The Defining Decade

Why Your Twenties Matter - and How to Make the Most of Them Now

By: Meg Jay

Narrated by: Meg Jay

New York Times best-selling psychologist Dr. Meg Jay uses real stories from real lives to provide smart, compassionate, and constructive advice about the crucial (and difficult) years we cannot afford to miss.

Our "30-is-the-new-20" culture tells us the 20-something years don't matter. Some say they are a second adolescence. Others call them an emerging adulthood. Dr. Meg Jay, a clinical psychologist, argues that 20-somethings have been caught in a swirl of hype and misinformation, much of which has trivialized what is actually the most defining decade of adulthood.

Drawing from almost two decades of work with hundreds of clients and students, The Defining Decade weaves the latest science of the 20-something years with the behind-closed-doors stories from 20-somethings, themselves. The result is a provocative listen that provides the tools necessary to make the most of your 20s, and shows us how work, relationships, personality, social networks, identity, and even the brain can change more during this decade than at any other time in adulthood - if we use the time wisely.

The Defining Decade is a smart, compassionate and constructive book about the years we cannot afford to miss.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2012 Meg Jay (P)2021 Hachette Audio

Mind opening

I’m turning 21 soon and was heading in the same direction of some these 20 something year olds. Made me really put my life into perspective.

SPECIFIC Advice (not the cliche stuff)

Wow! I’m so glad I listened to The Defining Decade. This has lots of good, SPECIFIC advice. Not the cliche “follow your dreams” stuff. I’m talking the real advice most people don’t think about. Meg Jay explains why committing to a long term relationship and ditching hookup culture in our 20s matters, and why getting engaged BEFORE moving in with our partner might be a good idea. Best of all, she backs her reasoning with data and statistics. She cites empirical research showing that people who make a few key decisions in their 20s end up far happier than those who don’t. Want to know what those key decisions are? Listen to (or read) The Defining Decade.

Awesome book

This entire book was great and so insightful. Wish the author could be my therapist.

Incredible. Life changing. Relatable

This really light a fire under my ass. I’m in my twenties and feel stuck. This book helped me so much.

Needed for every 20 something

Seriously just read it. I can’t express how much I needed to hear this book.

Helpful - practical for real life

Would recommend this book to anyone feeling lost! Was like going to therapy. Easy to keep listening.

Just what I needed

In my mid 20s, trying to figure out things. This book was a great place to start. It’s not giving you the answers but giving you questions to help set your foundation👌

Wake Up Call

As an adult in my mid-twenties, this book gave me the wake-up call that I needed to intelligently walk through the remainder of this decade confidently.

“There is no better time than the present” Explained

I feel like I knew how precious time was. Yet, while reading this, i could see in my life where i took it for granted. There was a disconnect between knowing and understanding.
I feel like i have a much better grasp on how my adult-life will play out or, at least, how it could and what i should do to create the future i want. A big part of that is not joking with myself about what i want and don’t want. I shouldn’t be indecisive or leave that consideration for a later, undefined date.
I am really grateful for the guidance and clarity. While a bit overwhelming, I feel equipped to confidently move forward intentionally into the life i want.

Best Book Ever!!!

Im 27 and I wish I read this book earlier! What a wake up call! Loved all the stories & insight & the new perspective its given me.