Adding to the others- advice for mid 30s

[Sanfranciscobabe]

God knows I need it so adding to the others I’ve seen tonight. What advice would you give your mid 30s self please?

I'm coming up to late 30s, but I would tell myself and others to just go for it. Don't stop to please people because they'll shit on you either way!

Also, don't ever think you're old. You're far from it! You still have potentially half your life left in work, you're not even half way! Be it a career, part time/full time/whatever, retrain if you need to. Look at the big picture!

Leave your job and set up your own business. You will be much happier.

Don't wait for friends or a partner to travel or do things with. Do it alone and you won't regret it.

If buying-in help (nanny, cleaner, responsive childcare) helps you to establish your career or save your marriage then the investment is worth it. Don't focus on the $ outlay; focus on the long term benefits it provides.

(I gave myself this advice and I'd give it again)

Assuming I am telling myself not a random…. Get trying to get pregnant asap, starting at 37 is too late, and if if doesn’t work don’t wait a year for IVF, start it after 6 months.

Stop getting married!

Make sure you are in the profession you truly want to be in. Work hard at it, especially if you are single or have no DC yet.

Spend your money on great experiences and things that last forever. Don't waste it on average meals out, disposable clothes, stuff you don't need or want.

If you want marriage and kids, choose your man wisely. Don't treat him like the child you long for, pampering and indulging him, and then expect him to man up later. He won't. Be equals in all things from the start. Have high expectations.

I should say start saving, but I tried at that age and then cashed the ISAs in because I needed the money. If you can, do.

Oh forgot - massively important one: Ask for a raise. If you don;t get it, look for a sideways or upwards role in a similar company and apply. Then go back to your boss if offered and tell them the salary increase. It's OK to job hop every year until you are on a reasonable salary. The main reason men get paid more than women is because they ask for a raise.

Ask for a raise.

Take a long hard look at your job & career, invest in training for yourself (men tend to get the pick of the training budget), and really push yourself (or change job).

Don't take your fertility for granted. The over 35 cliff-edge thing is real for a lot of women.

Don’t stay in a job that makes you unhappy. Your colleagues won’t suddenly see your brilliance. Use your energy more wisely and change your career.

These are really making me think. Especially the ‘buying disposable things’ and work ones…