Will I love The Defining Decade?

Meg Jay brings attention to a period of life that is often treated as more flexible than it really is.

The twenties are sometimes framed as a time to figure things out loosely. This book suggests something more structured is happening. Decisions made during this time tend to build on each other, creating momentum in ways that are not always apparent at the time.

What I find particularly useful is how it connects identity, work, and relationships. It gives insight into early career experiences, while also offering a way to better understand the pressures and decisions facing the next generation… show more.

Jay points out that the decade of the twenties, once regarded as the core of young adult life, has become for many a kind of extended adolescence - or an early retirement. The skills, knowledge, habits, and talents which would ordinarily be developed during this time are put off for a later that may prove too late. She makes the case for treating the decade seriously - while still having fun and laying the groundwork for yet more enjoyment later on in life.