3 Ways I Believe Minimalism Will Benefit Me As I Enter My 30’s

At the time of the writing of this post, I will soon be having another birthday. The next phase of my life is quickly approaching as my 30’s are just around the corner.

It was about 2 years ago that I embraced the teachings of Minimalism. So as I prepare to turn 30 I think to myself:

• How well will Minimalism work with a wife and a growing family?
• How could Minimalism affect my outlook on my career?
• Will Minimalism make me cherish each day? Or want to desperately hold on to my youth?

If you want to know my thoughts I encourage you to continue reading today’s post. I’ll be sharing 3 ways I believe Minimalism will benefit me in my 30’s.

Since we at A Step Above Style value your time (and because you already know why you’re here) we’ll jump right in.

Let’s begin.

1. More Intentional Spending

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits Minimalism has provided to me thus far is how it’s caused me to look at both earning and spending money so differently than before.

Before I was a self-proclaimed Minimalist I didn’t mind wasting my time or my money. Going out to eat, buying the latest shoes, a spontaneous trip, etc. I had no true regard for either my time or money.

Now I see things very differently. Me feeling like my time is being wasted is perhaps my greatest pet peeve. I always wear a watch because it’s important for me to always be aware of how much time I’ve spent on any given activity.

Additionally, I now carefully consider each purchase as I cannot regain the time I had to exchange in order to earn the money in the first place. A person who makes $15 a hour, must give 60 minutes of their time to make $15 from their employer.

So as I prepare to turn 30, I know there will likely be new expenses that I will have. Things that cost a considerable amount of money such as:

• If my wife and I decide to expand our family we must now consider the expenses of a child (hospital costs, baby supplies, larger living arrangements, etc.)
• If we get another vehicle that better suits our needs at some point in the next decade (from age 30-40)
• If we move out of our apartment into some other type of living unit

These are just a few of the major things that could take place in my 30’s.

Due to the uncertainty of when and which any of these things could happen, it’s that much more important for me cognizant of how I spend any money I earn.

Minimalism has helped me see through the “fog” of fads, fashion, trends, and “keeping up with the Joneses” and allowed me to focus on what really matters.

2. A Careful Consideration My Career Path

In November 2023 I was blessed to receive a promotion to supervisor on my job.

It has always been a goal of mine to move up within the company, and I was very happy that this finally happened.

With the promotion came more privileges and more responsibilities.

Now I was directly responsible for those working under me, and I had to make sure they had everything they needed in addition to doing my job. Again,I am so thankful for the opportunity and look forward to being the best I can be for the team I have the pleasure of supporting.

Interestingly enough, this promotion has caused me to “rub shoulders” with a completely different group of people than before. These people are very successful in their own regard, and make me realize how far I could really go if I put my mind to it.

Due to the above point about intentional spending, I feel that I am in a situation where I can continue to get raises on my job and yet not have to battle the effects of lifestyle inflation. My wife could’ve had a nicer care or home a while ago, but we’ve realized that’s not how we want to spend our money at this time.

While it’s tempting to spend more as you earn more, but it is actually very unwise. Minimalism has helped me to realize that I don’t have to have the highest paying job to be happy. I just need a job that I can find fulfillment in and pay the bills.

Speaking of which, Minimalism has helped us to keep our bills low (since we don’t buy everything we see), and thus we are able to work jobs that other people (who may fall prey to excess consumerism ) cannot work.

Someone who works on Wall Street but would love to be an elementary teacher may have a hard time making that transition if they have expensive cars, a big house with a high mortage, and their own boat.

3. Obtaining Fulfillment More Often

Minimalism has a way of shaping your life to where all that you have is all that you need.

In removing the “fluff” of life, you are able to find fulfillment more often.

A Minimalist closet for example consists of only clothes that the individual loves to wear.

More important than things however are the people in our lives. The Minimalists have a famous quote that says:

With all that said, I know the way I want to spend the next decade of my life is making meaningful memories with my precious wife.

She is the most important person in my life, and the one I have committed myself to “until death do us part”.

Any accomplishment, accolade, or acquisition of a expensive material good will be enjoyed that much more if I share it my loved one.

In 2023, God has been gracious enough to enjoy many things I never would’ve been able to without His help. But I assure you those things just wouldn’t be the same without my wife there to enjoy them with me.

So I encourage you to spend more time with the people you love. That’s what I’ll be doing as I enter my 30’s because I know I won’t ever regret that.

Identifying the fact that people are the most important part of life will save me from having to learn that lesson later in life.

I can redeem the time by spending time with my loved ones from now until I get old. As opposed to being on my death bed as a old man wishing I had done things differently.

Minimalism will help me find fulfillment more often by keeping me focused on people and making memories and not things.

Conclusion

We hope you found today’s blog post interesting, insightful, and inspirational.

Please take time to carefully consider the things we’ve shared with you today.

Additionally, we would love to hear any of your thoughts in the comments down below.

Until next time, y’all have a good one.

Posted By: Jeffrey Chark · In: Minimalism