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 bestselling 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 "thirty-is-the-new-twenty" culture tells us the twentysomething 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 twentysomethings 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 twentysomething years with the behind-closed-doors stories from twentysomethings, themselves. The result is a provocative read that provides the tools necessary to make the most of your twenties, 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.

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.