Single at 30? Here’s why you should enjoy it

Being 30 and single can come with its complications and crises. Society tells us we have to have life all figured out by this point – and we are taught from a very young age that we should feel badly about ourselves if that’s not the case. 

Luckily, the tide is turning on this very traditional and definitely outdated expectation. Nowadays, there are countless opportunities to embrace your 30s crisis, by travelling solo and embarking on all manner of adventures. Women in particular are getting in on the hype, with reports finding that single women are happier than single men.

In fact, we are here to tell you that being single gets better with age. And here’s why – as well as advice on how to live your 30-something single life to the max:

Is it normal to be single after 30?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being single in your 30s. Breaking this outdated social norm often gives you more autonomy, freedom and time. It’s becoming clearer that there is no one cookie-cutter way to live your life, and that goes for the choices you make at every age.

Increasing amounts of people – particularly women – are rejecting the traditional narrative of settling down with a partner and instead living their lives solo throughout their 30s, 40s and beyond. In fact, the UK’s Office for National Statistics found that the amount of women not living in a couple, who have never married, is now rising in every age range under 70. 

How to be single and happy in your 30s

Society may tell us that it’s not possible, that happiness in your 30s means having a partner to share the experience with – but that’s just not true. When it comes to how to enjoy being single in your 30s, we recommend shifting your perspective, prioritising your own dreams and focusing on other fulfilling relationships. Here are some tips on how to do exactly that:

Adapt your mindset

People all over the world are opening their lives up by opting to stay single later in life, against societal expectations. For example, Japanese men are increasingly choosing the single life, while Sweden has become the single capital of the world, with research finding that 47% of households have just one occupant.

Stop comparing yourself to others 

As other people in your life settle down with a partner, you might feel the pressure to do so yourself. When it comes to how to be single and happy in your 30s, the trick is to stop obsessing over milestones and to pursue your own individual passions, whatever they might be.

Focus on your own goals

It’s a common misconception that traditional life goals are the only ones to focus on if you’re single at 30. In fact, you’re more than welcome to pursue values of your own, and will feel empowered doing so. For example, movement coach Charlotte Holmes had a wake-up call when she realised that old-school milestones – e.g. getting married or becoming a mum – weren’t for her. Instead, she decided to shift emphasis to her personal fulfilment, with activities such as yoga training and travelling the world.

Invest time in relationships that matter 

Without a partner in your life consuming time and energy, it’s much easier to prioritise friendships; as well as your precious bonds with family. Research has found that single people are more connected to friends and family as a result.

Embrace being single 

Life’s too short to not embrace where you’re at in life, and this applies to being single as much as anything else. If you want to see the world, but don’t want to do it alone, travel with Flash Pack where you can meet like-minded travellers who are very likely to be in a similar situation. After all, 80% of our customers are single and busy pursuing their own paths in life.

Make new connections 

Friendships don’t always happen organically, particularly if you’re making friends in your 30s and 40s. When navigating how to cope with being single in your 30s, it’s important to focus on being proactive when seeking out new pals; whether it’s joining new clubs where you might meet someone with common interests, or being present for someone you know at work.

Benefits of being single in your 30s

You’ll learn to appreciate time alone

The term alonement, focusing around learning to love your own company, is on the up in the public consciousness, contributing to our arguments of why spending time alone can actually make us happier.

You can pursue a career that works for you

Being single in your 30s might free you up to follow different, perhaps more daring career paths to achieve your goals. It could even mean taking a sabbatical so you can broaden your horizons abroad.

You’ll have greater freedom to invest in your hobbies

Relationships, marriage and starting a family with a partner can all be seriously expensive. Being single means you can spend your hard-earned cash on whatever fires you up; whether that’s white water rafting or having lunch with a sumo wrestler.

You can travel anywhere at any time

Solo travel and the ease with which you can do it is a serious benefit of being single in your 30s. It gives you the opportunity to tick off all of your bucket-list adventures. In particular, there are lots of women embracing solo travel right now.

Thinking of taking some time out to reconnect with yourself whilst embracing the single life? Join Flash Pack today to embark on an adventure with other like-minded travellers in their 30s and 40s.

Images: Flash Pack