Life begins at 30.
It did for me anyway, and part of me hates saying that because I feel like one of the problems we tend to make in American culture is waiting too late to start our lives, treating grown people like children, and generally acting as if we have all the time in the world.
But, for me at least, I have to say that if you were to judge my life by the first 30 years, you’d see a guy who wasn’t going anywhere with no prospects of going anywhere. I wasn’t a loser. I was just a guy with no girlfriend, no successes under my belt, and drifting without a plan. Yes, I knew I wanted to be a writer, but that’s like knowing I want to be a dinobot. Just because you know what you want out of life that doesn’t mean you’ll get it.
Have I mentioned that I didn’t lose my virginity until 27? Or that, up to that point, I hadn’t even been on a single date. And while I had a couple of jobs, I wasn’t exactly setting the world on fire.
Look at me now. I’m a professional novelologist with 6 books on the shelves, another on the way, and three movie options. While I’m an obscure li’l writer, I’m significantly less obscure than I was only 6 years ago. And, most importantly, I make a living doing this, and that’s pretty damn lucky.
(Also, I’ve dated several women, had one serious previous relationship, and am currently in another serious relationship. That might be a normal achievement for most humans, but sometimes, that amazes me more than the writing stuff.)
I guess I’m just a late bloomer.
It’s not all great. I suppose my biggest regret is that it’s only now that I’m in a position to seriously consider having kids. But that’s a small complaint, and the fact that, as a guy, having kids past 30 is easier than if I was a woman. (Not that many women haven’t managed to just that with relative easy.)
So I guess, if I consider myself a role model (and let’s just pretend that I am for the sake of argument), I’d like to think that it’s not just because I’m a professional writer (which is actually pretty cool, no matter how often I see that phrase), but also that if you’re a late bloomer, you aren’t out of the game yet. That you’re reading this blog post alone should be proof enough.
Fighting the good fight, Writing the good write,
Lee
2 Comments
Okay, let me just say this. I am 30 with a 4 year old, and these days I am a young mom. I know that sounds crazy–because my mom was like 21 when she had me, but for this time and age–it’s totally true.
When I take the kiddo to preschool, everyone is older than me. For serious. I think by waiting and starting a family a little later in life you’re able to give kids things that you wouldn’t always be able to give them had you started back in your early twenties like many of our parents did.
So, don’t count yourself out of the race yet… heck no way no how. Most of the parents are seriously 40+ at my kid’s preschool. You still have plenty of time!
Hey, I am also a member of the late bloomer club…consistently doing things others my age did 5 to 10 years earlier.
But what does that mean anyway? We are later undertaking, trying, or accomplishing certain things than the statistical average?
Or are we just following our own path and taking the turns in the road at the right time, versus forcing the issue like a lot of my friends which doesn’t always leave them better off.
You’re ready when you’re ready, so stay true to who you are