Tick-Tock: Unpacking Society’s Obsession with Achieving Everything “By 30”

First, you climb the career ladder, then comes the house (with the open floor plan, of course), and don’t forget the kids (two minimum). Yet, when we pause to reflect, many of us realise we’re....

Picture this: you’re scrolling Instagram, and suddenly, the “perfect life” parade begins.

Engagement rings, baby bumps, first homes, career milestones, it’s a non-stop stream of milestones that scream “time is ticking!”

Suddenly, you’re gripped by the fear of an invisible clock.

Should you have kids by 35? Own a house by 40? Be “thriving” at work yesterday?

But here’s the real kicker: do we even want these things, or do we feel like we’re supposed to want them?

Society has done a good job of making timelines feel like checklists.

First, you climb the career ladder, then comes the house (with the open floor plan, of course), and don’t forget the kids (two minimum). Yet, when we pause to reflect, many of us realise we’re chasing goals that might not even match what we truly desire.

Here’s the thing: life isn’t a one-size-fits-all sprint. Some people want kids in their 20s, others never want them at all. Some dream of a corporate empire, while others want to ditch the grind for a camper van and the open road. And that’s fine.

The fear of an invisible clock isn’t about time, it’s about control. It’s about taking a moment to ask, What do I really want? Because the house, the job, the kids, they’re all valid choices, but they’re only worth it if they’re what you want.

So, let’s stop letting the invisible clock run the show. Take a breath, tune out the noise, and rewrite the timeline on your terms.

Just do everything when you’re ready.

It’s not about society’s timing versus your timing, it’s about honouring your timing, your expectations, and what matters most to you.

The invisible clock doesn’t get to decide your milestones.

You do.

Top 5 list:

•⁠ ⁠Song of the week - Hunxho - New R.R. Ft Maria the scientist

•⁠ ⁠Food of the week - HALLOUMI DOUGHNUTS at jeru restaurant Mayfair. Wow

•⁠ ⁠“Whatever you do, do it well”. — Walt Disney

•⁠ No fashion buy this week - but I really want the - CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Cassia Satin Lace-Up Pumps 100

•⁠ Watch of the week - keep it positive sweetie podcast - working while waiting - Sherrie Shepard