The Defining Decade
By Meg Jay

- Release Date: 2012-04-17
- Genre: Psychology
Description
The Defining Decade has changed the way millions of twentysomethings think about their twenties—and themselves. Revised and reissued for a new generation, let it change how you think about you and yours.
Our "thirty-is-the-new-twenty" culture tells us the twentysomething years don't matter. Some say they are an extended adolescence. Others call them an emerging adulthood. In The Defining Decade, Meg Jay argues that twentysomethings have been caught in a swirl of hype and misinformation, much of which has trivialized the most transformative time of our lives.
Drawing from more than two decades of work with thousands of clients and students, Jay weaves the latest science of the twentysomething years with behind-closed-doors stories from twentysomethings themselves. The result is a provocative read that provides the tools necessary to take the most of your twenties, and shows us how work, relationships, personality, identity and even the brain can change more during this decade than at any other time in adulthood—if we use the time well.
Also included in this updated edition:
Up-to-date research on work, love, the brain, friendship, technology, and fertilityWhat a decade of device use has taught us about looking at friends—and looking for love—online29 conversations to have with your partner—or to keep in mind as you search for oneA social experiment in which "digital natives" go without their phonesA Reader's Guide for book clubs, classrooms, or further self-reflection
Reviews
Loved it
5By Reviews by GTBFreaking incredible. Such a short book with such wisdom, and confidence. So grateful for Dr. Jay writing this book.Buy THIS!
5By KidComedy🤣10/10 all ages should read.F, 28 reader
5By askmewhereExcellent book! Must read for twenty something’s. I gifted this to my brother on his 20th birthday when I was part way through reading. Lots of good lessons. Easy and enjoyable readMUST READ FOR ALL
5By Lkufour07Great book that SHOULD be read by twenty something year olds. This book is also great for parents of twenty something year olds to be able to accurately understand the modern day challenges a 20 year olds provide some semblance of advice honestly by just giving them this book. This is also a great read for young folks even eighteen year olds as a preface of what to expect and what to be thinking about as you prepare to go into your 20s. This book got me thinking about a lot of things and honestly I feel a little bit more prepared to continue the remaining years of my 20s and ensure that I’m better prepared I can start laying the foundation for my 30s and 40sHighly recommended!
5By Jese1801This book has so much value. I am going to re-read it. One key value I would like to share is that taking action is what makes the difference in our lives.So grateful this fell into my lap
5By kiwijava22Exceptional read. Definitely put things into perspectiveOrganized & Relatable
5By jackilikestoreadThis was what the inside of a psychology textbook contains without the mumbo-jumbo. Doctor Jay is a fabulous writer and her experience really spoke to my 22 year old brain. I am so glad I bit the bullet of digesting some hard-to-hear material and sat through it from start to end. I now feel a revival to my defining decade and believe this will be of great guidance.This got me out of my fog
4By Zach2568I started out my senior year of college feeling lost, scared and unmotivated for my future as a 21 year old. This book was able to help me put these struggles I am having into words, and gave me tools to analyze those feelings and overcome them. I would recommend this to any twenty-something, but also to people who are in general feeling as if they are floating through life, as my family members age 30-50 found some of the points in this book extremely insightful, and a couple even read it themselves after me.An inspiration!!!
5By kimmy ayalaAbsolutely fell in love with the depth. I’m a twenty-something and I can assure you, this book is for you. All of youMust read for 20/30 year olds
5By Almighty KennyVery eye opening. Slaps you in the face with reality.Meant Well but Finished Mediocre
3By trusteereviewergirlThis book was adequate in reaching its goals of explaining the most poignant life lessons (of career, finance, family, love and health) marked in the author’s clients’ 20’s however it seemed to present a very middle-class, White narrative. As someone in my early 20’s I find the wisdom in the book applicable in theory but lacking in specificity as its perspectives are limited to one charcater. I would love a more multi-dimensional, multi-cultural and in-depth analysis of diverse clients diving into the first-gen experience or low socioeconomic status experience or disabled experience. Would not necessarily recommend to a friend.Perfect push to be introspective
5By VintageFilmMakerMade me think a lot about where I’m going and how I’m planning my future. Really important read for anyone in their 20s.Awesome read!!
5By RocksmyworldThis book is a must read during your 20's! I read it twice and read it every other night because it teaches so much.Wonderful Resource!
5By GefiltefishI don't read many books, but this one was full of relevant and useful advice for twenty somethings. Definitely worth getting!Phenomenal!!!
5By Mattyh cGreat read with many great points. Highly recommend!!!Most valuable book
5By Train With DaraI somehow discovered Meg Jay's TED Talk which had a big impact on me. So when I found out she had a book I had to read it. I'm 25 and so happy, almost relieved I read this book now. I strongly related to each and every chapter, this book made me look at life in a whole new way. The Defining Decade is a lifesaver, if only this was a mandatory college read!Good read for those in their mid 20s
5By Melissa BarrA great book to remind people in their 20s what is important! Definitely made me more optimistic and thoughtful about my life at 25.Couldnt relate.
2By Moze PrayI'm almost 23. Interesting book, and i'd recommend it but I couldnt relate to most of the stuff. I'm in an extremely small minority. This seemed to be geared towards the average individual. Which is fine.Meg Jay urges and motivates twentysomethings
5By SwingSwingerWell written and composed of parables, this book conveys the importance of taking control of ones youth, before the advantages of potential slip away. She weaves together three vastly important, hugely overwhelming, seemingly ambiguous and disparate topics: WORK, LOVE, and MIND/BODY. This is a must-read for any twentysomething or thirtysomething that feels lost, misled, or just needs some extra motivation to become the navigator of his or her own life.