If this person tears you down, makes jokes at your expense, doesn’t contact you unless they want something. Get rid. I had so many toxic friends in my early 20s that took me way too long to get rid of.

    Gingerpyscho94 , Surface Report

    Final score:
    107points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    cmooretech avatar
    Cee Mor
    Cee Mor
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it took me a long time to learn this but the more I dumped certain people the better I felt!

    Vote comment up
    12
    12points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #8

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z The entire economy is set up to abuse you in every way that it can. Learn math, financial literacy and how to plan EARLY, OFTEN and CONSISTENTLY.

    ChangingHats , Adeolu Eletu Report

    Final score:
    106points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    hawkmoon avatar
    Hawkmoon
    Hawkmoon
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And learn also that even learning these, you'll be screwed by modern economy.

    Vote comment up
    19
    19points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Indulge in your hobbies, it’s so fulfilling and gratifying. Sketching, painting, pottery, crochet? DO IT. Hobbies nurture the soul and feed the spirit. If it makes you happy keep at it. You don’t need to make a career out of it. Just so long as it makes you happy.

    Gingerpyscho94 , Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 Report

    Final score:
    105points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    kcmilholland avatar
    Justme
    Justme
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’ll repeat that last part… you don’t need to make a career out of it.

    Vote comment up
    43
    43points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #10

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Don't rush growing up. Enjoy yourself.

    Rippling_Debt , Aaron Burden Report

    Final score:
    101points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    destinygilbert_1 avatar
    TruthoftheHeart
    TruthoftheHeart
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And please for the love of all that is good let your children enjoy being children. This world is crazy and life will throw enough at them without people making kids grow up too fast.

    Vote comment up
    33
    33points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #11

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Don’t be afraid to say I’m sorry/ I was wrong/ I don’t understand/ could you please explain that again? People don’t think about you as much as you think they do.

    Which_Ad3038 , cottonbro studio Report

    Final score:
    95points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    endragon07 avatar
    Red PANda (she/they)
    Red PANda (she/they)
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes! Advocate for yourself! I learned this way too late and it’s helped me so much. Especially helps with school. Good teachers love when you ask questions because it means that you care about learning and getting it right. And accountability is a great virtue to have that people will respect you for.

    Vote comment up
    12
    12points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #12

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Take care of your body. Eat healthy and exercise. You will be shocked at how much your body starts falling apart as you age. I know I was.

    CockfaceMcDickPunch , Tyler Nix Report

    Final score:
    94points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #13

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Keep in mind that when someone who is older and more experienced gives you advice, they're generally giving the advice that they wish they had followed when they were young. It's not necessarily advice that is calibrated for you or your circumstance.

    ForgettableUsername , Tim Kilby Report

    Final score:
    93points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    ellyross avatar
    Eastendbird
    Eastendbird
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So, as an older and more experienced person, your advice is to be sceptical about the advice that older and more experienced people give you?

    Vote comment up
    28
    28points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #14

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Don't try and be the person that everybody likes. Not everybody is going to like you. Deal with it. The faster you realise that some people are always going to be a******s, or the faster you realise that some people are just never going to like you, and that you shouldn't give a f**k, in return - the faster, and happier, you will be. 

    Dippycat149 , Levi Guzman Report

    Final score:
    88points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    chrisdomres avatar
    keyboardtek
    keyboardtek
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Remember those insulting, bullying jerks in high school? They become bosses. Do not expect to be able ever please those types of people.

    Vote comment up
    11
    11points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #15

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z I have two pieces of advice. Do not run up debt it will follow you or ruin you. Do start saving money as soon as you possibly can. If you have 5000 dollars in savings you will be better off then 70% of Americans.

    Tink2013 , Towfiqu barbhuiya Report

    Final score:
    84points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    robertmillar avatar
    Robert Millar
    Robert Millar
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ... And NEVER reveal to anybody, including family, that you have savings. Also NEVER lend people money from your savings.

    Vote comment up
    46
    46points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #16

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Wait to have kids.

    _ObsessiveCoder , Ben Wicks Report

    Final score:
    79points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    jasonp avatar
    Jumping Jellyfishes
    Jumping Jellyfishes
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nah. Go by what you feel is right in your gut. Have them in your twenties, have them later, or not at all. There are pros and cons to each

    Vote comment up
    42
    42points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #17

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Drink less booze or non at all.

    LonnieJaw748 , Dylan de Jonge Report

    Final score:
    71points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    thestupidopinion avatar
    TheAmericanAmerican
    TheAmericanAmerican
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I went crazy with the booze in college and struggled with alcohol in my late 20s. My wife urged me to quit and I finally quit 2 years ago and it's been fantastic! You don't need booze!

    Vote comment up
    17
    17points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #18

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Learn to cook. Way cheaper and way healthier. Learn to change your car’s brakes yourself. There’s not much else with owning a car where you can turn a $500 fix into an $80 fix in two hours.

    Son_Of_Toucan_Sam , Conscious Design Report

    Final score:
    66points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #19

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Don’t stay in a job that makes you miserable. I’ve had multiple jobs and at nearly every single one I was treated like shit by management or bullied by coworkers. My mental health suffered and I was miserable. I’ve since left years ago and found myself a happier one. It’s just not worth it, even for the pay. 

    Gingerpyscho94 , Magnet.me Report

    Final score:
    66points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    chrisdomres avatar
    keyboardtek
    keyboardtek
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But only risk changing jobs when the economy is doing well and there are jobs in your field to choose from.

    Vote comment up
    10
    10points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #20

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Wear sunscreen… everyday.

