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The Twenties BeatDown® is a phrase I coined in 2004 as a humorous way to describe some of the harder realities of life that many twentysomethings experience.
Crudely put, The Twenties BeatDown is a time, usually after college, when someone gets the “beat down” from life. It’s a period of life when you feel stuck or lost in making the transition to adulthood and are often not sure why. It doesn’t always lend itself well to definition, but it usually comes in the form of some circumstances in any area of life (professionally, personally, financially, etc.) which is not working out the way that you expected, resulting in questioning and self-doubt. The uncertainty or pressure can evoke confusion, frustration, anger, anxiety, or even depression.
The BeatDown comes in as many different forms as we are unique and diverse individuals and can vary widely in severity and duration. Some just go through a short bout of ‘freaking out’ or disturbance in their progress. While others experience a more prolonged period of questioning or extended epoch of feeling lost. Yet again, others experience more severe displays where it feels as though their life has fallen apart at the seams and completely ‘train-wrecked.’
Common manifestations include wondering if you’re not meeting your potential, questioning if you’re on the right path, trying to figure out your purpose in life, or who you are. Alternatively, it could be the foreboding sense one gets when facing major life-decisions about the future.
The BeatDown can be a period of personal disillusionment and detachment which can make one feel lonely or isolated because you are facing challenges that you believe are unique only to you. You might think everyone else is happier, more confident, or ‘has it more figured out’ than you—and social media does nothing but exacerbate this effect.
Nine years ago
I started writing this book back in late 2004 and after some time stepped away from the project entirely. Only recently have I decided to complete the book in order to help out some twentysomethings.
By no means am I the first to discover this phenomenon; it’s been identified long before by many other names decades ago. However, since I initially began this project, I’ve formally studied human development and the transition from adolescence to adulthood from a number of perspectives. Additionally, my work is also informed by the hundreds more twentysomethings I’ve mentored, coached, interviewed or observed in the last nine years. And of course, I have more personal experience from which to draw.
What to expect
This book will demonstrate that you are not alone (as a twentysomething) and attempt to answer the timely question as to why this is happening now. Much has changed in society and people are not developing like they did in the past, and there are some reasons for this. Through stories and concepts I will share my findings from my last nine years of research and study and provide some practical tools that have been able to help many of the people I’ve mentored over the years.
“Many young adults struggle to find success because they don’t know where to start in solving their problem. My peers experience all this stress and discomfort but are simply unaware of what’s going on with them. I have experienced the many negative feelings and pressure from this stage of life, but it wasn’t until I saw Drew’s presentation that I realized the origin of my discomfort and uncertainty.” – Alexander, 21, college senior
What’s your experience?
Do you have any thoughts or comments? Tell me what you think or share your story.* I’m sill open to a few possible real stories to bring some concepts to light. *If I use a story, I’ll change names and details to protect anonymity, person will be able to review before publishing
Drew, so proud of your for putting your heart and mind into completing this book. I know from experience what the twenty beat down is all about, and I know some other young folks have and are going through it now.
Adam