What is the best thing about being 30 and over?

[Darlene]

So I'm wondering what everyone's opinion is about being 30 and above.

For me, I'm more comfortable with myself than I was in my 20s and I like talking about 'the kids' today.

[WriterJax]

I'm getting more comfortable with myself too, and professionally, I feel like people are more apt to take me seriously and view me as a colleague, not a newbie. This, I suppose, could lead to some new opportunities. ;)

[SeattleGirl]

Yes, I completely agree; it's great to finally be taken seriously and have the confidence you need to demand it. It's also great to trust your own judgement instead of always seeking other people's approval.

[Grammargirl]

I don't mind being in my 30s. But is has meant that many of my previously acknowledged definitions have changed. For example, it was Friday night. Four of us gathered for a women-only night that included dinner and a few bottles of wine. At one point in the evening, as we were all sitting on the floor talking, listening to an Edith Piaf record and sipping cabernet, we realized that our expectations for a "night out" had changed dramatically since our roaring 20s.

[Nanette]

The best thing about being in my 30s is the fabulous bond I get to have with fabulous other 30-somethings like y'all! (I know, I know - I'm a cheeseball!)

[WriterJax]

Nanette - seriously. Finding new Bloggers and Bloggerettes has been the highlight of the year so far. ;)

[Betheboy]

I enjoy the knowledge that I don't know everything like I did in my 20's.

[WriterJax]

Just an addition to my comment about being 30 + - aka, a Gen Xer - in the workplace. I just got this newsbit, forwarded to me by my editor:

Baby Boomers have long reigned in American business, leading the Gen-X
workers. However, with retirement soon approaching for many Boomers,
leadership responsibilities will be up for grabs. What does this mean for
Gen-Xers? Namely, they'll be moving into management positions rapidly. These
younger leaders will not only be in charge of fellow Gen-Xers and younger
Millennial workers, but they'll also be leading Baby Boomers and possibly
workers from the Veteran generation. It's a leadership transition corporate
America has never seen before.

I've done a few Generational Divide articles in the past year, and I may follow up on this one. The best part of the email was my editor's addition, though:

P.s.

I will never be led by Gen Xer — never! Young whippersnappers always out
getting waxed or something!

[Darlene]

That's a good point about the workplace.

I'm in my first management position and one of the youngest managers in my company. One of the major obstacles I've been facing is supervising people older than me. Most of those people are nearing retirement and aren't used to a new way of looking at the business.

[Vanessa]

I think the best thing about being in my 30ies is being more comfortable in my own skin. I'm not so worried about what everyone else thinks and not so afraid to make my own way, even if that is very different than what most others are doing.

[Dawn]

The best thing about my 30s is that my 20s are over. =P

I may be the first woman in the history of ever that was thrilled to turn 30.

[Ashmystir]

Like everyone else...I am much more comfortable with myself now than I was in my 20s. Have more confidance in more areas in my life than I used to. Lived and learned. Actually think my 30s are better than my 20s. Also think my 40s will be even better than my 30s. =)

[Darlene]

Am I the only one fearing my 40s?

I'm starting to get gray hair and I'm on the fence whether I should start dyeing it or bask in the glow of my age.