Turning 30 is a major life event. In any culture, at this age evaluating one’s self takes on a more serious approach. You start asking yourself questions, examining your decisions, evaluating and re-evaluating your goals. It’s assumed that the 20s were the fun years and it’s time to get serious as one clocks 30.
For the women, there’s still pressure to marry before or by this age; if you are not. But at the same time, more and more women are getting more career-oriented and self-conscious. Some are focused on achieving something for themselves, while others are not. For those who may have married before 30, they still ask some burning questions: Am I being a good wife? Could I be better? Am I a good mum? How can I improve in that area? If they don’t have a career, several thought-provoking questions beg for answers.
For the men, this age is also important. Young men in Nigeria are now becoming more aware, and more focused. Although there are still a few stragglers, they are more in tune with achieving certain goals in life at certain times. At 30, some say ‘I’ll want to be married by 30.’ For those who haven’t gotten jobs yet, the sense of urgency beckons.
By the way, how does it feel?
Name: Ekaette Umoessien
Age: 30
Occupation: Nurse/Midwife
Status: Married, Two kids
Location: Calabar
What’s your favorite memory? Holding my two babies for the first time when they were born.
What’s your greatest achievement? I’ve reached a level in my life that at least I’d say I’m comfortable in a sense. Being a nurse and a midwife and being able to joggle motherhood with my job is exciting.
Ten years ago, where did you think you’d be at 30? The CEO of some fashion company.
Now that you’re 30, do you feel ‘old’ or ‘still young’? I still feel the same, but then I’d remember I’m 30 and I’ll be like “Oh God, I’m getting old.”
Name: Abby Osibanjo
Age: 34
Status: Dating
Occupation: Registered Nurse
Location: Houston/Lagos
Are you where you thought you would be at this age? No, I’m not. I thought I would be married with at least 2.5 kids by now. But I still believe it’ll happen in the nearest future. I don’t have a time line, I’m just going with the flow.
What’s your biggest regret at over 30? My biggest regret is not doing more. Not travelling more, not living more. Taking the bull by the horns, limiting myself and waiting on others to feel fulfilled.
What do you think will change by age 40? Are you preparing for that? I hope to have traveled, loved, grown and be in the happiest place of my life regardless of having achieved my dreams or not. Certainly living the best life I could possibly live.
Now that you are over 30, do you feel ‘old’ or ‘still young’? I’m loving my 30s. I have come into my own, I owe no one an explanation and I do me. Sex life in the 30s is AMAZING! No comfort zone, just having fun all the way.
Name: Ace Philips
Age: 30
Sex: Male
Status: Dating
Location: Lagos
Occupation: Terminal Operator/Engineer
What’s your greatest achievement? My greatest achievement so far is being able to live independently.
Ten years ago, where did you think you’d be at 30? Ten years ago I thought I’ll be married at 30.
How did you decide on this job? I didn’t decide on the job. It’s simply my best available option.
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Name: Bola Sadiku
Age: 33
Sex: Female
Status: Dating
Location: Lagos
Occupation: HR Manager
What is your biggest regret at 33? Some of the bad decisions I made that stalled my life.
What major change do you think happened in your life when you turned 30? I started taking responsibilities for my actions. I just felt I was over all the childish behavior.
Now that you’re over 30, do you feel ‘old’ or ‘still young’? I don’t feel my age in any way. I still feel the same way I felt when I was 25, just a lot more matured.
Name: Kewscha Akpabio
Age: 37
Sex: Female
Status: Happily Single
Location: Philadelphia
Occupation: Project Manager
What is your biggest regret? Not taking more risks. I have always been a sensible person, but now I regret that I have always taken the safe path.
What major change do you think happened in your life when you turned 30? I learned I could depend on my own strength. Losing both my parents the year before my 30th birthday taught me a lot about myself and how I can be the one that others lean on, and still stand strong.
What do you think will change by age 40? Are you preparing for that? I prefer to live in the moment and make myself the best person I can be now. 40 will take care of itself when it gets here.
Name: Iniobong Essien
Age: 31
Sex: Male
Status: Single
Location: Uyo/Warri
Occupation: Process Safety ( HSE Professional )
What’s your biggest regret at 31? Not getting married and settling down.
How did you decide on this job? My passion for the job was my deciding factor.
What major change do you think happened in your life when you turned 30? The way I reason and take things. My perspective in life changed.
Name: Akanimo Enime
Age: 30
Sex: Male
Status: Married, One kid on the way
Location: Coventry, United Kingdom
Occupation: Management Support Officer
What is your greatest achievement? My greatest achievement so far is the successful completion of my Master’s degree.
What is the most memorable event of your personal life? Getting Married,
Name: Ima Idung
Age: 30
Sex: Female
Status: Married, Two kids
Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Occupation: Housewife/Environmental Manager
What is your favorite memory? When I held my kids for the first time.
Are you where you thought you would be at 30? Family life, yes I’m where I thought I would be. Career wise, No. Business aspect has been fair.
Ten years ago, where did you think you’d be at 30? I thought I would be working at a multi-national.
Name: Eucharia Thomas
Age: 30
Sex: Female
Status: Single
Location: Sierra Leone
Occupation: Entrepreneur
What’s your biggest regret at 30? Being in the United Kingdom and not utilizing the opportunities I had very well.
What is your greatest achievement? My children are my greatest achievements.
What is your favorite memory? The birth of my children in the UK, the joy that surrounded it.
What do you think will change by age 40? I believe a lot will change, career wise, I will be settled in my home by then with my kids and expanding my empire. I am not just prepared for it, I am working towards it seriously.
Name: Umoette Umoh
Age: 32
Sex: Male
Status: Single
Location: Bronx, New York
Occupation: Information Technology/Project Management
What is your greatest achievement? Getting my Masters degree in Project Management.
What has been the most memorable event of your personal life? Playing golf for the first time at Top Golf, Norfolk, VA.
What major change do you think happened to you when you turned 30? My approach towards solving critical problems changed. I also started setting greater goals.
There you have it! These 30 and 30 plus have shared their feelings at 30 and beyond. Share with us your own experience via the comment section.
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