Turning 30 this year has been nothing short of life-changing. While I used to cringe at getting older in my youth, I’m not terribly concerned about it these days. Bring it on, I say. There’s always Botox (and a boob job), hah!
No, the change has nothing to do with the numerical sort. It’s more of a gradual transition in mindset.
It started when I decided to quit the rat race and go into education. The salary disparity would have put me off in my 20s but this time, it didn’t take me too long to throw in my resignation letter with one hand and hand in my acceptance letter with the other.
If you know me in real life, you would know that I am a very vain person. I love my bags and shoes and pretty frocks. Having that drastic pay cut would mean a pretty dramatic change in my, uh-hmm, shopping habits. Suddenly, though, it didn’t seem to matter anymore. Yes, I still love the beautiful things in life but they no longer take precedence. If I can’t afford to buy my own Chanel purse, then so be it. The change in environment, better hours and joy in teaching would more than make up for the lack of a pretty handbag.
Also, let’s face it: I am not in any danger of looking like a bag lady. I have enough outfits to stockpile for the next year, post-delivery. In fact, I have more than enough and that should suffice.
Not a moment too soon after, the nugget popped into my life. And in the past five months, I find myself shifting more and more towards a simpler way of living. We cut down on eating in restaurants during the week days, skip the cabs in favor of buses and trains, go for budget holidays and buy things that are on sale or with vouchers. Our weekend plans include catching up with friends, exploring new coffee joints and jaunting about parks, not shopping at malls. We plan on staying in our HDB flat for a long, long time. Heck, we are now smuggling a bottle of water from home into the cinema instead of buying sugar-laden soda drinks. For the past three years, we have opted not to own a car and even now that we are approaching parenthood, we are looking at buying a vehicle that is functional and – dare I say it – cheap.
We are not completely frugal yet, we could do better, but we are definitely streamlining our lives.
And honestly? I love it.
In my 20s, I was chasing after a dream, both material and spiritual. I wanted to be somebody. I wanted that damn Chanel purse by the time I am 35. I wanted to be that woman with a fulfilling job, shiny hair and high heels. Now, the dream has shifted and I finally find myself feeling confident, happy and at ease.
I am still somebody – just not the person whom I thought I would be when I was younger.
Yannisms 
at age 30, you sure think mature.. me likey..
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Yay welcome to the 30s club!! 🙂 people change and so does their goals and dreams.. Somewhat.. When baby pops, more things would change and trust me, it’s for the better! xo
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Welcome to the club! I have loved my 30s. (29 was particularly awful.) Just a word of warning, my dear. One’s metabolism changes in one’s 30s. Just keep that in mind ;).
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hey! Just wanted to wish you & Mr. Thick Happy Hongkong Holidays! 🙂
And Happy New Year!!!
Like you, I used to lust & chase after wanting that 2.55 (damn it at least by my mid 30s) – after all the people in our ex-industry used to talk about all day too right? And then I have to agree a change in lifestyle, priorities did re-adjust things and end of the day, being happy & contented supersedes many other things such as bags, shoes, clothes & sadly holidays (for me). Haha. We’ve cut down on the husband’s weekend dose of Starbucks and also from the malls to avoid hefty weekend parking. But we’re feeling absolutely great, substituting with activities such as just hanging out at home, watching more DVDs, catching up with friends at theirs/our place etc.
And because you’re such a gorgeous looking lady too, I reckon that without any of these – even with just a little bubba in tow – you are going to look just as fabulous if not, even better!
Here’s to the next stage in life! 🙂
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You are definitely somebody. Love this post, and how honest you made it to be. Just commenting to a friend today how parenthood has changed my priorities and my attitude towards things and people. So dare I say, you are well on your way to becoming even bigger than what you thought you would be.
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this was so nice to read (and a good read too!).
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Great entry, babe. I totally understand. Quitting my first job and all the expectations – both material and social – that came with it was the best thing I did. I was scared at first but the returns have been more than abundant. Here’s to a joyful and fulfilling 2012 for you, the hubby and the nugget.
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It took me 33 years to know what’s important in life, not the latest bag (ok, having 1 or 2 classics will be nice and I will be satisfied!huh huh huh) or that pair of shoe (ok, I need a comfy pair to last me!)…but family, friends and love. And laughter. And health most definitely.
There are things to save on, there are things to splurge on. We now know what needs our $$ more.
Happy 2012 to you and family 🙂
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i have to agree on living via simple life. i guess joy can be achieved through contentment? i love your blog!
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So much insight here. You’re so right, it’s the simple things that really count. Happy 2012 to all three of you, Yann!
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I hit the big 30 this year too and so concur that the older one gets, the more one eschews from the materialistic world and look for contentment in simpler ways. With my first commitment coming in the form of my own house, I see myself scaling down in purchases, looking out for bargains and eating more at smaller eateries and even food centres. Though I still have my wish list of stuffs to get and I may pamper myself from time to time (you have to!), I find that at least I’m cutting down on all the unnecessary clutter from my life and just living with the things I really hold dear to.
Have a brilliant 2012, where a new life as a mother awaits!
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Happy new year everyone! And thanks for your kind words. 🙂
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