    Regardless of skin tone or type.

    runnersblock , BATCH by Wisconsin Hemp Scientific Report

    Final score:
    65points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    mentalliberals11 avatar
    Mental Liberals
    Mental Liberals
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Make sure it's all natural! the others GIVE you cancer - look it up!

    Vote comment up
    4
    4points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #21

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Please put your own health at one of the highest priorities. Both physical and mental. Things get much harder the older you get. Your health will help you if you take care of it for many things.

    If it means deciding on taking breaks from things that's OK.

    RoseWolfie , Jonathan Borba Report

    Final score:
    64points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    chrisdomres avatar
    keyboardtek
    keyboardtek
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One needs to realize that as one ages the body deteriorates faster than one can keep it in shape. So one should start young to get in the habit of long exercise workouts so when you reach 65 you can still get around with minimal pain. After that age the worn out parts will never heal. And avoid exercise with impact on the joints, as knee replacement will take a year out of your life to recover from.

    Vote comment up
    8
    8points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #22

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Don't be afraid to make mistakes. When you do own up to them, learn from them and move on.

    Bizzlebanger , CHUTTERSNAP Report

    Final score:
    64points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    emmyandtom085 avatar
    Timbob
    Timbob
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And don’t cry over spilled milk, especially if it’s somebody else’s milk

    Vote comment up
    7
    7points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #23

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Appreciate your body and imperfections! Don’t waste your 20s feeling insecure about things you cannot change. You will likely look back one day and wish you had the body you have now so enjoy it. Wear what you want. If insecurity creeps in, think about what you DO like about yourself every day. Remember there will be people out there who LOVE the things about you that you don’t like so much.

    reminisce2222 , Valeria Smirnova Report

    Final score:
    64points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    franoisbouzigues avatar
    François Bouzigues
    François Bouzigues
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When have freckles been even remotely imperfect ? That is the most adorable thing ever

    Vote comment up
    15
    15points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #24

    Never stop being active.

    youbetchamom Report

    Final score:
    62points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    bluedogs1967 avatar
    The Chronic Insomniac
    The Chronic Insomniac
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This needs to be higher. A sedentary lifestyle can and will cause you all sorts of health concerns. Just ask this former computer geek\Television addict. My screen time is down to an hour a day now from 10+ hours a day.

    Vote comment up
    10
    10points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #25

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Don’t get married yet. You have no idea who you actually are and what’s really important to you in your early 20s.

    12345_PIZZA , Wu Jianxiong Report

    Final score:
    56points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    wallicktn avatar
    Tracy Wallick
    Tracy Wallick
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Learn to enjoy your own company. I've watched too many people tolerate abusive, horrible partners solely because they didn't want to be alone. I'm 32 and blissfully single not because I can't find a partner, but because I'm fulfilled without one.

    Vote comment up
    28
    28points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #26

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Save for retirement. Nobody else is going to help you in the US.

    First_Code_404 , Towfiqu barbhuiya Report

    Final score:
    55points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #27

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z DO NOT SETTLE! You are young. You may feel societal, familial, or relationship pressures to settle. Whether that be settling in a relationship with someone you are afraid to leave, or settling in a career that you don't like because it will appease your family etc... don't do it. You will regret it later on down the road. Enjoy life, be free/ be your authentic self. 

    BigBearSD , Javier Quesada Report

    Final score:
    54points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    cassidymoore avatar
    Cassidy Moore
    Cassidy Moore
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wasted my 20's with someone I didnt like or want to spend my life with. I felt like I didnt have anywhere else to go and we had 2 children so I stayed. Now that I can be on my own we actually co-parent really well and I am so happy. I have started to dip my toe into the dating pool again but I am very critical of my needs as well as my children so I have no problem taking my time and even just being on my own. I recognize I am deserving of my standards and feel no need to rush which is a blessing.

    Vote comment up
    9
    9points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #28

    You can’t control what other people say or do. You can only control your own actions and words. Stop trying to change others and focus on ensuring what you say and do reflects who you are. Likewise, nobody else can control your words or actions. Be accountable for yourself, and don’t let someone else have control over what you say or do.

    Oldschoolgroovinchic Report

    Final score:
    52points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #29

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z Love people. Hold onto the people who matter to you, learn to forgive (with the caveat that you keep a soft eye out for manipulators), and know that no one is perfect. But they’re worth keeping around. Hold on tight, for as long as you can. 

    OverallAd9971 , Tyler Nix Report

    Final score:
    50points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    kcmilholland avatar
    Justme
    Justme
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nurture friendships. After school, a lot of people drift apart. I was surprised to see that a handful of my group of friends were still in touch and bff’s, decades after school. I realized that was because they made that effort to really continue being a part of each others lives.

    Vote comment up
    10
    10points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #30

    “You Will Regret It Later On”: 30 Millennials Share The Best Advice They Have For Gen Z If you think you might have a addiction take care of it now. The whole "you hurt the people closest to you" isn't a cliche and if you have a conscious it'll be hard to live with. It's better to get it taken care of sooner than later.

    ravendarkangelx , kychan Report

    Final score:
    48points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    endragon07 avatar
    Red PANda (she/they)
    Red PANda (she/they)
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THIS IS YOUR SIGN TO STOP THAT ADDICTION RIGHT NOW. GET HELP. NOT “I’LL DO IT TOMORROW,” TODAY. It’s going to take a while, but the longer you put it off, the worse you’ll feel.

    Vote comment up
    15
    15points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Note: this post originally had 59 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda

    Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

    Follow Bored Panda on Google News!